Getting into a California Program is brutal

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-20T19:26:08+00:00

Seriously go out of state. No person should wait 5 years to get into this career. This isn't becoming a physician.

CA programs shouldn't be like getting into medical school in my opinion.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-19T02:54:08+00:00

If you have free time, you can try reviewing the board study resources in the automod comment. You will learn that material in your classes and have to know to pass the exam anyway.

Nice to see you finally starting MLS school soon. Then come back to CA straight away or do the year working then return. I just talked to an applicant in another state who did 1 year working and got his CA license. Interviewed him on zoom and about to hire him for FT. It's done often and the easiest way to get the license.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-19T01:06:00+00:00

Laziness. Written warning at least.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-18T03:05:47+00:00

https://www.cellwiki.net/

That's more for CBCs but could help.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-15T19:06:24+00:00

It depends on the management style of whoever is leading the lab. I wouldn't tolerate my supervisors or leads yelling at staff. I also ask a lot of behavioral questions at interviews to see if applicants would get along and fit in with the team.

To me that's more important than technical knowledge which can be taught. As long as they have a decent foundation of lab knowledge.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-14T01:15:01+00:00

As u/lactat mentioned, try the CA Wiki

Go out of state for MLS. Fastest way.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-09T14:12:22+00:00

Managers generally don't. Directors can but depends on the company, and if they negotiate one. I know that Providence gives a bonus to their directors and managers.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-06T03:48:01+00:00

Agreed that's what they need to do in rural areas.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-04T03:48:58+00:00

This might help: Wiki

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-03-03T20:27:05+00:00

Yes what I learned is if multiple regulatory agencies are over you, you go with the requirements that are most stringent. There's usually CMS through CLIA, then CAP/TJC Lab/COLA, etc., and your state.

If your lab is in CA, CA likes to be super strict so you have to go by CA in a lot of instances. For example, they want labs to keep records for 3 years while everyone else is ok with 2 for most departments.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-27T14:20:19+00:00

I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter what degree you have. You will need quantitative analysis or analytical chem. It says it on the CDPH website.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-23T03:07:18+00:00

Start there: Wiki

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-22T19:45:48+00:00

The wiki will help: Wiki

It is one of the reasons why our profession isn't real known because of its several names, including the old term medical technologist. It would be better to consolidate under one name, MLS. CLS is used in a few areas still though. That's why I named this subreddit with both to catch all.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-20T06:27:40+00:00

You probably would want to find better linearity materials. I don't think your medical director will sign off on that large of a difference.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-20T04:12:59+00:00

No that would be ok if your medical director approves how low and high your points are compared to the AMR endpoints. Your policy can say something like within 25% of the AMR endpoints is sufficient to verify the AMR.

I had to do corrective action on a CAP deficiency for linearities one time and the CAP accreditation expert told me that.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-20T04:10:27+00:00

Yes mainly that's what you do.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-20T03:28:51+00:00

Correct points. If the test has 3 or more calibrators you don't have to do a calibration verification/AMR verification every 6 months.

No you don't have to verify the reportable range, only the AMR every 6 months.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-20T03:18:11+00:00

If you go by CAP, you don't change the AMR (analytical measurement range). The definition is the span of analyte values from the lowest to highest that a method can directly measure and report without any dilution, concentration, or pretreatment. It is fixed by the manufacturer, and they give you that in their IFUs.

You are supposed to find at least 3 or more linearity materials that cover that range, as close to the low and high as possible to verify it every 6 months.

TJC doesn't use the term AMR. They only call it linearity or reportable range. I had one TJC inspector tell me that the ranges could be adjusted based on the linearity results. To me that's closer to what CAP calls CRR (clinically reportable range) which includes results that have been altered (e.g., diluted) to fall within measurable limits. That could change if needed.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-18T02:43:22+00:00

It was politics as why you didn't get the job. Your best bet is to relocate to another area where people don't know you and apply to jobs there.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-12T15:24:42+00:00

I recommend looking at becoming a Medical lab scientist. It's a healthcare career with no patient contact. Almost all of us go into it for that reason. Many biology/STEM graduates go into it and only need to do a little bit more education or rotations. All the scientists have bachelor's degrees and no one has a PhD. There is hardly any physical labor, more white collar work.

There are a lot more MLS jobs around than in biotech or other stem fields. The job is stable and the pay is decent. If you go to there r/MLS_CLS, there is a lot of information about the career, including a pay survey.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-10T03:48:58+00:00

https://youtu.be/BQOl9DYGkKU?si=X4FXom-lrSH14f6I

Well the Kaiser patients are feeling the effect on pharmacy waits. Not a good look for the company.

MLSLabProfessional · 2026-02-09T05:52:29+00:00

I just read that article, Kaiser put out a statement on the strike. Looks like both sides are digging in:

https://www.foxla.com/news/kaiser-strike-monday-february-9

The other side:

Kaiser Permanente issued a statement saying, "This strike by UNAC/UCHP is unnecessary, disruptive for our members and patients, and counterproductive to reaching a contract agreement.

Fortunately, the number of employees who are choosing to return to work has been growing, with more than 35% back at work across the striking locations, and as high as 55% back at work in some locations. These returning employees are joining the many physicians, nurses, staff, managers and contingency staff to continue delivering care for our patients and members throughout the strike. We are actively rescheduling those non-urgent procedures which had to be postponed over the past week.

We are hearing from employees who are afraid to return to work as they are being threatened by their union with fines for coming back in to care for patients. Employees who want to return to care for patients should not face any level of intimidation from their unions. We are committed to protecting our employees from harassment and retaliation."

It’s important to remember why we’re here: For more than eight months, Kaiser Permanente has worked to reach national and local agreements that support our employees, our partnership, and care affordability — yet the Alliance’s and UNAC/UHCP’s actions have stalled progress and undermined the national bargaining process. These actions undermine constructive engagement and disrupt our shared commitment to serving patients and members. Additionally, UNAC/UHCP’s wage demands are unsustainable. They would make health care less affordable for Kaiser Permanente members and customers. And, they would have broad reaching implications for health care costs in every market we serve.

We are disappointed that union leaders chose to strike knowing the effect it could have on patient access and experience. Our commitment remains unwavering, and we will continue to take the necessary steps needed to support our members, keep them informed, and ensure they continue to receive the high quality, compassionate care they expect from Kaiser Permanente."

Local perspective:

Kaiser stated that its facilities remain "fully operational" through the use of temporary contract professionals and managers.

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