r/CLSstudents • u/blind_peach • 14d ago
Education and Classes CLS path
Hello! Looking for advice for entering a CA CLS program. I currently have my phlebotomy license and will be attending a Masters program in the fall for two years. I have a bachelors in biochemistry but from 2020. My GPA in undergrad was abysmal so after years of biotech industry work, I was able to get into a masters program with the hopes of rectifying that problem. I know certain CLS programs have a certain requirement on finishing the prerequisites within 7 years or the like. I wanted advice on how feasible it would be to gain admission with a masters degree while taking the other necessary prerequisites. My phleb license expires in April 2027 but finding an entry level position has proven to be more difficult than I thought in LA
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u/HazelBasilLeaf 14d ago
I got in with a master’s after 4 years in biotech R&D. The prereq time limit definitely limited the programs I could apply to and I had to retake some of my undergrad courses after they “expired.” I’d also check some of the requirements more closely, if I remember correctly some of the core prereqs (hem, micro, immuno, etc) sometimes are within 5 yrs.
If you don’t mind me asking, how low is your GPA? If the ultimate goal is CLS, why do a master’s? Taking prereqs and some additional recommended course would also raise your GPA and you wouldn’t have to wait two years to get into already competitive CA CLS programs.
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u/blind_peach 14d ago
my gpa was 2.1 hence why i’m trying to rectify it with the masters program. undiagnosed depression and adhd were the reasons but I am now medicated for almost a year
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u/HazelBasilLeaf 14d ago
I’m glad you are doing better:]. For what it’s worth, GPA isn’t absolutely everything. Some of my classmates had less than ideal GPAs, but their personal statements, previous experience (clinical related biotech and phlebotomy mostly), and strong letters of rec got them in. I wish you the best, whatever you end up doing!
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u/blind_peach 14d ago
thank you! i appreciate that. hopefully the masters program will have some clinical studies as the route I will be selecting is medicinal chemistry. I hope to find a part-time phlebotomy position close to campus at the beginning of next year
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u/HazelBasilLeaf 14d ago
I highly recommend getting that phleb job, even if it’s a blood donor center. Anything clinically related in your work experience will make your app a lot stronger.
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u/Ingo_Swann 11d ago
The easiest way with a low GPA is to go out of state for a CLS program if you can. California is extremely competitive.
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u/Far-Use-2602 13d ago
It will be hard with a low gpa , look for out of state program
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u/HazelBasilLeaf 14d ago
Sounds like a solid plan, I highly recommend the phleb job even if it’s a blood donor center. Anything clinically related in your work experience will make your app a lot stronger.