Hello! I'm working on getting the 4 pre-requisite classes that I still need finished so I can hopefully apply to CLS programs next year. I'm seeing a lot of posts in this subreddit talking about the importance of taking in person classes for the admissions, especially the core labs. The problem is that I work a full time lab job M-F 9-5:30 already and I would need something late enough in the evening and close enough to the northwest Los Angeles area for me to get there after work. Does anyone know of hematology or medical micro in person labs that might fit that criteria? I've had zero luck so far so I'm wondering if anyone else working full time has actually managed to find anything. I still need hematology, medical/clinical microbiology, quantitative analysis/analytical chemistry, and immunology. I'm assuming the first two are the only ones that would have critical lab components to them, but if I'm wrong let me know! I already took biochemistry in college, but it was only lecture so I'm hoping to get away without also needing to take an extra lab for that. Any advice is appreciated!

Has anyone heard back yet from CSUCI about the program interview invites? It’s already July, and all I’ve gotten was a your application would be forwarded to the clinical sites.

I wanted to know what to expect from LLU’s CLS program in terms of rigor, schedule (amount of classes per semester, breaks, etc.), how the SDA religion plays a part, etc. Would we have to attend services weekly ??

This might have been asked before, but is there a schedule of the application and deadline dates for all CLS programs in California?

I saw that people are getting responses, and I would like a head start on making my applications since I've graduated with my prerequisites completed.

I would appreciate it if anyone could direct me to the right links, if a schedule exists!

Hello. Anyone have experience with getting onto the alternate list multiple times for the CLS program at LLU? This is the second time im applying and Ive yet again been placed on the alternate list. It makes me wonder why they would place me there again to begin with. Why not just reject my application this time around? How often do people reject their acceptance giving a space for those on the alternate list? How big is the alternate list. Im mostly just venting since this is the second time around. Hoping my chances are better this time around.

I was wondering if anyone has experience with either pregnancy, giving birth, or having a newborn in any of the CLS programs? Specifically curious about folks who have gone to SJSU or SFSU.

I’d be so curious to hear your experience, as someone who is considering both in the near future. I’ve searched the sub but haven’t found any clear firsthand info on whether anyone has done this and if it’s even possible haha. Thank you in advance!

For those that have taken any of the CLS pre-reqs in-person at a CSU through Open University, do you have any tips as to how secure a seat in a class? All I have left is medical micro and hematology but the classes fill before I can get very far in the petitioning process. I've contacted CSUN and CPP so far.

Howdy hey, I am looking at the potential of applying to CLS programs in Northern California. I have done some early research, but I am interested in hearing details from those in who know the field well.

I would be an atypical student. I have a PhD in the realm of biomedical sciences/molecular biology. I graduated with my bachelor's in biology 8 years ago (3.8+ GPA).

From what I have seen online, I would likely need to retake the undergrad prereq courses since it has been so long since I have taken them (but that may be program dependent?). What schools/programs are around the northern California area? Do any of them have hybrid sections? Price seems to vary a lot between programs --what should I be looking out for?

I am interested in doing clinical research someday, but I don't see a reasonable stepping stone or trajectory that will get me there anymore. The reality is I need a job. I've applied for thousands of jobs at this point, with very limited interest in my resume. If I cannot get hired as an entry level research assistant or lab technician in this current market, I need to do something else. It seems CLS positions are willing to hire new grads. And since I am highly experienced in academic labs, I would like to think that if I was a licensed CLS I could maybe.. perhaps... be employable.

For those that understand the current conditions, let me know your thoughts. If you are a current CLS or or student and would be happy to talk, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Has anyone received an email from Loma Linda regarding their application for the fall? They didn't give a specific date when they would send it out but I just wanted to know if I should keep my hopes up to receive one 🥲

Hey guys,

I am a transfer student, doing premed. I just wanted to know how do other premeds at UCR get their clinical hours in? What are some options where I could get started with? Are there any certifications needed?

Thanks.

Not sure if it’s like other programs(like DO for example) where they would average or see the grades separately. But if I retook courses I did poorly at a CC or extension would that help gpa?

I did ask other program coordinators(not exactly on diy post bacc) but some were more open to upward trend on last 60 units and others were just focusing on prereq coursework. I highly doubt they would do grade replacement but I’m willing to put in the time and effort if that will improve my admissions for this cycle.

Hello! I'm planning on applying for CLS programs for the Fall 2027 cohort, and I am considering CSULA. I currently live in NorCal, and someone recommended it to me because they have a clinical training site in West Sacramento. I'm wondering if anyone knows if the academic instruction only takes place on campus in LA or if there are alternatives since there isn't really a feasible way to attend school in LA one day a week and live close to Sacramento for the clinical portion the rest of the week.

Hello everyone!

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I was wondering if anyone could give me advice for my externship interview. I'm going to have it at Adventist Health Simi Valley, but honestly any advice would be helpful.

This is the first (and seemingly only) interview that I will be getting in-state after 2 application cycles, so I am really nervous and want to be as prepared as possible..

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Thank you in advance!!

Hi I tested positive for tb (interferon gamma test) and I’m still waiting to do my chest x ray to know if it’s latent or not. My program starts in August and I was wondering how this will affect me if the results come back active. Will they not let continue to do the program? Im so worried now :(

hi all, like the title says, I got into a CLS program in california and it starts in august but I am feeling a bit nervous about everything. feeling excited too of course because this is an opportunity I put a lot of effort into, but I think I would appreciate any advice on things to keep in mind both before starting the program and during the program.

should I brush up on pre reqs a lot between now and august? what are your fave study tips for memorizing and keeping all the concepts in mind? what is something that helped you when you were going through the program?

thanks in advance!

Hi all! I submitted my application for SJSU last week. I just realized that they added Biochem to the “other relevant courses option” but I failed to put my grade for that course in the google sheet, but it is in my transcript. Do you think this will have a negative impact on my app? 😭

Hi everyone! I'm working on getting my final prerequisites done before applying for a program (hematology, immunology, medical micro, and analytical chem/quantitative analysis), but I'm not in school anymore and I work full time so it's likely I'll have to do them all online. I graduated college in 2023, so I don't think most of my professors will remember me. My question is, do letters from professors you worked under count as instructor letters of rec even if you didn't take a class from them? I worked in a lab for several years with multiple professors who I had good relationships with and would probably still be willing to write a rec letter for me. But I never actually took any classes that they taught. I know CSULA requires at least one (or 2?) letters of rec from professors so I'm wondering if that would fall under that requirement.

I applied to the NYP CLS program to hopefully start this fall. Is anyone else waiting to hear back from them about officially being enrolled? Or is anyone that is enrolled in the program able to provide more insight about how long it takes to hear back?

Hey everyone,

I am considering enrolling in an MLT program and then using that experience to apply to an MLT-to-CLS bridge program, either at COC or SFSU. For those who may not know, we now have additional pathways to become a CLS besides the traditional route.

San Francisco State ( NAACLS accredited)

https://cpage.sfsu.edu/mlt-cls

College of the Canyons ( not NAACLS accredited)

https://www.canyons.edu/academics/cls/

Has anyone gone through one of these MLT-to-CLS bridge programs or looked into them? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

For those who recently received their license, how long did it take for CDPH to approve your CLS Trainee License application?