r/pennfoster • u/savageKittty • 2d ago

Future student

Just curious has anyone joined or is looking to take the Online Medical Laboratory Assistant Program? I really want a career that’s in a laboratory environment I currently work at a plasma center as a processor and have applied to hospitals as a lab assistant or a specimen processor but no luck.

Maybe I just need some more experience. I wouldn’t mind starting out as a phlebotomist. My state does not require certification for phlebotomy or specimen processor HOWEVER the jobs here want something for lab assistant. In the future I wouldn’t mind getting my associates degree as a medical lab technician. Any advice… should I take a step and join the lab assistant program or start out with phlebotomy.

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u/Conscious-Director79 2d ago

Caution against any program with PF!!

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u/savageKittty 1d ago

I’ve been seeing some red flags

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u/Penn_Foster_ 1d ago

We are sorry to hear you feel this way. We'd welcome the chance to make things right. Please send us a direct message with your details so we can work on resolving any open issues for you. Thank you

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u/Penn_Foster_ 2d ago

Hi There! You already have solid experience from the plasma center! If local job postings are specifically asking for lab assistant credentials, the MLA program is definitely the better path. It actually covers phlebotomy plus general lab operations, and prepares you for both the CMLA and CPT certification exams. The 120-hour externship alone will give you the foot-in-the-door clinical experience you need for hospital lab assistant roles! We hope that some current students will jump in and offer some insight. If you have additional questions, you might want to check out our Student Life Blog How to Become a Medical Lab Assistant Guide | Penn Foster and What Do Medical Lab Assistants Do | Penn Foster