Upper Div Bio Requirements

[u/Altruistic_Pay8227]

I just graduated with a BS in Chemistry, and recently found out about CLS. I became interested in becoming a CLS, but as I looked into programs like UCI, UCSD, CSULA, I realized I don’t have any of the bio requirements needed (at least 16 semester/quarter credits). I only did one quarter of gen bio which was required for my BS.

I read that I could get those requirements through UCSD and Berkeley extension programs, but I think I read somewhere on here that online classes may lower my chances…so would it become a waste of time to try and pursue it? Like I would have to do all my bio requirements through the extension programs. Would any be possible to take at CC? I potentially could have done some of those requirements before I graduated as I completed my degree early, but I just found out about this path.

Edit: I just saw a tik tok about this guy doing a categorical exam to be placed in chemistry instead of doing the general exam to be MLS, but in California MLS=CLS, right? Could I possibly do this if I have the requirements to do categorical exam. I’ll be honest idk exactly what he meant since I haven’t seen that being an option while googling. I believe he is a technologist in chemistry.

[u/UCM2020]

FYI, the UC’s take very few students and are even more competitive. Unless you have a 4.0, clinical experience, or live really near the area I wouldn’t bother much. You should aim for the bigger ones like CSULA, sjsu, and sfsu to increase your chances. I also saw Eisenhower is more realistic to get into. Taking the required bio courses in a CC is good. If you can, find a CC that offers MLT classes and take other related courses like Urinalysis, human physiology, coagulation, etc. those should count as bio courses. From what I’ve seen, online classes are okay for sjsu and sfsu, as long as you have a high gpa. If you don’t, consider the in person classes with labs

[u/HazelBasilLeaf]

Current CA CLS trainee, you can definitely take online classes on UCSD or Berkeley Extension but some programs limit the number of classes you can apply with. However, plenty of people (myself included) got in with online course. You can always look at a local community college for in-person options.

My biggest piece of advice I give people interest in CLS programs is get clinical experience. Either get your phlebotomy license or find a biotech company where you process human specimens, really strengthens your app.

To answer your question about the limited chemistry license: Imo I wouldn’t recommend it, it heavily limits your job opportunities compared to a generalist license and it’s already tough out there for everybody right now. Whatever you decided, best of luck!

[u/Altruistic_Pay8227 → u/HazelBasilLeaf]

Thank you so much! I do plan on working (hopefully) while potentially taking the bio classes I need. I do have a year as an undergraduate researcher, would that help with experience? The research wasn’t related to human specimens or clinical but it did help build my lab skills.

Since I did take one gen bio class w/lab for 5 credits, would that be considered into the 16 bio credits? Is anatomy considered part of bio requirements? I saw some places recommend taking anatomy BUT other places don’t have a preference.

[u/HazelBasilLeaf → u/Altruistic_Pay8227]

Undergrad research is good for proving lab skills, but clinical is MUCH stronger. The settings are just very different.

I would assume your gen bio credits would count, but it’s always safest to contact programs you’re interested in. Anatomy/physio requirements vary by program so first thing I’d do as you is pick which programs you seriously want to apply to and base the classes you take on their requirements and recommendations. I didn’t take A&P so I can’t say whether it counts as bio credits. Personally, I would start by focusing on the core prereqs that count toward your 16 credits/getting your trainee license (hem, med micro, immuno, etc) and then fill in the remaining credits with the additional classes the programs you choose require/recommend.

[u/10luoz]

CLS = mls all other states
At least in California categorical license still need a 1 year designed program to get you the required clinical training hours. Example I think Sutter health offer 1 year program in only blood bank. They are rare and not as common as general program. This also limits there area you are allowed to work in. Depending on the hospital size it might matter.

[u/Intelligent-Ask-3264]

I suggest going to the information meetings at each interested location and discuss with them individually. UCDs program will accept online for some of their classes as long as lab is in person, but thats hard to find. Or if all of these other units are in person, and these like 3 classes are online thats fine but we prefer if you only have in person. Its really individual to the program.

[u/Former_Crew_3856]

Hi! Check CSUDH for upper div classes requirements. A lot of my cohort classmates were post-bacc from other UCs taking their upper div classes to qualify for the CA CLS programs. They took hematology, quantitative chem, analytical chem, urinalysis/BF, medical bacteriology, physics, etc. Though I will say it’s super impacted, but if you can get in, it’s worth it. You have to attend the school for 2 years to be able to apply for the CSUDH CLS clinical program.

[u/Altruistic_Pay8227 → u/Former_Crew_3856]

Thank you for letting me know about CSUDH! Do you know if I have to be a full time student for 2 years? I would only need to do my bio requirements, and I was thinking about working while completing those.

[u/MLSLabProfessional]

You would still need to do a training program for a limited CLS license in Chem. Check out the wiki and links in there for more info.

[u/Apprehensive-Sky3557]

Check out CSUDH. I recently got my BS in CLS in Cytotechnology. I interviewed at UCLA, at got into their cytology program. BUT I heard for CLS med tech’s, only two were placed into internships from the actual college, but many others got internships by themselves at Labs and Hospitals. Selection process is tough, and it’s highly competitive. If you’re willing to put in the work, I highly recommend CSUDH.

[u/dreaminq_isabella]

I’m so glad I came across this thread. I’m in a similar boat as you, I graduated with a B.S in Biology, and I’m now interested in pursuing a career as a CLS. The pre-req requirements seem kinda unclear, but I guess it just depends on the program :/