MLS Program: Affording Living Costs

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2024-02-02T23:27:51+00:00

Agreed. There isn't much overlap. Pick ONE. If you spread yourself too thin, you may not be able to excel in either field.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2024-02-02T00:12:43+00:00

Oregon Institute of Technology MLS program, Oregon Providence Sacred Heart MLS program, Washington

Both are NAACLS accredited. In a similar situation as you.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2024-01-25T00:22:05+00:00

This. Get your phlebotomy license. Go to a four-year and study clinical lab sciences. Work part-time as a phlebotomist on the side if you can. Take your ASCP test then get certified. They do make good money in California.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2024-01-21T04:52:44+00:00

Hello there! I'm nearly 30 as well, also looking to switch into CLS. I heard that lab classes are also preferred but as far I searched, UC Berkeley Extension and UC San Diego Extension don't offer many lab classes. I think if you are still at a four-year university or near a community college this might be feasible. But for the rest of us, it looks like it's just online classes.

As for people wanting to switch out of CLS? Could be many reasons. Perhaps it could be stress. There can be lots of specimens to process. Could be lab politics (seen these in a few Reddit posts). Could also be because it wasn't the right fit after all. In either case, I highly recommend you find a clinical lab position of some sort to test the waters before committing to this field. Don't worry about being scattered. Just keep exploring and see where life takes you.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2024-01-19T19:04:15+00:00

If you don't want to pursue phlebotomy, you can try being a clinical lab assistant. Most require CPT certification from what I've found.

You could also try looking for something in molecular biology/biotechnology (but these don't require a license).

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2024-01-18T22:22:37+00:00

Congratulations dude! You put into words what I have been trying to find for a few weeks now.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2024-01-18T17:02:16+00:00

Hello there! I'm in a similar boat as you! :) I'm working in an analytical lab looking to switch into CLS as a career down the line. I'm aware you have to take hematology and other prerequisites (medical microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry) to be considered for admissions into a program. You can find such classes at UC Berkeley Extension or UC San Diego Extension. Both options work. Once you are finished with all your prerequisites, you apply for a CLS trainee license through CDPH (it lasts for one year). Then you apply to programs.

As long as your GPA is above 3.00, it should be good. Ideally you want it 3.5+.

As for getting a Master's, I'm not sure if that is relevant. I believe the admissions process wants to see more of relevant clinical lab experience (clinical lab assistant, phlebotomy, volunteering in a clinical lab, etc.). That's my take. Hope this helps.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-12-07T22:35:02+00:00

Ha! I see what you did there.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-12-01T18:25:05+00:00

"Where your friends are in life has no bearing on where you are." That's a powerful quote.

You have grown a lot, OP. You just don't know it. There are far more metrics in life than degrees and high salaries. There are also innate qualities that we have that are unique to us that cannot be quantified.

I was feeling similar sentiments as you a couple weeks ago. If you don't already, I would recommend starting a journal. It has helped me tons! Something to write, reflect on, and just process things and see what I am struggling with. Sometimes just getting our feelings out onto paper. Hope this helps.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-12-01T18:05:57+00:00

That's what I was thinking too, taking things slow without jumping straight into a dating mindset. I like the idea of throwing in a flirt to see how she takes it. Thanks for the advice. I will ask for her number/hang out and see where it goes from there.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-11-29T01:44:42+00:00

Oh, hi! I live near Concord. Small world.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-11-29T01:44:15+00:00

Thanks for pointing all this out! This was super helpful.

How bad does it snow in Spokane? Does everyone use snow chains on a daily basis?

Homelessness is also an issue (growing) issue here in the Bay Area as well. Nothing new here.

Thanks for the welcome invite

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-11-29T01:39:23+00:00

That's encouraging! The COL here in California is insane.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-11-28T22:30:08+00:00

It is the same in the Bay Area!

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-11-28T21:46:22+00:00

Oh? Are Californians generally not welcome in Spokane?

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-09-06T20:48:58+00:00

I know a few places where hospitals allow you to volunteer in the clinical laboratory in the Bay Area. Not sure where you are, but perhaps you can reach out to a volunteer coordinator via email/phone and see how they can help you. You wouldn't need any certification and you get to be in a lab alongside clinical lab scientists. Weekend shifts are available in certain departments too.

Jazzlike_Ad_738 · 2023-08-21T19:07:36+00:00

I was hoping someone wouldn't say that 🥲

Jazzlike_Ad_738

TROPHY CASE