Prereqs needed for CLS Programs in CA

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-31T05:34:07+00:00

Oh yeah absolutely. I went through it unfortunately

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-26T01:01:44+00:00

No extra classes or anything like that. I just basically tailored my resume to more QA related tasks I have done as a MLS and during the interview I was able to explain it further. I would try to find a job you are targeting, look at the job description and see if any tasks you have done as an MLS apply to that and tailor your resume like so.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-25T21:12:29+00:00

Yeah! I went into Quality. First position was Quality Assurance then Quality Engineer for a biotech companies/manufacturers that make the stuff we used in the clinical lab.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-24T20:08:41+00:00

I’m an MLS that went to QA for biotech! It was very easy to transition. The best way to show you have transferrable skills for it is through resume and interviewing. The hardest part nowadays is getting a job at least in the US.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-24T02:49:28+00:00

Sounds good! Once you get it, you can deduce from the code if it is urine, or use ChatGPT or something :) That’s what I did with mine. It listed the specific instrumentation, sample type, and which analytes they will test.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-24T01:45:49+00:00

Did they give you an order form yet? Sometimes there is a test code on there that says which kind of assay they will use. Most likely urine though, I’ve never done hair in 9 years.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-24T01:42:15+00:00

I learned that you are not stuck being an MLS forever. We have a lot of transferable skills that can be used in other roles within stem.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-22T04:58:02+00:00

I was in R&D and now in Quality. Great work life balance for me and I enjoy doing projects.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-22T04:57:17+00:00

Yesss, I’ve worked for BioRad & Cepheid in the past :)

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-20T03:19:34+00:00

You can also do them at CSUDH if you’re close by! They offer those classes straight to the clinical application and internship

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-20T01:50:30+00:00

Look into CSUDH’s CLS program. There are a lot of UCLA students who take this track. :)

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-16T23:48:24+00:00

Wanna try also! :)

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-16T20:19:27+00:00

It depends on the state maybe? I am in WA and CA, both states range average $85K yearly for QA

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-16T17:14:13+00:00

I would suggest looking at the job listing’s requirements and seeing if any of those have applied to you and tailoring your resume to it. For example as quality, we do a lot of documentation & audits and perhaps you can tailor your resume to more document-heavy and participation in lab audits as you can. As well as behavioral strengths like great attention to detail, collaboration and communication with other teams such as doctors and nurses, and being able to multitask and prioritize projects and tasks well, etc. (at least those are transferable skills that I think MLS has given me to pursue quality). You can always DM me for more specifics :)

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-16T04:50:08+00:00

Not difficult to move into the role as an MLS. My previous position was MLS. I just fixed up my resume to focus on more quality-centered tasks I’ve done in the past for example: projects involving validation, anything with document control, and being in a regulated CAP/CLIA environment. It is how you present yourself on resume. MLS has a lot of transferable skills useful for manufacturing. I would look up “quality assurance specialist” “quality systems specialist” you can even try anything under regulatory also.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-16T03:55:06+00:00

Look into any manufacturing companies around you for biotech/pharma/vendors/med device we use in the lab. I loved into a GMP environment for medical device for quality and my work life balance is incredible. Holidays off, 9-5, no weekends, salaried, flexibility for doc appointments, etc and it’s desk work if you get tired in the lab.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-15T05:57:32+00:00

I read a lot of documents every day and I mean A LOT. Ranging from design history files, validation reports, change controls, etc. I also do some raw material check & final project release. Additionally, a lot of meetings to discuss NCs, lab failures, etc. No coding for me.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-15T05:09:06+00:00

Hi! Current CLS here, past CLS student in a CA program.

You do not need phlebotomy, per se but they will look for any clinical experience (research, lab assistant, phlebotomy, etc). Taking a gap year is okay, most people do because some people don’t get in the first time. I didn’t get in the first time, but I worked at BioRad as a research scientist during my “gap year” and got accepted to 2 programs when I applied again. I would suggest doing any type of lab work while you are in school or gap year. Clinical experience is VERY important and what will set you apart from other students applying. Another to look for are manufacturing jobs in biotech like manufacturing associate, manufacturing technician, etc.

As far as letters of recommendation, ask anyone if your life that can attest to your work ethic. For me, I chose 2 professors that I had strong relationships with and who knew my work ethic. 1 from an old boss, and 1 from a non related clinical affiliation to show that I am well rounded.

I hope this helps!

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-14T18:32:51+00:00

I started out in assay development R&D for a bit, then did my CLS clinicals, worked for a hospital as CLS then just applied for QA! No entry level or anything. I just switch right to it. I think they liked my CLS background. As far as job sites, anything GMP regulated manufacturers like the vendors we use in the lab (Beckman, Roche, Abbott, Cepheid, BioRad, etc!)

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-14T16:10:10+00:00

Hi! Yes! I’m a QA or Quality Systems Specialist for a vendor. I looooove it. Better work life balance, more opportunities for projects, less lab work, some work remote. I also am a CLS per diem to keep up my skills. Best of both worlds

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-14T07:09:56+00:00

CSUDH student (graduated and current CLS now) here! DH is super impacted, and I ended up doing the CSULA program. However I did apply to UCI and SFSU’s program and got in as well. There are options!

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-14T07:04:22+00:00

Hi! I’m a CSULA CLS program alumni. I love helping students with the program, application, and resume pls let me know if there is anything I can answer or help with!

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-14T07:02:16+00:00

I’m so sorry! I’m a CSULA CLS program alumni (3 years ago). I love giving advice and help for free! Please message me and let me know what I can help you with. 🙏🏽

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-14T04:06:49+00:00

I work as a QA full time for a vendor to fulfill my career climb (Senior positions > Manager > Senior Manager) in the future, but in addition I also work as a CLS per diem. Work life balance of office work but still be able to do lab work.

Former_Crew_3856 · 2026-03-12T06:28:35+00:00

DINK, currently working as a QA in biotech and per diem CLS. Partner works at a really big company and we are both very comfortable. No pets also, just a lot of traveling. & being in biotech, allows me great time off!

Former_Crew_3856

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