I have a Bachelor degree in Biology and I'm interested in this field, but I have some questions

Hi everyone, I'm a second bach student started off in Nursing but didn't like it, so now trying to decide on a major, I'm interested in CLS, however I'm wary about going to school for the next year or so and not getting accepted into the internship..my backup plan is to knock out the requirements for a biology major at the same time, but I don't really know what type of job someone can get with a BIO degree...so back to my questions....if you maintain over a 3.0, how difficult is it to gain entry into the internship? What things should I be doing now to show I'm well rounded, keep in mind, I'm in my early thirties and wouldn't feel comfortable joining a sorority, etc...also how many hours do you recommend I shadow an MT? Once accepted, tips, for not having to drop out besides study? Anything else please share..Im in Texas if that matters..thanks all

I'm doing my pre-req in college to get into the CLS program which bachelor and i still have one more year to finish off. After that im transfering to Madonna University ( in michigan). Does any one know how long is the program over there?

Just got my ASCP MLS Certification and FL License... I have a BS in Medical Technology but graduated from PUerto Rico and the program there is only 6 mths of internship. Searching for jobs near Orlando FL but everything requires minimum 1 year experience. How Can I find a job if I'm just starting out? Do they train you once hired? SOme of my internship areas would only allow me to run controls and watch them work. I'm so stressed at the the thought that I haven't been able to learn how to use or run certain tests. Also I don't have everything memorized from all the subjects. Any suggestions and input would be helpful.

Ok So I'm graduating with a BS in Animal Science... Now I'v taken a lot of chem & bio more than my animal sciences classes... So whats the best way for me to be get MT certified?

If you already have a bachelor degree you can apply to a medical technology program as long as you have the pre-req.Once you have the prereq you can get the certificate post bachelor it takes one year which includes the clinical rotations. Just make sure the program is accredited.Then you have to take the national certification exam, I recommend to take tha ASCP exam, most employers require the ASCP certification.

Veterans Affairs Hospital hires new graduates as long that you have a bachelor in Medical Technology from an accredited school that included a clinical rotation,National certification is required.Go to www.usajobs.gov

SoniaR.. in Gainesville, Florida said: If you already have a bachelor degree you can apply to a medical technology program as long as you have the pre-req.Once you have the prereq you can get the certificate post bachelor it takes one year which includes the clinical rotations. Just make sure the program is accredited.Then you have to take the national certification exam, I recommend to take tha ASCP exam, most employers require the ASCP certification.

Hi,

I'm currently a student in FL and I graduate this Fall with my B.S. in Biology. Do you have a list of the programs in FL that offer a post bac certificate because I am having a hard time finding any.

The University of Central Florida in Orlando has fully accredited program for Medical Laboratory Science.

Dgoins08 in Tallahassee, Florida said: Hi,

I'm currently a student in FL and I graduate this Fall with my B.S. in Biology. Do you have a list of the programs in FL that offer a post bac certificate because I am having a hard time finding any.

The University of Central Florida in Orlando.

For all of you that already have bachelors, you can apply to a MT program as long that you have the pre-req which are: Biology with lab (8hrs),Chem with lab (8hrs),Organic chem with lab (8 hrs),anatomy and physiology with lab,microbiology,statistics and a college math.

But u also have to have immunology

I think you can apply to the program without immunology but you have to take it while you are in the program. At least at UCF.

I will be taking my MLT board exam in a few months. After passing the BOC exam and obtaining employment, I understand I can continue at University of Cincinnati for 2 years (online), of which 6 months is internship that can be done at my current place of employment. At that time, if I understand correctly, I can sit for the BOC exam for CLS. I find this absolutely wonderful, because I do not have to take all the extra history and government classes that usually apply to a BS degree. To increase my marketibility, I have been researching histotechnology options. I found an online university program (along with internship to do locally)where I can receive a histo technician(HT)certificate in 12 months. But in there program literature it also states that graduates that possess a baccalaureate degree may be eligible to sit for the Histotechnologist(HTL) national exam. My question is... would this be worth my time? Would this increase my chances of employment and help me obtain a higher salary? I am 46 years old, so time has become an issue, since I feel employers are more apt to hire a younger person. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone,

I recently graduated with a B.S. in neuroscience (I have plenty of chemistry classes with my degree so I lack just some upper level bio which I know I will need to take before applying to some programs). I would like to become a medical technologist but there aren't any MT programs in Pittsburgh and my husband just accepted a job here so we won't be moving for at least a couple of years.

My other options would be to apply for a CT or HT program here in Pittsburgh, or apply for an MLT program at the community college by me. It's my understanding that I can become an MLT, work for two years, and then sit for the MT exam. I think I would prefer to be an MT than a CT or HT, but does anyone have any insight into that?

Also, does anyone have any input on this field, especially MLT for MT for Pennsylvania? I know each state seems to be different.

Thank you for all of your help!

Hey Bubbles! So u r in a MLT program right now right? & when u are done u r goin to take the MT Certification exam? I was thinking I might try that... There is a MLT program closer to me compared to a MT program that only accepts 8 students... this way I should be accepted and then I can still get MT certified it will just take a little longer

i am in a clt program. i start my clinicals in january 2012. they last for 5 1/2 months. now my director told me according to naacls i have to wait 2 years to take the certification exam for MT/CLS. but this is in louisiana. many of us found out that in texas you do not have to be certified to work. so it's different for every state. my bachelors degree helped A LOT. the program took many of my credits. so for a person with no degree the program takes 2 1/2 - 3 years (including clinicals) it will only take me 1 1/2 years (full-time student). i think its definitely worth it. in louisiana MLTs make aroung $36,000/year and MTs make around $53,000/year. i can wait 2 years for that. this is my opinion and i hope it helps!

All the jobs i look for here say cert required for both MLT and MT... Yea I have my bachelors too I have almost all pre reqs for the Mt program except one so this way I could complete the MLt program in less than 2... so then u just work as a MLT for 2 years and take the MT cert exam?

I'm goin to apply for the MT program just for the hec of it tho.. only 8 students doesnt give me much of a shot...

Apply for the MT program. You never know what could happen and you wouldn't have to wait 2 years to become an MT. And the fact that you already have a bachelor's degree helps. The closest MT program for me I believe was either Lake Charles or Baton Rouge and I already live in Lafayette so I decided to take this route. But to answer your question yes. According to ASCP, one option for certification as an MT is to get certified as an MLT (along with having a bachelor's degree), work 2 years as an MLT, then you can take the certification as an MT. There are other routes you can take to become an MT but for a person who already has a bachelor's degree this was the best choice for me without getting another degree as an MT (I just want to start working). I'll post a link to the ASCP certification page at the end of this so you can look at the options and see which is best for you. But doing what i'm doing is an option for you. I chose Route 2 under Medical Laboratory Scientist section (you'll know what i mean when you look at the site). Any questions or concerns just ask!

www.ascp.org/FunctionalNavigation/certification/GetCertified/TechnologistCertification.aspx#mls

Hey guys,

I've been re-evaluating my life for a long time, but I still don't want to give up in Forensics technician. Can anyone direct me where to get a MT/MTL certification in california as I have a GPA 2.41 overall 2.1 in science with a BS degree. Or advise me what to do... :(

And thank you for taking the time to read

wahee in bolingbrook, Illinois said: I have Master degree major in Microbiology and Bs in biochemistry, chemistry and microbiology, from back home. I evaluated my degree which is equivalent of Bs. I already pass my MT(AMT) exam, but now I want to apply for ASCP(MT/MLS) exam.The bad luck is that I don't have Blood Banking experience.
Any suggestion how can I apply for ASCP(MT) exam,from where i can get this experience

how did u take the exam?? i have a ms degree but all the sites tell me i cannot take the exam with out proper schooling?

MikeH1988 in Long Beach, California said: Hey guys,

I've been re-evaluating my life for a long time, but I still don't want to give up in Forensics technician. Can anyone direct me where to get a MT/MTL certification in california as I have a GPA 2.41 overall 2.1 in science with a BS degree. Or advise me what to do... :(

And thank you for taking the time to read

I don't know of any MT programs that will accept you with that science GPA. For that matter, I don't know if you could handle the MT curriculum if you struggled with your undergraduate science courses.

If you're 100% certain you want a career in the laboratory, a two-year MLT associates at a junior/community college may be your best option. That undergraduate science GPA will really hurt your attempts to enter any technical field, sadly. Do you have other skills/attributes you can better leverage on other fields? Don't like being such a downer.

Alex C. in Sanford, North Carolina said: I have been an MT for about 14 years in the Department of Defense, Private Sector Research, Educational Research, and even the CDC. My suggestions to you would be to visit each of the four main Certifying bodies that offer the MT/CLS credential. The requirements can be confusing at first and even misleading. The ASCP and the NCA both have alternate pathways of educational and clinical requirements. My wife and I both are graduates of the George Washington School of Medicine, CLS program and they offer a great Grad/post Bacc. Cert which will assist you in your goals. I served as an educational and credentialing official in the military for about 5 years and would be more than happy to assist you. My wife and I are no longer in the military and when we initially transitioned, we had the same concerns. Please feel free to contact us via e-mail.

Hi Your post was very helpful. May i ask you some questions plz.

bubbles10013 in Lafayette, Louisiana said: i am in a clt program. i start my clinicals in january 2012. they last for 5 1/2 months. now my director told me according to naacls i have to wait 2 years to take the certification exam for MT/CLS. but this is in louisiana. many of us found out that in texas you do not have to be certified to work. so it's different for every state. my bachelors degree helped A LOT. the program took many of my credits. so for a person with no degree the program takes 2 1/2 - 3 years (including clinicals) it will only take me 1 1/2 years (full-time student). i think its definitely worth it. in louisiana MLTs make aroung $36,000/year and MTs make around $53,000/year. i can wait 2 years for that. this is my opinion and i hope it helps!

Hello Bubbles.

I am just a little confused about Route 2 MLS certification. I majored in molecular biology/chem degree and to get MT degree I just needed to finish one year and half clinicals from OHSU. But OHSU program was expensive and I had to settle for community college. I am just starting my clinicals this year. So I just want to know how hard is it to bridge MLT to MT doing route 2 MT certification. I know It says that 2 years of experience required in all 5 areas.

I am interested in medical lab sciences, I have an MS in Chemistry, BS in Chemistry and about 2 years of molecular pathology (BSL2) experience. My backgrounds makes me a better fit for c-ascp but my experience work is in molecular pathology. Most job openings in the field want an MLS-ascp and not c-ascp. How do these pathways differ in their end job? If I persued a c-ascp, would I be qualified for MLS jobs?

Can anyone tell about how training is in the hospital when you start working? I'm about to start training and want to know what to expect

New Grad in Cleveland, Ohio said: I don't know of any MT programs that will accept you with that science GPA. For that matter, I don't know if you could handle the MT curriculum if you struggled with your undergraduate science courses.

If you're 100% certain you want a career in the laboratory, a two-year MLT associates at a junior/community college may be your best option. That undergraduate science GPA will really hurt your attempts to enter any technical field, sadly. Do you have other skills/attributes you can better leverage on other fields? Don't like being such a downer.

Really? I though that 2.5 was the requirement. Would it be possible to work really hard and get through the program?

New Grad in Cleveland, Ohio said: I don't know of any MT programs that will accept you with that science GPA. For that matter, I don't know if you could handle the MT curriculum if you struggled with your undergraduate science courses.

If you're 100% certain you want a career in the laboratory, a two-year MLT associates at a junior/community college may be your best option. That undergraduate science GPA will really hurt your attempts to enter any technical field, sadly. Do you have other skills/attributes you can better leverage on other fields? Don't like being such a downer.

I am in a similar situation I don't know what my science gpa, but I have a 2.7 gpa overall. Is it possible to make it through the program if you work really hard? How much do you have to rely on past science classes to make it through?

I have a bachelors degree in medicine( foreign doctor). Can i get any certification in this field in short period of time.

I had a bachelors degree in medicine(foreign doctor). Can I get any certification or direct residency in this field.

hi' i m indian on L2 dependent visa,i have completed my Bsc in microbiology and after post graduation in diploma laboratory technician(DMLT)In 2006,i have 4 yrs experiences in hospital lab in india,i do perform my best in Phlebotomy,Blood banking,biochemistry analysis,clinical analysis,Elisa,microscopy,i want to do work in USA,i have got my EAD,wht should i need for work in USA,MY Degree is valid or not?i realy love my field,plz HELP....!!

Lots of Questions in Mishawaka, Indiana said: I am in a similar situation I don't know what my science gpa, but I have a 2.7 gpa overall. Is it possible to make it through the program if you work really hard? How much do you have to rely on past science classes to make it through?

It depends on so many things. Every program is different. The program I went through was very competitive and rigorous. The minimum GPA to be considered at the time I applied was 2.7, and now it is 3.0--so now your application would not even be considered. The average GPA for my class was 3.4. We got lectures and tests constantly, projects, case studies, presentations...the pace was very fast and you HAD to keep up. And yes, they expected you to remember what you learned from your college courses, and they did not slow down for you if you forgot stuff--it was up to YOU to independently review and bring yourself up to speed.
I'm sure there are programs that are even more rigorous and programs less rigorous. Is there a certain program you are applying for? You should talk to someone who has been through that program, or the program director, to see what it is really like, because like I said, each program will be different. I think that if you work really hard and have the right attitude (don't ever think this is something that you can breeze through) then you can be successful.

But...if you can't figure out how to calculate your own science GPA then I am not sure this field is for you anyway....

Ok, I have little room so I'll make this as simple as I can. Have a BS in Bio, Lab assistant at Labcorp (FL job market sucks), in the same position as most people here. Most employers PREFER ASCP but the reality of the situation is that the bar is set so high that most people cannot obtain it, hence the stagnation in laboratory personnel you hear about. The hours and pay are not the best either. 40 hrs a week for a year non-paid is near impossible for most people who need to work a regular job and pay bills. Plus to you need to pay the tuition, room and board, gas to get there, and lets not forget to whole sleeping and eating thing. I was able to find a program through a local school affiliated with my job that requires 30 hours a week for 15 months (equates to 40 hrs/year in a regular MT BS program) The program is paid for by my job but it is not the best. I can take the MLT(AMT) or the MT(AAB) exams when I'm finished. From the research Ive done on the job boards in FL, about 70% only require you have a B.S. degree with a cert. in the state regardless of the letters it signifies, which pretty much shows the desperation for workers in the MT field. You've probably read that some say the ASCP is the "gold standard" and that you shouldn't waste your time with anything else. I believe this is just elitist jabber because you can qualify to take the ASCP exam after five years working in the field with any program. The entire process is convoluted, but its required, plus it looks good on the resume no matter what state you decide to go to down the line. My advice is do the best with what you can find. The NAACLS website is good start but check your area, because in this economy, $23-30 an hour is pretty good.

I have a B.A. in Biology and I am applying to 1-year CLS programs to start next fall. The program I am most interested in (Mayo Clinic) will give me a certification but not a B.S. degree. Will that put me at a different pay rate or any kind of disadvantage?

Also, I hear people saying ASCP certification is preferable... if I get into a NAACLS approved program is that basically the same thing?

Two more random questions, there is no difference between CLS and MT, correct? Also, are there any graduate level MT programs?

To the person who posted about Idaho State university, do they require an interview, how long is the schooling and rotations if you already have a biology degree, also is it possible to do the program part time..thanks

Rose in Nome, Alaska said: I have a B.A. in Biology and I am applying to 1-year CLS programs to start next fall. The program I am most interested in (Mayo Clinic) will give me a certification but not a B.S. degree. Will that put me at a different pay rate or any kind of disadvantage?

Also, I hear people saying ASCP certification is preferable... if I get into a NAACLS approved program is that basically the same thing?

Two more random questions, there is no difference between CLS and MT, correct? Also, are there any graduate level MT programs?

I also had a Bachelor in Biology and then got the one year certificate in Medical Technology in an accredited NAACLS program. If you do your clinical as part of the program you are ellegible to sit for the ASCP exam after. There is no difference between CLS and MT. It depends on what certification you take. In my opinion is preferable to take the ASCP. I have my BSMT(ASCP) and had been working for 20 years and never had a problem finding a job. I believe now it's called MLS(ASCP) wich is basically the same thing.

Thank god I found this place. Im hoping you all can give me some advice (:

Basics: I am a student in Florida International University that will graduate with a major in Biology in the fall of 2013. By then I assume by my GPA will be about a 3.0 (maybe slightly higher). I am interested in both MLT and MT/CLS programs.

Questions:
1. I know an MT is better overall than an MLT, so if anything is an MLT program still; worth it

2. By being a biology major how will that affect any of the programs. I know MLT is 2 years and an MT is 4 years but maybe a biology major will cut a semester or two?

3. If I start an MLT program would I be able to become an MT in a shorter time in the future (in other words do i still have to take a 4 year course)

4. flahec.org/hlthcareers/MEDTECH.HTM This site states Florida Memorial Univesrity as an accredited school for an MT but it was not listed on the NAACLS site. Can anyone give me more information on this? (maybe its accredited some other way)

5. I still have a bit of time before any of this happens. What can I do to prepare myself?

David in Miami, Florida said: Thank god I found this place. Im hoping you all can give me some advice (:

Basics: I am a student in Florida International University that will graduate with a major in Biology in the fall of 2013. By then I assume by my GPA will be about a 3.0 (maybe slightly higher). I am interested in both MLT and MT/CLS programs.

Questions:
1. I know an MT is better overall than an MLT, so if anything is an MLT program still; worth it

2. By being a biology major how will that affect any of the programs. I know MLT is 2 years and an MT is 4 years but maybe a biology major will cut a semester or two?

3. If I start an MLT program would I be able to become an MT in a shorter time in the future (in other words do i still have to take a 4 year course)

4. flahec.org/hlthcareers/MEDTECH.HTM This site states Florida Memorial Univesrity as an accredited school for an MT but it was not listed on the NAACLS site. Can anyone give me more information on this? (maybe its accredited some other way)

5. I still have a bit of time before any of this happens. What can I do to prepare myself?

If you already have a BS do the MT program. With a BS in Biology must likely you have the pre req to get admitted. Check the Medical Laboratory Science program at UCF. That will give you an idea of what you need. My son is applying to the program for Fall this year.

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David in Miami, Florida said: Thank god I found this place. Im hoping you all can give me some advice (:

Basics: I am a student in Florida International University that will graduate with a major in Biology in the fall of 2013. By then I assume by my GPA will be about a 3.0 (maybe slightly higher). I am interested in both MLT and MT/CLS programs.

Questions:
1. I know an MT is better overall than an MLT, so if anything is an MLT program still; worth it

2. By being a biology major how will that affect any of the programs. I know MLT is 2 years and an MT is 4 years but maybe a biology major will cut a semester or two?

3. If I start an MLT program would I be able to become an MT in a shorter time in the future (in other words do i still have to take a 4 year course)

4. flahec.org/hlthcareers/MEDTECH.HTM This site states Florida Memorial Univesrity as an accredited school for an MT but it was not listed on the NAACLS site. Can anyone give me more information on this? (maybe its accredited some other way)

5. I still have a bit of time before any of this happens. What can I do to prepare myself?

Do not go into any program that is not NAACLS accredited. Since you are in Florida,University of Central Florida would be a good choice.

I am further along in the process that you're going through. I have a bachelor's in biology (graduated in 2010). I entered into a clt program jan 2011 and currently Im in clinicals for 16 weeks. My biology degree cut the program down 2 semesters for me because they transferred the core requirements like math and English over and I tested out of the intro to clt class. After you become a mlt/clt, you have to work 2 years as an mlt before you can take the certification exam for mt and this is according to naacls. Hope this helped.

Hi Bubbles, thanks for the insight, my school has an MT program, however its extremely competitive, and its a year clinicals-(Like someone pointed out already, it would be unpaid, not quite sure how I would do the program Full time, and work), MLT seems to be the way to go for me, after I get my biology degree,

oh also if you don't mind which school are you attending?

thanks for the replies (: I think if I can be an MLT in 2 years and have the ability to become an MT via 1-2 years of lab/work experience then that would work nicely (: (I would go straight to an MT program if I could but I would like to stay around home).

One last question: How do you fell about lab tech being a lifelong career? (specifically the MT not MLT)

I always wanted to go to medical school but my years here in college have made me realize that being a doctor is not for me. Luckily this seemed like something I would like to do (I have also been looking at radiology/radiation techs but I don't wanna go off topic here lol)

I'm attending acadiana technical college-Lafayette campus. I got my bachelors at the university of Louisiana Lafayette. Im doing my clinicals at bunkie general hospital. And just to say, I chose this route cause I believed it was best for me. I didn't want to spend the extra time to get another 4 year degree. I'm just ready to start working. Good luck to you!!

David in Miami, Florida said: thanks for the replies (: I think if I can be an MLT in 2 years and have the ability to become an MT via 1-2 years of lab/work experience then that would work nicely (: (I would go straight to an MT program if I could but I would like to stay around home).

One last question: How do you fell about lab tech being a lifelong career? (specifically the MT not MLT)

I always wanted to go to medical school but my years here in college have made me realize that being a doctor is not for me. Luckily this seemed like something I would like to do (I have also been looking at radiology/radiation techs but I don't wanna go off topic here lol)

I don't want to be a MT for life but I love the lab work involved with the job (from my current clinical experience). I do plan to either get my masters in clinical lab science or a Phd in something related. That will open other doors such as lab manager or lab director. But there are also government jobs and jobs with the companies that make the lab instruments. And of course the higher the degree and the more experience the larger the paycheck.

David in Miami, Florida said: thanks for the replies (: I think if I can be an MLT in 2 years and have the ability to become an MT via 1-2 years of lab/work experience then that would work nicely (: (I would go straight to an MT program if I could but I would like to stay around home).

One last question: How do you fell about lab tech being a lifelong career? (specifically the MT not MLT)

I always wanted to go to medical school but my years here in college have made me realize that being a doctor is not for me. Luckily this seemed like something I would like to do (I have also been looking at radiology/radiation techs but I don't wanna go off topic here lol)

I don't want to be a MT for life but I love the lab work involved with the job (from my current clinical experience). I do plan to either get my masters in clinical lab science or a Phd in something related. That will open other doors such as lab manager or lab director. But there are also government jobs and jobs with the companies that make the lab instruments. And of course the higher the degree and the more experience the larger the paycheck.

HI can any one help me as i have completed my masters in microbiology from india.i am in a confusion state that is here is my question do i am eligible to apply for MT or MLT? i want to join in MT is MLT mandatory.

You need to look at the ASCP website for how exam eligibility would pertain to your particular situation.

I'm in a confusion state too; it's called California

I have a B.Sc degree in Biochemisrty since 2002 with a cgpa of 2.86,but with no clinicla experinece.How do i apply for MT.Am currently in Alabama,any suggestion of schools that can help?

m doing B.sc in computer science along with physics and maths as 1 od d imp or man subjects ,so i want 2 ask dat can i apply for a forensic scientist /expert aftr d cmpletn of dis course or i hv 2 cmplet my bachls degree via bachlors of forensic science plz rply as soon as posibl
MY E-MAIL ID IS KANGNARANVEER5@GMAIL.COM.......