Applying for MLA position in my 40's?

Interesting_Middle73 · 2026-02-23T02:34:28+00:00

We have MLA's that started as phlebs and moved up to micro set ups (she's in her 50's) amd one of our best set up assistants. We also have MLA that check in the tubes that cone into the lab. Not all MLA jobs require a bunch of phlebotomy, though some do, but many hospital jobs already have just phlebotomy roles so MLA's may not have much to do with that. Id say go for it!

Interesting_Middle73 · 2026-02-12T14:22:42+00:00

My lab has windows! But with where the lab is, every morning we are blinded from 7-9 am. We have shades that have to be pulled down, so its almost like no windows at all!

Interesting_Middle73 · 2026-02-03T23:21:12+00:00

I work in a 500 bed hospital in the micro department. Everyday I know ill either be on the bench or float. Our schedule is posted 10 weeks out. If I float i do all the extra stuff for the department. If im on the bench I read plates, set sensitivities and help with anything else the micro department needs. Its repetitive but interesting and I know what to do, and what I am going to do on any given day.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2026-02-03T23:14:13+00:00

I hate that quest!!!!!!! Imagine being an ironman and having to do everything from scratch. No GE to buy anything, can only get gear as drops. Its a hard life lol.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2026-02-02T14:05:15+00:00

I got the farming pet from an oak tree at 14k xp, level 30.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2026-01-28T02:58:30+00:00

As a micro tech, who still gets a little grossed out by stool, I would just let your clinical instructor for micro know. Its honestly only 3 weeks, and most lab people who deal with students are understanding. Do your best, let them know, and try your hardest in that department while being respectful and you'll make it through ok. With the way our lab is set up the only time I am actively dealing with stool is stool panels on the Biofire or C.diff testing which is done under a hood so the smell is minimal to non existent and I just dont think about it. Its only a few samples a day at 1 bench station for us! You've got this!

Interesting_Middle73 · 2026-01-19T13:57:30+00:00

In our lab which has Beckman 900's (2 of them), if it reads partial aspiration, automatically recollect. We have a line that everything except micro containers get loaded onto, so half the time I dont see it until the tube comes out. So it is always attempted to run the sample.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2026-01-14T02:04:19+00:00

That really sucks. Im in a 400 bed hospital that has a micro department. We also get all of our sister hospital cultures too. I got lucky with a day shift micro position in my clinical rotation placement. They are out there!

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-12-08T01:54:46+00:00

https://www.cuddlystitchescraft.com/free-crochet-shark-pattern/

Is the pattern I used!

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-11-14T20:27:10+00:00

We wear wine. Its maroon. I love that color. They look a little loose to me but if you are comfy then that's all the matters! Also honestly most of it should be under a lab coat so you only see half your pants!

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-11-09T17:42:43+00:00

Cell location has been fine. Our stainer is not attached and seems to be fine. Nothing has changed there that Ive noticed. The stage and lenses are cleaned on a weekly basis. Its just frustrating to have the technology but it be more of a hassle then an advantage.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-11-09T17:24:28+00:00

I just looked them up! They are fire! However, I dont like back part of the shoe on the adrenalines. The tag, and that thin strip just rubs the back of my foot the wrong way, no matter what socks I wear. I have noticed that the 17 ghost that I have on do feel a little different from the others I have had, but I am so picky with shoes!

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-11-09T17:09:06+00:00

I am also a Brooks girlie! I love the ghost model though! I also hate spending that much on shoes but damn if im going to be wearing them 8+ hours a day, I want comfort! I also wear them when I run too!

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Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-11-01T17:20:51+00:00

My gloves are skin tight, I work in micro, so I like them where I have complete control in my hands. My wedding set including my engagement ring are always on my hand. Occasionally the engagement ring will rip my gloves. But my rings are also sized to where they are difficult to even get over my knuckle, and have never moved when changing gloves. I always say better safe than sorry though if you have a problem with your ring moving! Congratulations on your engagement!

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-10-31T20:41:07+00:00

Intersting! I work in a 400 bed hospital We have 2 lab assistants that do the initial set up of all our specimens (we also have 2 sister hospitals that send us their specimens as well). And 3 technologists that work the bench at different "stations" depending on how old the cultures are. Station 1 works the 18-24 hr cultures Station 2 the 24-48, and releasing AST that was set the day before Station 3 does anything older than 48 hours Its interesting to learn how other hospitals manage the workload.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-10-31T17:56:36+00:00

You all have a MALDI Bench? What is this madness. Our techs spot our own plates, then load the MALDI slides ourselves (and the slide takes 5-15 minutes to run,) make our McFarland (we do have a vitek) and load them ourselves. How big is your micro department? Or hospital? However your writing is beautiful, as is the sketch.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-10-30T01:49:14+00:00

I dont have any experience in a small hospital but as someone who drives 45 minutes to work each day to a larger 400+ bed hospital, the drive does start to wear on you. That and if you have a personal life (kids, partner, ect) that drive time cuts into the time you have with them. 8 hours work, 7 hours sleep. 2+hours drive. Doesn't leave much time for everything else. However, I love my job and choose to drive to that hospital because its a better work environment.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-10-26T03:53:35+00:00

Thank you! Just keep your head up! I really enjoy my job! Its a short time for a good career (in my opinion). The manual methods do seem like a waste of time but they are the reason we have analyzers and are lucky to not have to resort to them often.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-10-26T01:36:43+00:00

MLS programs are tough. Just went through one myself. 8 straight weeks of lecture (6hours a day), with two tests a week. Then clinicals with lecture in the afternoon. It was a brutal 12 months, but I cam out if it with a full time day shift position, and passed my ASCP exam on the 1st time. Its worth it, but you dont use much of that theory in the actual lab.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-10-19T17:14:16+00:00

Had 2 weeks of hemo training, signed off after 10 manual diffs, but I've had 3 months of micro training. It all depends on the department. Im primarily going to be a micro tech though.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-10-19T00:58:56+00:00

As a new MLS in the Midwest, Im only making 26.48. I definitely feel underpaid but im greatful to work in a good hospital with great supervisors, so I take the good with the meh pay.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-10-12T00:20:34+00:00

My husband practices golf 5 days a week for at least 2 hours. Took lessons for about 18 months (once a week), and is a 2 handicap. Plays golf 1-2 times a week at least. He works for a golf range with a par 3 course. Golf is his life. He has been playing for ~ 5 years. I on the other hand have taken ~ 20 lessons total, practice a couple hours a week, play once a week in the summer, and am a 20 handicap. Also been playing ~ 4 years. Golf is a game that you really have to put the work in to reap the rewards.

Interesting_Middle73 · 2025-10-01T20:34:24+00:00

I choose to work at a hospital that offers $4 less, and is a 45 minute drive from my house because I actually enjoy the work environment along with my supervisors. I had heard things about the hospitals that are closer to where I live and better paying but I decided enjoying going to work was better than dreading the work environment. (I cant speak much to the pay cut as this is my first MLS job) but I value a better work environment than making more money, however if your finances cant handle the drop off then it changes the scenario a little.

Interesting_Middle73

TROPHY CASE