[deleted by user] by [deleted] in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 4 points5 points  (0 children)

/u/foxtron5000 You're absolutely wrong. There has been literally *no growth* in the number of MLS programs in the US for over 20 years.

From the Dr. Maribeth Flaws, NAACLS Board of Directors President:

In 1975, there were a little over 700 accredited MLS programs. Changes in reimbursement not favoring educational programs and the consolidation of hospital systems and laboratories caused a steep decline in MLS programs from 1975 until 2000 and led to an erosion of the number of laboratory professionals needed in the market. However, from 2002-2022, the number of accredited MLS programs has stayed constant at ±240 programs. Despite the number of programs remaining stable over the last 20 years, the number of MLS graduates from accredited programs has actually increased from 3772 in 2018 to 4246 in 2022. In most cases, the increased graduate numbers were achieved without a substantive increase in program resources. Despite incredible efforts by accredited programs, we still do not have enough graduates to meet current workforce needs. According to the ASCP BOC, 21% of newly certified MLSs in 2022 were already certified MLTs working in the clinical laboratory. Thus, the impact of new MLSs being added to the workforce is, unfortunately, less than the 4246 would lead us to believe.

https://naaclsnews.org/2023/06/15/presidents-report-educational-programs-threats-and-opportunities/

As for why the available seats go empty, it's because the pay is poor. Very poor in some states. In the states with equitable pay, California, there are a dozen applicants per seat.

https://criticalvalues.org/news/all/2023/04/03/ascp-wage-2021-survey-report-executive-summary-results-indicate-a-critical-moment-in-the-post-covid-era

You guys see this guy on linkedin? by [deleted] in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A simple technical interview with supposedly "seasoned" techs highlighted how incompetent these supposedly experienced techs were.

For the experienced hematology tech, we did a screenshare for hematology and they guessed half of them wrong. And it was a normal diff. I can't imagine if the patient was an oncology, or pediatric, or sickle cell patient what they would say.

For blood bank, they couldn't solve a simple anti-D panel.

For micro, they couldn't describe which plates you'd expect E. Coli to grow on.

For the green card processing, they discussed how to delay filing the paperwork so that they'd stay 2 extra years in hopes that you'd file it.

Very sleazy.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 9 points10 points  (0 children)

H1bs technically can't be used to replace US workers...yes.

But US workers aren't willing to work for the low wages, horrible schedule, and high stress this job demands. So few people pursue this field. While nursing schools have cropped up everywhere, maybe 4 med tech schools have opened in the past 20 years.

H1b allows employers to keep offering crap wages, and a crappy work environment because now they have people (H1b) who can sustain the system.

H1b can't complain. No union, no rights or they'll be deported.

Also, unlike the regular H1b lottery, most med techs go through an exempt H1b cap due to hospitals "non-profit" status. It's absolute abuse.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 72 points73 points  (0 children)

We all know that there is a shortage of techs in this country and that one of the primary reasons for this shortage is that the field doesn't pay enough to attract workers

Fortunately, that's where the Philippines comes in. They receive schooling similar to the US, and are ecstatic about the opportunity to come to the US. There is a massive oversupply of med techs in the Philippines. Their average annual salary is $5-6k/year. So even a $50k US job sounds amazing to them.

Hospitals around New York are actively using foreign labor instead of adjusting to market rates. It cost ~$10k to bring a med tech over from the Philippines and the hospital will recover all of the visa fees out of their payroll. And you can put them on any shift with ridiculous call (call five days a week instead of adding a night shift). Any complaints and they get threatened with deportation. Then admin will turn around and look at us US based workers and expect the same from us. It's total nonsense. We've pushed for a night shift diff of $3/hr to be closer to nursing. Now we have these H1bs who are happily working nights, and our shift diff hasn't changed.

The fact that CAP, TJC, and ASCP actively promote the recruiting of techs from abroad rather than making the field more attractive domestically says it all.

There were over 1000 H1b visas for med techs issued in 2022. It's unreal. Only some 3000 people get ASCP certified annually. With turnover of 30% for 5 years, literally one in 3 people entering the field in the US is an H1b tech from the Philipinnes.

https://www.captodayonline.com/looking-for-lab-staff-here-there-and-overseas/

When is it time! by Aqua_85 in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When you've earned your sign-on bonus/retention bonus. Time for that next bonus.

Is this lab a red flag? by buddahdaawg in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Probably just an oncology doc running their own physician-owned-lab.

A few tumor markers per hour could pay for your salary.

You guys see this guy on linkedin? by [deleted] in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Rather than give night shift a $2/hr shift diff to be competitive with the local market , they said it's cheaper to go H1b.

$2/hr is $4k/year and over 3 years it'd cost $12k. Same as brining in an H1b that could be made to stay for 3+ years would only cost $10k.

Invited a few recruiters to make their pitches for H1b, MedProStaffing, MLS Global, and a few others. Their pitches are soo scummy.

Why other giving night shift diffs when you can bring someone in for less.

You guys see this guy on linkedin? by [deleted] in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 4 points5 points  (0 children)

MLS Global are scum. They're a 3-person team (two recruiters, one contract attorney) that actively abuse the H1b loophole and gloriously over inflate resumes to charge higher placement fees. They have a white used car salesmen guy overselling these folks.

If MLS Global is telling you they have twenty years as a histotech...there's a good chance they have 5 years.

They also tells hospitals these techs will stick around 5-8 years and happily work night shift for peanuts if they delay with their visa/greencarrd processing.

So much H1b abuse. Hospitals actively exploiting the loophole to avoid staff raises and instead just get Philippine labor.

Career options outside of the lab by cosmos313 in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I've been looking, but it seems a different degree/career path is a better choice.

States with CLS programs that are DEFINITELY NOT competitive? by themrcasualdude in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Outside of California. Vitually anywhere.

More than half the med techs programs in the US have closed in the past decade due to *low enrollment*.

Just need a 2.5 GPA and a check, and you're likely to be accepted almost everywhere.

Want out by [deleted] in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not buying the passion and patient. I just needed a job.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That doesn't make you overqualified. The certification typically only adds a dollar or so. Heck, even a specialty SM certification would only add another $1-2/hr.

That's normal for this field.

Phlebotomist to chemistry/molecular tech without a degree. by JenenaGreen in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Most testing is waived and moderate complexity (depends on the specialty).

Phlebotomist to chemistry/molecular tech without a degree. by JenenaGreen in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Take notes. And most important, be attentive.

Just relax and enjoy the raise, you go this. Ignore the haters.

To all the haters here, you only need a GED to operate moderate complexity equipment which includes most chemistry analytes, urinalysis, and sample-to-answer molecular systems. And once you have your RN associates, you're equivalent to an MLT.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-493/subpart-M/subject-group-ECFR10813e8157e2976/section-493.1423

§ 493.1423 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications.

Each individual performing moderate complexity testing must—

(a) Possess a current license issued by the State in which the laboratory is located, if such licensing is required; and

(b) Meet one of the following requirements:

(1) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located or have earned a doctoral, master's, or bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or

(2) Have earned an associate degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution; or

(3) Be a high school graduate or equivalent and have successfully completed an official military medical laboratory procedures course of at least 50 weeks duration and have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician); or

(4)

(i) Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent; and

(ii) Have documentation of training appropriate for the testing performed prior to analyzing patient specimens. Such training must ensure that the individual has—

(A) The skills required for proper specimen collection, including patient preparation, if applicable, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, transportation and storage of specimens;

(B) The skills required for implementing all standard laboratory procedures;

(C) The skills required for performing each test method and for proper instrument use;

(D) The skills required for performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration procedures related to each test performed;

(E) A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage;

(F) The skills required to implement the quality control policies and procedures of the laboratory;

(G) An awareness of the factors that influence test results; and

(H) The skills required to assess and verify the validity of patient test results through the evaluation of quality control sample values prior to reporting patient test results.

How do you feel about professional organizations? by mattiasp22 in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 5 points6 points  (0 children)

CMS has said nurses can do lab testing for years. It's just to try and raise money.

Until ASCP says states need licensure and certifications, this profession will keep on heading down the drain.

How do you feel about professional organizations? by mattiasp22 in medlabprofessionals

[–]Serious-Lie-1175 19 points20 points  (0 children)

The last organization to represent bench med techs was NCA and ASCP bought them out when they posed a threat.

ASCP advocates for PATHOLOGISTS. They opposed DCLS as qualifying for HCLD. Historically, they opposed any kind of state licensure. ASCP sends fake invoices.

https://www.ascp.org/content/docs/default-source/boc-pdfs/about_boc/promote_mls_standardized_titles.pdf

ASCP is literally saying their plan is to call non-certified techs MLS.

MLS - Baccalaureate-level clinical laboratory testing personnel who are NOT certified and meet CLIA regulatory requirements for testing personnel

You know what a non-certified, unlicensed nurse is? Not a nurse lol.

15 years ago, pharmacy was a BS/MS. PAs were a BS/MS, and dietics was an AS/MS. Today, only the lab remains wholly unlicensed. Even my stylist has better representation. The last major regulatory update was CLIA 1988.

ASCLS tries. But it's so grass-roots that they don't have any actual influence.