Non- accredited program?

Hi,

I currently have a BS degree in Psychology with a minor in Biochemical Pharmacology and have been toying with the idea of going back to school for MT(CLS) certification. My issue is the school I have been looking at (Hunter College in NYC) has a BS degree in medical laboratory technology, but as far as I can tell, the program is not NAACLS certified. So my question is, what's the deal with this? If I do enter this program will I be unable to sit for the certification exam? Will it require an additional one-year internship in order to be eligible? I was hoping to compete an additional degree/ certification in about 2 years so I can get out there and start working, and this school would be the most convenient for me (geographically and economically). Is this going to be a possibility? If not, any other suggestions?

I'm kind of confused about the whole thing.

NO you will not be able to sit for the MAJOR certifications exams that ALL laboratory directors HIRE their candidates. Go to the ASCP or NCA website and you will find requirements to sit for their tests. ASCP.org or NCA-info.org

OK so I'm assuming this program is geared more towards those who already have a MLT certification and want to go for the MT, because they seem to be the only ones who can get the MT(ACSP) certification out of it... Thanks for the info, I will look elsewhere.

Anyone have any info/ advice on (accredited) MT programs in the NYC area?

Here is the link of all the NAACLS accredited schools in NY:www.naacls.org/search/programs.asp

In Texas, the MT programs are not a choice for people that have science and math courses older than 7 years. All courses would have to be retaken and if you work full time then this is not an option. I thought that if everyone did not renew their MLT ASCP certifications this would cause a financial dent in the ASCP org. Maybe then ASCP would pressure the Texas schools to get rid of this ridiculous requirement (it's not a requirement in all states). I hear there is a future shortage of MT's. Texas' option might be to go back to what was happening in the 50's and 60's and hire off the street people and train them (by the way ASCP grandfathered these people in the late 60's). Lab jobs are not rocket science, especially now, and this could easily be done.

The lab is a ancillary field like xray, pharmacy,pt, all require degrees and some of those jobs can become mindless once you have worked for a while, but they will never hire people of the streets.

Most labs are CAP approved and they shifted in their opinion that every tech has to be licensed, so once the ascp and Nca merge there will be more of a push to have every tech license.

Every other ancillary field is licensed it's only a matter before the lab goes that route, mind you 13 states already have a mandatory license.

Ann I worked in Texas, if a hospital is short they will hire traveling techs till the position is filled by QUALIFIED staff. Its a slap in the face to say the job is so easy that you can hire people off the streets.

Most jobs are not rocket science, because of repetition, they will never hire people off the streets in this day and age.

Hey Carrie from the Bronx,

I too am interested in Hunter College. This is how it's going to go. Since it's not NAACLS certified, you are not allowed to take the ASCP exam straight out from school. (if you check the website, there are alternate routes, but most of them require 3-5 years of work)

If you plan to work in New York, Hunter College is for you. When you finish, you will be allowed to take the NY state exam. Once you get your license, you are a CLS, same as a person who took the ASCP. Make SURE you get the required work experience(I believe NY state requires only 8 weeks, lol, but you need to check the NY CLS license laws, I only know the California ones)Since Hunter offers a professional practice, and they say it on their website it satisfies the amount for taking the NY license exam.

There is an alternate exam called the AAB(American Assoication of Bioanalysts)which is legit just like ASCP. But no matter what, ASCP is the golden standard. There also used to be NCA(which was also better than AAB, but they recently both merged)

So my advice is this, if you plan to stay in NY state, go ahead with Hunter College. Take the NY state exam, get your license and start working. Take the AAB if you wish or in several years take the ASCP. No matter what, ASCP is still the best. ASCP could eventually phase out AAB, and become national requirement.(only 12 states currently needs a license to becomes a CLS)

See...

I have bachelor degree in biotechnology . I am interested in clinical laboratory program. For this program they need some prerequisites to be done in BS degree but i didnt do some of it . What should i do if i dont have these prerequisites. Is there any community college in california where i can do these prerequisites.

Thanks

hi biointel14! make sure the program accepts those prerequisites. Many four year colleges don't accept community college science courses, even if the course name is the same, etc. Make sure first!
You are better off taking those prerequisites at a four year college =)

New York Mets in Brooklyn, New York said: hi biointel14! make sure the program accepts those prerequisites. Many four year colleges don't accept community college science courses, even if the course name is the same, etc. Make sure first!
You are better off taking those prerequisites at a four year college =)

Thanks for your reply. One more question is there any certified internship in CLS in CA. what do they except?

Near Riverside, you have Loma Linda which is your best bet. You also have Cal State Dominguez Hills but you have to get into the school first. There is a UCI program but only accepts 2 to 3 students a year so it's tough to get into.

CLS48 in California said: Near Riverside, you have Loma Linda which is your best bet. You also have Cal State Dominguez Hills but you have to get into the school first. There is a UCI program but only accepts 2 to 3 students a year so it's tough to get into.

Thanks CLS48
Is that UCI program is offered by extension centre
I would like to know about Clinical trials Certificate program offered by UCI extension centre. Is that worth it? Where can I get job with that certificate?

I wouldnt recommend MT program in Hunter college. I graduated from that program and it doesnt really prepare you for the ASCP exam (NYS licensure exam same as the ASCP exam). You only have 1 summer for clinical rotation (it isnt really a rotation because you just stay in that one lab). It is true that is enough for the NYS clinical experience requirment. However, you dont really get much real on-hand clinical experience in different areas.

Also, in Hunter, it doesnt offer clinical chemistry and blood banking classes. Therefore I am clueless in those 2 areas. One has to study on her/his own to get prepare for the exam. The immunology class isnt really the clinical immunology you suppose to learn for the exam as well.

Hope it is hopeful for those who want to get into Hunter MT program

Thanks Hunter MT from the Bronx! I am glad you offered your input.

Are you allowed to take the ASCP exam after graduating from Hunter? the AAB?

Can we trade email addresses? thanks in advance!

You are allowed to take the ASCP exam and get the NYS license but you wont get the ASCP title since it is a non ASCP/NACCLS program. I dont think you can do the AAB way anymore since NYS passed the law saying ASCP is the sole organization that offers the exam for NYS license.

Hunter MT in Bronx, New York said: You are allowed to take the ASCP exam and get the NYS license but you wont get the ASCP title since it is a non ASCP/NACCLS program. I dont think you can do the AAB way anymore since NYS passed the law saying ASCP is the sole organization that offers the exam for NYS license.

is the salary considerably lower in new york state then? thanks again! my email is suffolkmovingout@gmail.com. if it's ok with you, can you email me? i would like to keep in touch, because i could be attending Hunter soon. Thanks!

biointel14 in Riverside, California said: Thanks CLS48
Is that UCI program is offered by extension centre
I would like to know about Clinical trials Certificate program offered by UCI extension centre. Is that worth it? Where can I get job with that certificate?

I'm not sure if that is it. The program is highly competitive and accepts only 2 or so students. You can do more research on it but you probably need prereqs and things like that. Cal st. dominguez hills or loma linda are your best options.

I am currently in a BS MT program but they say they seeking approval from NAACLS. What if it doesn't fger approved? Can you work without being ASCP certified? If not what's the point of earning a BS MT?

Hunter MT in Bronx, New York said: I wouldnt recommend MT program in Hunter college. I graduated from that program and it doesnt really prepare you for the ASCP exam (NYS licensure exam same as the ASCP exam). You only have 1 summer for clinical rotation (it isnt really a rotation because you just stay in that one lab). It is true that is enough for the NYS clinical experience requirment. However, you dont really get much real on-hand clinical experience in different areas.

Also, in Hunter, it doesnt offer clinical chemistry and blood banking classes. Therefore I am clueless in those 2 areas. One has to study on her/his own to get prepare for the exam. The immunology class isnt really the clinical immunology you suppose to learn for the exam as well.

Hope it is hopeful for those who want to get into Hunter MT program

Hi

Thank you for your feedbacks. However, I was wondering the MT program your refering to is it the A.C. Medical Lab Technology program? I got accepted into the program and from what I understand you have to take 1 summer course to begin and provided that you pass with at least a B you will be assigned with 10 month clinical rotations around different labs from blood banking, immunology, homeostasis..etc... I want to know more about it. Would you please email me? I would really appreciate any advice you can give me on this because I really have no clue what to expect from this. Thank you in advance.

Jennifer_lyee@yahoo.com

Jennifer Lyee in Levittown, New York said: Hi

Thank you for your feedbacks. However, I was wondering the MT program your refering to is it the A.C. Medica......e I really have no clue what to expect from this. Thank you in advance.

Jennifer_lyee@yahoo.com

Since the transition pathway(Method 7 if you already graduated from Hunter, or Method 8 if you WILL graduate from Hunter before 9/2013) if you already completed will expire in Sept 2013. Hunter College students from the regular BS Medical Technology program can no longer sit for the NYS ASCP exam. Hence, Hunter College has created the AC Med Tech program(satfisfies Method 10), an advanced certificate, much like Methodist's. However, I am sorry to inform you though, Hunter College's Advanced Certificate isn't NAACLS certified so even when you finish you can only take the NYS ASCP but will not have the option to select the national ASCP also.

I personally know a student in the program, and it is quite difficult to arrange all the rotation. The coordinator generally gets you into the hospital, but you have to do all the arranging yourself. Your coordinator can voice her opinion to the hopsital, but if the hospital can not place you at a certain area of the lab at a certain time, then you might have to take a month off, etc. It is also mentioned on the Hunter College website that because of this - it could take from 1 year to 1.5 year to finish. Also, this is a self study program with no one actually providing lectures to you. So you must study very hard, or get a good book that will help you for the exam. The NYS ASCP exam is the same - whether you graduated from a NAACLS school or not. Good Luck!

ifwisheswerehorses in Centereach, New York said: Since the transition pathway(Method 7 if you already graduated from Hunter, or Method 8 if you WILL graduate from Hunter before 9/2013) if you already completed will expire in Sept 2013. Hunter College students from the regular BS Medical Technology program can no longer sit for the NYS ASCP exam. Hence, Hunter College has created the AC Med Tech program(satfisfies Method 10), an advanced certificate, much like Methodist's. However, I am sorry to inform you though, Hunter College's Advanced Certificate isn't NAACLS certified so even when you finish you can only take the NYS ASCP but will not have the option to select the national ASCP also.

I personally know a student in the program, and it is quite difficult to arrange all the rotation. The coordinator generally gets you into the hospital, but you have to do all the arranging yourself. Your coordinator can voice her opinion to the hopsital, but if the hospital can not place you at a certain area of the lab at a certain time, then you might have to take a month off, etc. It is also mentioned on the Hunter College website that because of this - it could take from 1 year to 1.5 year to finish. Also, this is a self study program with no one actually providing lectures to you. So you must study very hard, or get a good book that will help you for the exam. The NYS ASCP exam is the same - whether you graduated from a NAACLS school or not. Good Luck!

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to write back. I actually got accepted into the A.C. program at Hunter college and class is suppose to start soon. I want to know what's the name of the text book that your friend use for the course? or any book that you'd like to recommend that may be helpful for the course would be helpful also.

As for the rotation, They normally assign you to one lab at a time correct for a maximum of 3 months I think? what did you mean you have to arrange it?

ifwisheswerehorses in Centereach, New York said: Since the transition pathway(Method 7 if you already graduated from Hunter, or Method 8 if you WILL graduate from Hunter before 9/2013) if you already completed will expire in Sept 2013. Hunter College students from the regular BS Medical Technology program can no longer sit for the NYS ASCP exam. Hence, Hunter College has created the AC Med Tech program(satfisfies Method 10), an advanced certificate, much like Methodist's. However, I am sorry to inform you though, Hunter College's Advanced Certificate isn't NAACLS certified so even when you finish you can only take the NYS ASCP but will not have the option to select the national ASCP also.

I personally know a student in the program, and it is quite difficult to arrange all the rotation. The coordinator generally gets you into the hospital, but you have to do all the arranging yourself. Your coordinator can voice her opinion to the hopsital, but if the hospital can not place you at a certain area of the lab at a certain time, then you might have to take a month off, etc. It is also mentioned on the Hunter College website that because of this - it could take from 1 year to 1.5 year to finish. Also, this is a self study program with no one actually providing lectures to you. So you must study very hard, or get a good book that will help you for the exam. The NYS ASCP exam is the same - whether you graduated from a NAACLS school or not. Good Luck!

continue from previous response...( sorry, for some reason this won't let me type more than a certain amount of words)

So did your friend from the A.C. med tech program like the class? was it helpful in terms of preparing her for the NYS license exam?

The coordinator said that your very likely to get hire by one of the places you did your rotation. true? false?

Jennifer Lyee in Levittown, New York said: continue from previous response...( sorry, for some reason this won't let me type more than a certain amount of words)

So did your friend from the A.C. med tech program like the class? was it helpful in terms of preparing her for the NYS license exam?

The coordinator said that your very likely to get hire by one of the places you did your rotation. true? false?

As for the book, I will have to ask. But the student mentioned that class itself was not hard but it did NOT cover areas like Blood Banking(which you need to know for the exam) & I think the student also mentioned Molecular & Immunology was not covered.I did not personally ask if the class helped or not.

As for review books, using a brief review book like Jurreau Bottom Line Approach combined with a test book like Harr or LabCE will suffice. Those brief review books are only useful if you have a foundation from class, if not you might have to settle for a more detailed book like Concise Review and/or Polansky Cards

The student I know has been assigned to one site only. I asked the student if there was a chance to go other site but the answer was no. The student was able to get into Chemistry (about 3 months) but is having trouble getting into another area. After the student is finish with that, there might be a gap before starting somewhere else.

The student did tell me there is a job lined up, but needs to finish that last 'area'. You won't have trouble finding jobs at any site, as long you are certified and ready to go. After you finish the A.C, you can asap apply for a limited permit to start working. (You have up to one year to take the exam once you get your limited permit)

Best wishes!

anonnnmoyus in Brooklyn, New York said: As for the book, I will have to ask. But the student mentioned that class itself was not hard but it did NOT cover areas like Blood Banking(which you need to know for the exam) & I think the student also mentioned Molecular & Immunology was not covered.I did not personally ask if the class helped or not.

As for review books, using a brief review book like Jurreau Bottom Line Approach combined with a test book like Harr or LabCE will suffice. Those brief review books are only useful if you have a foundation from class, if not you might have to settle for a more detailed book like Concise Review and/or Polansky Cards

The student I know has been assigned to one site only. I asked the student if there was a chance to go other site but the answer was no. The student was able to get into Chemistry (about 3 months) but is having trouble getting into another area. After the student is finish with that, there might be a gap before starting somewhere else.

The student did tell me there is a job lined up, but needs to finish that last 'area'. You won't have trouble finding jobs at any site, as long you are certified and ready to go. After you finish the A.C, you can asap apply for a limited permit to start working. (You have up to one year to take the exam once you get your limited permit)

Best wishes!

How many rotations do you need to complete in order to sit in for the license exam?

anonnnmoyus in Brooklyn, New York said: As for the book, I will have to ask. But the student mentioned that class itself was not hard but it did NOT cover areas like Blood Banking(which you need to know for the exam) & I think the student also mentioned Molecular & Immunology was not covered.I did not personally ask if the class helped or not.

As for review books, using a brief review book like Jurreau Bottom Line Approach combined with a test book like Harr or LabCE will suffice. Those brief review books are only useful if you have a foundation from class, if not you might have to settle for a more detailed book like Concise Review and/or Polansky Cards

The student I know has been assigned to one site only. I asked the student if there was a chance to go other site but the answer was no. The student was able to get into Chemistry (about 3 months) but is having trouble getting into another area. After the student is finish with that, there might be a gap before starting somewhere else.

The student did tell me there is a job lined up, but needs to finish that last 'area'. You won't have trouble finding jobs at any site, as long you are certified and ready to go. After you finish the A.C, you can asap apply for a limited permit to start working. (You have up to one year to take the exam once you get your limited permit)

Best wishes!

How many rotations are you require to do before you can sit in for the license exam?

Jennifer Lyee in Levittown, New York said: How many rotations do you need to complete in order to sit in for the license exam?

From what the student said, you only need to do rotations in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, and Micro. The student actually did do a rotation at another site, so that is two sites that the student went to. As for how much exactly, it is based on the A.C program, once you attain the A.C you can sit for the exam. Hence, it shouldn't matter 'how much' but whether or not you fulfilled the school's requirements.(like handing in all the signatures, etc. etc)

anonnnmoyus in Brooklyn, New York said: From what the student said, you only need to do rotations in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, and Micro. The student actually did do a rotation at another site, so that is two sites that the student went to. As for how much exactly, it is based on the A.C program, once you attain the A.C you can sit for the exam. Hence, it shouldn't matter 'how much' but whether or not you fulfilled the school's requirements.(like handing in all the signatures, etc. etc)

I see.

What does your friend suggests to do prior to class? like is there something I need to brush up on before I start the class? thank you

MT student at farmingdale in New York, New York said: I am currently in a BS MT program but they say they seeking approval from NAACLS. What if it doesn't fger approved? Can you work without being ASCP certified? If not what's the point of earning a BS MT?

That is the huge question that I am wondering too. Ask Farmingdale director what if the 4 year program is accredited even in the future, would your degree still be considered accredited by NAACLS. (Since you took the same approved classes that NAACLS would later approved). I've checked Farmingdale's new 4 year MT program and it looks very competitive but accreditation could take years. Even if not, you should qualify to sit for the NYS ASCP. However, to switch over to national accrediation when your program finally gets approved - is a different story. You might have to retake it, etc - not sure. Best thing is to keep in touch with your director and NAACLS.

I've graduated with a BS in Clinical Laboratory Science from Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL. This program is NOT NAACLS accredited and I was wondering the same question. Will I have graduated from a NAACLS accredited school (Grandfathered) when they finally get NAACLS accredited and be able to take the ASCP. I passed the AAB a couple weeks ago. I received my Florida License to work as a MT but I want to work at the VA and they only accept NAACLS accredited graduates. I'm so aggravated that my program director pretty much lied to us the whole 2 years I attended, saying they were working on the NAACLS accreditation but they weren't. They literally started the process a month after I finished my last clinical internship. Thanks for any input.

Brian in Gainesville, Florida said: I've graduated with a BS in Clinical Laboratory Science from Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL. This program is NOT NAACLS accredited and I was wondering the same question. Will I have graduated from a NAACLS accredited school (Grandfathered) when they finally get NAACLS accredited and be able to take the ASCP. I passed the AAB a couple weeks ago. I received my Florida License to work as a MT but I want to work at the VA and they only accept NAACLS accredited graduates. I'm so aggravated that my program director pretty much lied to us the whole 2 years I attended, saying they were working on the NAACLS accreditation but they weren't. They literally started the process a month after I finished my last clinical internship . Thanks for any input.

I finally received an answer from ASCP.org. "Thank you for your email. If you want to apply for the MLS certification, you will have to apply under the experience route. Unfortunately, your school was not accredited when you completed the program. Even though the school might get it's accreditation in 2013 or later, it does not apply for you." I guess I will have to get 5 years experience before I can take the ASCP. I'm a veteran and was hoping to work with Veteran Affairs but they only accept NAACLS accredited graduates.

anonnnmoyus in Brooklyn, New York said: As for the book, I will have to ask. But the student mentioned that class itself was not hard but it did NOT cover areas like Blood Banking (which you need to know for the exam) & I think the student also mentioned Molecular & Immunology was not covered.I did not personally ask if the class helped or not.

As for review books, using a brief review book like Jurreau Bottom Line Approach combined with a test book like Harr or LabCE will suffice. Those brief review books are only useful if you have a foundation from class, if not you might have to settle for a more detailed book like Concise Review and/or Polansky Cards

The student I know has been assigned to one site only. I asked the student if there was a chance to go other site but the answer was no. The student was able to get into Chemistry (about 3 months) but is having trouble getting into another area. After the student is finish with that, there might be a gap before starting somewhere else.

The student did tell me there is a job lined up, but needs to finish that last 'area'. You won't have trouble finding jobs at any site, as long you are certified and ready to go. After you finish the A.C, you can asap apply for a limited permit to start working. (You have up to one year to take the exam once you get your limited permit)

Best wishes!

Hi,

I'm sorry to bother you with my questions again but I was wondering if you would please ask your friend when does class ends (for the Advanced Cert. Medical Lab Technology)? in terms of when is final? the schedule that they give online is just a general schedule for the summer overall for all classes across the broad. Nothing specific pointing toward the Advanced Cert. Medical Lab. Technology program. Also how much time does it require for this class? because I was thinking working full time but I don't know if that's a good idea. Please help! your advice is greatly appreciated!

Jennifer Lyee in Levittown, New York said: Hi,

I'm sorry to bother you with my questions again but I was wondering if you would please ask your friend when does class ends (for the Advanced Cert. Medical Lab Technology)? in terms of when is final? the schedule that they give online is just a general schedule for the summer overall for all classes across the broad. Nothing specific pointing toward the Advanced Cert. Medical Lab. Technology program. Also how much time does it require for this class? because I was thinking working full time but I don't know if that's a good idea. Please help! your advice is greatly appreciated!

I've already lost touch with the student(the student is not in the area where I am anymore)although I will contact her via social media. What I remember was the student started rotation at one site in last week of August, and that classes were Monday to Friday(or Thursday, i forget)-encompassing most of the day.(lecture in morning/labs at afternoon). I am not too sure of this, but the best bet is to contact the staff at your program(especially since you're an incoming student, you have the right to know!)Also, if you find out first , I would love to know also. But nearly all of medical technology programs will never allow the student the opportunity to work full time. I know many have other obligations, but think of it this way - finish the program first and then make the money. I know this program has no finanical aid - which makes it even tougher.

anonnnmoyus in Brooklyn, New York said: I've already lost touch with the student(the student is not in the area where I am anymore)although I will contact her via social media. What I remember was the student started rotation at one site in last week of August, and that classes were Monday to Friday(or Thursday, i forget)-encompassing most of the day.(lecture in morning/labs at afternoon). I am not too sure of this, but the best bet is to contact the staff at your program(especially since you're an incoming student, you have the right to know!)Also, if you find out first , I would love to know also. But nearly all of medical technology programs will never allow the student the opportunity to work full time. I know many have other obligations, but think of it this way - finish the program first and then make the money. I know this program has no finanical aid - which makes it even tougher.

Thank you so much for writing back! I really appreciate it.

So I went to their meeting and they said you can still work full time during the summer but once rotation begins that will consume your entire schedule basically because its a 9-5pm M-F.

Jennifer Lyee in Levittown, New York said: Thank you so much for writing back! I really appreciate it.

So I went to their meeting and they said you can still work full time during the summer but once rotation begins that will consume your entire schedule basically because its a 9-5pm M-F.

That sounds great. Don't you have 6 hour lecture and lab monday to thursdays during the summer though? Good Luck!

ifwisheswerehorses in Lake Grove, New York said: That sounds great. Don't you have 6 hour lecture and lab monday to thursdays during the summer though? Good Luck!

I'm not sure about M-Th lab but I do know that we meet on T & Th.

any idea what book might be good for the class? was there a required text?

Hi Does anyone knows any accredited clinical laboratory science certificate program in NY?