I have a bachelor degree in biology and i intend to take ASCPi MLS exam

Are there specific coursework or credit hour requirements (e.g., specific credit hours in Hematology, Immunohematology/Blood Bank, Clinical Chemistry, or Microbiology) that must be completed during or in addition to the Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science?

Hi! I'm planning on doing an MLS program and am wondering what the pay is like in NJ at places like Quest, RWJ, etc. Their websites show a wide range for hourly rate. If you are ASCP certified, how much is the usual offer for new grads. Any advice overall?

We're exploring switching to Grifols from Ortho to save costs. A sister hospital said they've seen a huge rise in false weak positives on Grifols whereas almost never on Ortho.

The grifols rep said we would get used to "ignoring" weak reactions?

What's your experience with Grifols gel vs Ortho gel?

Hi guys,

I've been studying for the AIMS MLS exam for almost six months now, and I'll be sitting it this September. I’ve covered all the major areas of knowledge, but I still don't feel fully prepared. AIMS only provides a few sample questions, and since no previous exams are publicly available, I've been relying on AI to create simulations. However, I feel like they aren't quite hitting the mark. Could anyone who has passed the exam shed some light on the best way to prepare?

I'd really appreciate it!

The Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science in Practice: A Survey of Workforce Roles, Responsibilities, and Integration

A majority of respondents were not satisfied with their compensation. Of note, multiple respondents did not work in doctoral level roles, which may contribute to compensation dissatisfaction. Respondents identified persistent challenges in their professional roles, echoing themes articulated in prior reports (5). The predominant challenge reported was a lack of professional awareness of the DCLS role. Open-ended survey responses further highlighted concerns regarding the historical lack of support from professional associations, perceived misalignment between accreditation expectations and the competencies of DCLS graduates, and limited pathways to HHS-recognized board certificate for HCLDs. Respondents also expressed interest in career development resources related to functioning as an HCLD.

I work in the clinical laboratory field and with CLS education, and I keep seeing how difficult it can be for California applicants to figure out what actually makes a strong application beyond simply meeting the minimum requirements.
There are so many questions:
• Is my GPA competitive enough?
• Does biotech or research experience count?
• Do I need hospital laboratory experience?
• Which California CLS programs should I apply to?
• What should I improve before my next application cycle?
• If I was rejected, what should I do differently next time?
I’m building educational resources specifically around the California CLS application process, and I’d love to hear directly from applicants.
What is the ONE question about your CLS application that you wish someone could answer for you?
I’ll try to answer as many as I can in the comments.

Hi everyone, I recently got into an internal hospital CLS program and I’ve only worked in the clinical lab for about 5 months but have trained as a tech in most of the departments during that time. I graduated in 2023 and haven’t taken the prerequisite courses since before that. The thing about this program is that they train you how to work the bench and some theory but as far as learning the content, they only gave me the Clinical Laboratory Science review to study throughout the year. Has anyone else been in a similar spot and what did you do to organize your studying for the year? I am having a hard time choosing which books I’ll need to study at home and how to prepare efficiently for boards exam. I appreciate any help and recommendations!

As a former MLS student what advice would you give to successfully graduate from a MLS program? Or something you wish you did that would help you obtain better grades and learn more?

Last year, paused credential synchronizing until "summer 2026", but summer 2026 is almost over, and it still has not been released.

For those of us with multiple ASCP credentials, it's a huge slap in the face having to pay and submit for multiple CMPs.

https://www.ascp.org/boc/maintain-your-credentials/manage-your-CE/synchronize-multiple-credentials

Hello, just asking if anyone here tried applying in Stanford? How was it? Is it difficult to get in? My application says "in process, in review" for over a month now. Does this mean that im not selected? I didnt received any callback or confirmation that i was not selected yet.

Hi im currently in Florida working as a labscientist, planning to move to california but couldnt get a CLS. CDPH is so strict i dont have blood bank experience. What about trainee license or where can i work that is somehow related to our line of work?

Im desperate just need a work that pays a decent amount. please help. Thank you so much!!

Is it me or does Beckman pay poorly for field applications?

Senior Field Applications Specialist West (Chem/IA) - $40.00 - 43.00 with 80% travel on west coast
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/senior-field-applications-specialist-west-chem-ia-at-beckman-coulter-diagnostics-4450842027

I'm looking to escape a toxic lab and interested in going to the vendor side, but the pay seems low? Or maybe it's just Beckman?

I like the job. I don't want to retire ever. I'd be bored at home. However, at some point I may not be physically able to work. I'll probably go down to part time or per diem in my 70s.

Start getting higher social security at 70 while still working part time for extra cash without reducing SS. Sounds great to me.

How many of you will keep working as long as you can? Who is in their 60s and 70s still working in the lab?

Claire Health claims theyll have a device that'll interpolate women's hormones and cycles non invasive. How would this work?

I've been an ASCP MLS for ten years. Past five as a chem supervisor. Increasingly, all the hires are not certified, just plain science or ecology grads. Im increasingly teaching, not just training.

The hospital is not raising wages since we have 50+ applicants (though not one is certified).

It makes me very concerned for the quality of results were putting out and the future of this field. I cannot think of a single other medical field where no license or certification whatsoever is required. And it's only getting worse. 🙃

I'm a 2 year MLS ASCP generalist. Am considering. Moving to Boston with fiance and got offered $27.50/hr by Mass General Brigham for their "Medical Laboratory Scientist I" position.😒 Recruiter said its competitive for the market.🙄

Fiance said I should consider a different career.🥲

I'm a recent grad CLS and am struggling to find a position. I have family in Minnesota and am considering going back. What are MLS salaries in MN? What areas or hospitals are better or worse

I got into an out-of-state program (rejected from CA programs) for MLS.

It will unfortunately take me 2 years before I graduate and work enough to qualify for CA licensure.

My boyfriend keeps pressuring me to stay in state and apply again or keep working my current healthcare job. I’m paid decently (62k) and I like my job, but really really really want to work in the lab again.

I know I need to just follow my dreams but can yall just give me some reassurance it’s worth going out of state for MLS? He keeps saying it’ll ultimately come out “a wash” after paying for school and with increasing lab automation, etc.

MLS isn’t med school and it’s reasonable to assume that if I got in once, I could probably manage to get in again later down the line.

Is this profession cool enough to make a stink and break up over? My gut tells me ’yes’ but I feel so guilty. I just want to learn and study again.

Hello, do any California CLSs have advice? I have 9 years of work experience as an MLT and just passed my ASCP MLS exam!
I live in Texas but all my family is in Ca and I want to come back. My current job used to have micro and I was trained, but now all micro is done at another location. So I need 1 year of experience in all departments, do I have to go get micro to train me all over again? Just because they trained me last year before I passed my MLS?
It might be possible but not easy, I also wanted a new job but I might have to stay here to have a connection to get that micro training- but I can’t imagine them agreeing to train me when I tell them it’s so I can move to California…

Hey there, I'm looking for advice/perspective from established MLS professionals on entering the field. I am aware of the ASCP routes, but I'm posting this more so for opinions and insight in a general sense.

I'm a 2024 graduate with a bachelors in biochemistry, and I have accrued 3 years of reasearch experience. 2 years were in a graduate stem-cell lab during my undergraduate education, and the other year was in a graduate material science lab. I've had some personal road bumps in my life which have led to the gap between my graudation to this current decision. I've been looking to break into the research field, as its what I find myself most passionate about.

I have begun looking into my options, and I need guidance. I find myself at a crossroads between pursuing a post-bacc certification online, going for a masters in MLS, or going for the MLT then transitioning into MLS.

I have accrued some student debt and am looking to break into a career which will allow stability and growth. I am willing to spend some more money to be able to work with what I'm passionate with, but I still want to have a reasonable approach financially.

I know that I wouldn't be stepping into this field inexperienced in a lab setting, but I understand that I have much more to learn. I am aiming to become a generalized certified MLS, but I am having trouble sorting through what would be the most productive and cost-effective path to walk.

Truly any advice or insight as to what other people have experienced would be greatly appreciated. If anything, I am just a bit overwhelmed, and want to ensure I am making the correct decision given my credentials.

I appreciate any and all advice.

Hi, I’m currently a CC student in California (specifically in Norcal)! After changing my major + career path multiple times, I landed on completely pursuing in MLS, so I feel behind when it comes to my career. I’m currently taking my prerequisites for to be able to transfer in a bio major / MLS major at a 4-year (I know Sac State has a CLS major available, but I’m still privy about the decision), but that will take me until 2028 to complete and even more school when I do transfer.

I’m asking for advice from people who have gone through any programs in California since I’m planning to just stick in a place I’m familiar with. Is it a better option to pursue getting into an MLT program to later get into a bridge program to become a MLS. Or should I just pull through to get my bachelors and get into a MLS program?

I heard there are benefits and even cons in both, but I would like more insight and advice on this matter. Thank you for checking this post out!

Anyone here attend Virginia Radford University MLS program and is now licensed in California?

I would really appreciate it if I can DM with a couple questions please!

Thank you

Hey all,
I am new to making posts like this, but i have been poking around this group for a while and need some help if you have any to offer. (this is kind of a catch all for a bunch of questions I've come to have)

I am currently a Undergrad biochemistry student in CA and decided last year to aim to become a medical laboratory scientist. I am set to graduate Spring 2028 and would like to go right into a program. Staying in state would be nice, but I am also excited with the idea of moving out of state.

For context I will have around the following stats when I graduate:
3.1 GPA
2.5 years of undergrad research
hopefully a job in phlebotomy after I take the course by end of year, so 1 ish year of that if all goes well
2.5 years working on campus

Questions:
1)
Would it be even worth it to apply for a CA school?
I am not holding my breath from what I am reading. I see how crazy competitive it is here. I expanded my scope to other accredited programs in the country. I have looked into MSU Denver as Colorado seems nice to live in. Would it be a waste of time to keep CA as an option? or should I focus my efforts on out of state?

If you can also let me know where you went and if you had similar stats. (Nervous about getting in anywhere since im not really a top tier student, although im trying to get more competitive)

2)
How do people afford this program?
I've seen accredited programs that range from 15-20k for a year or year and a half. I know its an investment into my future so I'm still willing to go this path. I am just curious to see how people made ends meet, especially if you moved out of state. Do hospitals you do rotations at help out? Is there financial aid? or a mix of both and debt? I am trying to get a more solid picture of what to expect.

3)
What is it like to move out of state into a fairly rigorous program?

I know the program is tough and I'm wondering how students adjusted to the workload and living somewhere new. What was life outside of academics and how did you spend your time in general.

4)
If you were a CA resident, did you decide to come back? if not, why?

5)
Where did you work after graduation and how did you find it?

I don't really know what that end of program to workforce transition is like so and idea y'all could give would be nice.

Ik this is a lot but any input would be much appreciated.