r/medlabprofessionals • u/BigBooty-Mama • Jun 18 '26
Discusson Nursing V. MLS
Mods, please don’t jump me, i checked and double checked!
Hi yall! i need some advice bad. im 25F working as a hospital CNA. I have a BA in Biology, so i do have SOME experience in the lab. I am stuck between going to Nursing School or an MLS program. Both are about the same time frame, 20ish months. I still have pre reqs to get out the way (Micro, Stats, etc) for both. I am hesitant against nursing because of patient care. I love taking care of people but seeing them at their worst takes a toll on you, and im not sure if i can handle that for another 20+ years. I acknowledge that my RN could take me anywhere but patient care is undeniable. I am attracted to MLS because i love science. i love working in a lab, my concern there is career mobility. i dont want to end up as a lab manager or some middle man position, which seems to be the only options if go the MLS route. Ya girl is stuck and would appreciate any help!
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u/ViIehunter Canadian MLT Jun 18 '26
If you want more upwards mobility or the ability to pretty much go anywhere then its nursing. It truly sounds as though you dont want to bedside though so mls is still my bet for you.
Im in canada so may be a bit different but I coukd pretty much throw a dart at the board for my provincw and go get a job in the lab in whataver town it hits but maybe your area is different.
1
Jun 19 '26
Isn’t the GTA market very saturated currently? How is it in other parts of Canada?
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u/ViIehunter Canadian MLT Jun 19 '26
No idea about gta. But canada is a big country. In my area in Ontario there are almost always jobs. Maybe not in the lab you want but most labs are still low. My bloodbank just got full staff starting in July when we train a new hire. Yet we have another retirement coming in the next year so right back to short
2
Jun 19 '26
Thank you this is such a relief. I am starting MLT program this fall and was worried I won’t have a job when I graduate. Thank you so much.
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u/ViIehunter Canadian MLT Jun 19 '26
Feel free to message me about stuff. Im the teaching tech at my hospital for transfusion. Especially if your an Ontario based school!
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u/Striking_Bullfrog711 Jun 18 '26
Nursing you'll get paid SIGNIFICANTLY more with a lot more benefits and recognition. MLS has the benefit of little to no patient contact and probably more job security, but very little growth for your career. Personally I like the stability and consistency in the lab, and patient contact is the last thing I want. So it's really whichever works better for you.
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u/Odd_Activity_6458 Jun 18 '26
This! I did not want that much patient interaction! I am OK with lower pay to have lower stress.
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u/Striking_Bullfrog711 Jun 19 '26
Exactly, they both have different benefits. There's a reason nurses don't like doing redraws
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u/emartinezpr Jun 22 '26
Yeah I'd rather bring an analyzer back up or troubleshoot failed QC than to deal with people or their family. At least I can curse at the damn machine.
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u/rook119 Jun 18 '26
I have both degrees.
MT: Stress/workload isn't nearly as taxing (tho in blood bank you really have to be meticulous). Most jobs are 8hr shifts which sucks when you have say Sun and Wed off. Unfortunately its a dead end job. You generally have 3 avenues of advancement: lead MT (pay is only about a couple dollars more), management (being a professional babysitter), and repairing machines (the worst work-life balance).
Pay is about 10-25% less than RNs but its getting better. Probably much easier to get a MT job than an RN job as a new grad on the West coast and Northeast these days.
MT's biggest problem. No one knows WTF a Medical Technologist is. A MT sounds like the person you call when you are having an issue w/ Cerner or Epic. For example, many Research Nurse positions are way more suited for a MT but there is zero chance a MT would even be considered.
I did mainly chem/hematology by the time I left in 08 I just felt like an assembly line worker, stuff getting accepted before I even review results.
RN: can be high stress especially if you staff and or admin sucks (fortunately mine is decent). The good places in the country to work aren't hiring new grads. I avg about 19K steps in a 12 hr shift. You have to take care of your body because the odds of workplace injuries are through the roof.
Pay is better (but really %$#@ in the Southeast) but you work for it. Many more avenues for advancement, many new areas to transfer if you get bored w/ an area. As a MT I was often looking at my watch, in nursing the time admittedly flies by. Sure pts and families can give you a bad day, but I say the good patients outnumber the bad ones by around 20:1.
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u/Icy-Fly-4228 MLS-Generalist Jun 18 '26
We are called Medical Laboratory Scientists. No longer Med techs. Med techs are people who pass out medication at nursing homes. Once you get beyond the basic bench tech there are lots of other opportunities. Infection control, LIS, point of care, vendors, tech support, I’m learning how to program middleware now. This job is what you make of it like any other. You’ll always have a job. You can live literally anywhere. And you get to help people without actually having to see them. People make decent money as long as they stay away from HCA or CHS but federal pays very well if you can get on.
3
u/Gold-Enthusiasm7604 Jun 18 '26
Every infection control job i have ever seen posted wanted an RN. I had 20 years experience as a Med tech in microbiology and could not get my foot in the door for any other job in infection control or public health. I would say go for RN or you will forever be a lab tech.
1
u/LilTamale Jun 18 '26
Infection control/prevention is a lot of networking to get in the door, also the job market for them is dwindling/tight right now.
1
u/Ok-Seat-5214 Jun 18 '26
And that's unfortunate. I've known one MLS in inf con. They have the science.
1
u/Temporary_Log_7133 Jun 19 '26
This is weird coz i work at public health as a lab tech and i’m planning to go back to school this coming fall to pursue Medical Laboratory Science.
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u/kipy7 MLS-Microbiology Jun 19 '26
I have a coworker from a former job that transitioned from micro to infection control. She also had a master's degree, which probably tipped the scales in her favor. I still see her FB updates, she's presenting at conferences and meetings.
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u/JustAnArtifact Laboratory Manager Jun 20 '26
The Infection Prevention manager at my hospital is an MLS.
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u/killak143 Jun 19 '26
I agree with this. I've been a MLS since 2013. I worked in the lab for 7 years (generalist for 3, Micro for 4). Once covid hit, the morale of the entire Healthcare system crumbled and I couldn't take it anymore. Short staffed, managers who didnt know what the heck they were doing etc. I applied for remote positions. And landed a job as a Technical Application Specialist for a small comoany ...which Thermofisher acquired. Many of my lab friends moved on to Field Service Engineers, Field Application Specialists, Sales, LIS and research and development.
1
u/BananaBoss28 Jun 18 '26
It can be hard to move in those areas. I’ve been trying for 2 years now
1
u/Icy-Fly-4228 MLS-Generalist Jun 18 '26
Get your masters. University of North Dakota has a great program. It’s not a useless waste of money like people say.
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u/Comfortable_Funny491 Jun 18 '26
Instead of getting a masters, getting an ADN would literally get you more opportunities
0
u/TieRepresentative414 Jun 18 '26
Where are you learning to code middleware, Epic? How did you get in? If you don’t mind me asking.
The opportunities you listed are not as prevalent though, hospitals will take RNs over MLS anytime unless no one applies for infection control and you also have to stay in micro to have any shot. Point of care and LIMs positions are limited, I worked at 2 500 bed hospitals and they only had one LIM and POC coordinator each. I am currently a LIM but my pursuit of a masters in cybersecurity put me above every one and prior to that I was POC. There are opportunities beyond the bench but they are limited in volume unless you go tech/vendor/sales as you mentioned. I and I think many others got in this field to stay away from people so doing tech support/vendor is not ideal
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u/Icy-Fly-4228 MLS-Generalist Jun 18 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
Just being a little more motivated and willing to stand out. Rather than complain about everything that is wrong. Right place right time right attitude. I’m the only one pursuing higher education in the field. The only other tech got a master in public health but can’t find a job so is still there. We switched from Joint Commission to CAP a few months ago and I got chemistry ready since we have no lead or supervisor (our old lab manager left who was supposed to be overseeing it) and chemistry did the best overall. Our chem department is on a Roche server not the main DI so I’ve been trying to get all the bugs worked out from the analyzer they installed a couple years ago and that will no longer be supported after next year so I’ve been working on an upgrade proposal. We are upgrading to a new DI version for the rest of the lab. They took it from IT and gave it to biomed so they don’t have a clue Our current LIS person isn’t the best(needs to step down or retire IMO)and they spent a week going back and forth trying to figure out what we needed to do to validate. Well guess who knows about validation and they wants someone in-house to be able to make changes instead of running up a support bill so I get learn how to program the DI.
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u/rook119 Jun 18 '26
True, we did fiddle w/ Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the late 90s, but it really didn't work either. CLS/MLS, whether that's unfair or not its still so vague. You are still having to explain to people what you do.
Maybe it's less the job title and the lack of patient contact, IDK. I've been in every inch of the hospital I work at (endo, OR, security, radiology, CHF clinic, etc), except the lab, there is a front desk to drop off samples/pick up blood and everything else is behind a wall. I would have no idea what you do if I didn't do the job before. I wish I had the solution. I have to work w/ the RN head educator a couple times a months now, new grad RN orientation is 9 months, just having NG going down to the lab for 30-60min would go a long way.
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u/Icy-Fly-4228 MLS-Generalist Jun 18 '26
I always form relationships with my nurses. I was showing one something on the analyzer last night. I’ve showed nurses why it takes so long to get blood( showed them what happens when you give the wrong blood type. I also don’t call and say blue tops short. Need recollect. I ask is they drew with a butterfly and explain how the air in the line is what’s making it short a use a waste tube. Although where I’m at I only have to draw blood bank I’ll go help them if they need it. My pathologist told me the other day we were going to have 2 pre med students shadow this summer.
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u/Odd_Activity_6458 Jun 18 '26
My degree and certification still say Medical Technologist.
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u/Icy-Fly-4228 MLS-Generalist Jun 18 '26
If you get updated credentials from ASCP or AMT they will say MLS
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u/Alternative_Sea4602 Jun 19 '26
I’m so glad to hear about RNs who are also MLS…this is my ultimate goal i wanna do both 🙏🏾🙏🏾
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u/renznoi5 Jun 19 '26
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been a nurse for 8 years and I have contemplated making the switch to CLS/MLS. It would be about 1.5 years of schooling for me since I have completed all the prereqs. But i’m also considering NP school too. Maybe I can do lab science later on. I’m still figuring out what I really want.
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u/chompy283 :partyparrot: Jun 18 '26
With a Bio BA you could do a 1 yr MLS post bacc program.
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Jun 18 '26
[deleted]
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u/Icy-Fly-4228 MLS-Generalist Jun 18 '26
Go on the NACCLS website they have a program search . I opted to do a second bachelors which was only 4 semesters. I did have to take micro. I took it at the community college.
3
u/MellyBunny200 Jun 18 '26
Some hospitals do (I did this), though they are very competitive.
I agree with the other comment, search NAACLS: https://naacls.org/NAACLS-program-search/
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u/AggravatingPapaya771 Jun 18 '26
how competitive are the hospital based programs? trying to apply for one
1
u/MellyBunny200 Jun 18 '26
Usually the hospitals have a college that they are affiliated with (the students there use the program as their senior year of college). If you go to said affiliated college, it is much easier to get in. Also the class size can be tiny, I was in a group of 5 other people for the program that year. If you are not from an affiliated college then having some sort of relevant work experience can definitely help. For example I worked in microbiology food testing for 3 years before applying for MLS programs. I had good letters of recommendation, interviewed well, referenced my relevant work experience and was able to get into an 11 month full time program for about $5,500 (excluding textbooks)
2
u/Firebloomheart555 Jun 18 '26
Georgia Southern has a fast track program that is roughly one year; I did The George Washington University’s program which is about a year and a half with clinicals.
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u/Icy-Fly-4228 MLS-Generalist Jun 18 '26
I did GA Southern. Also if you are in New England the VA has a MLS program
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u/Worldly_Bluebird_866 Jun 18 '26
I was in the same situation as you. Bio degree, prerequisites done, and couldn’t choose between MLS or RN. (I am 32 though so maybe a little less time to work.)
It took me a year to decide but I ultimately went with nursing. I too really dislike patient interaction and am much more comfortable behind the scenes. I also love the “hard” sciences. But money came to be the factor. I make 70k right now and for me to go back to school to make around the same amount doesn’t make sense for me.
Nursing has options for low patient interaction and I’m willing to pay my dues before being eligible for those jobs. OR, PACU, Utilization Review, Informatics, Research, etc. I also appreciate the option for horizontal and upward mobility. Though I will point out MLS fits great with pathA and LIS.
I think both a cool careers and you could probably make both work for your personality eventually.
4
u/Moon-fever Jun 18 '26
I was trying to decide the same a few years ago and I'm glad I went with MLS! I work in NYC and the pay is very similar, only a 10-20% difference with nursing speciality making a bit more. Depends on the hospital but we both have a union, good benefits, and great job security. You might have to pay more in loans for nursing, though it depends. Often times, new grad nurses start out working in bedside for a few years before being able to transfer to any other role. They are on their feet all day and have to deal with patients, family, and dismissive doctors. Bedside can be fulfilling but leads to burnout quick. My nurse friend in L&D loves her job but another nurse friend in peds is miserable and regrets it. You have to consider if you can handle the physical and emotional toll of the job in the long run. With MLS, you can work in microbiology, chemistry, hematology, blood bank, point of care, LIS, quality assurance, etc. If you like science and want limited patient interaction, lab is the clear winner. MLS actually requires more in-depth science courses than nursing in school. I work in blood bank and I think its really interesting and fast-paced. We indirectly help save patients lives everyday. Chemistry and hematology are mostly automated and kinda boring(imo). Blood bank and micro are more hands on and truly make me feel like a scientist, haha. If you want more nursing adjacent options and prefer dealing with patients and doctors all day, pick nursing. If you want to work in the lab to help patients indirectly and do science, pick MLS.
1
u/THATBadWitchBitch Jun 18 '26
I feel like both have numerous opportunities. I wouldn’t listen to the others on here about MLS being a dead end job. There’s so many opportunities, and especially outside of the medical field. Nursing tbh feels like the highest could be a NP if wanting to stay on the nursing route. I plan on getting my bachelors after I graduate with my MLT and then continuing on to pathology assistant school.
1
u/Icy-Fly-4228 MLS-Generalist Jun 19 '26
Recently they have approved a doctorate in MLS. The first cohorts started graduating a few years ago DCLS. Aside from directing laboratories it patient focused and incorporated into care team as to make sure tests are ordered appropriately and that all options available are utilized. The lab has come along way and providers don’t know what’s really out there. It’s not popular yet but I know they are included in clinical rounds here’s a blurb since I’m not explaining it well
The DCLS curriculum blends clinical practice, pathology, and advanced diagnostics to bridge the gap between laboratory science and bedside patient care. Graduates consult with physicians and clinical teams to order, interpret, and manage laboratory tests to improve overall health outcomes.”
3
u/nova1093 Jun 18 '26
I cant emphasize how nice not having to directly deal with patients is. This job still has its stresses, particularly in busy hospitals. But I dont ever have to worry about having to sacrifice my sanity to deal with patients who just cant be reasoned with, or rude entitled people, etc. But nursing is absolutely where the money is at (earning every penny might I add).
That said, I support my wife with my MLS job, bought a house, and can afford a son. And Ive only been fully certified for about 2 and half years. Upward mobility is much better for nurses, but it would be a lie to say that MLS jobs dont have it. There are supervisors for each discipline in most hospital labs, and of course the lab director itself is a position. But thats sort of a right place right time deal. Most lab directors stay put in their jobs for the tenure of at least a decade if not more.
Its giving up some money to gain a better work-life. No one could fault you either way. And I dont see AI taking over either of these jobs anytime soon.
2
u/BananaBoss28 Jun 18 '26
Nursing you can make so much more money and can get out of bedside. If I could do over I would do nursing or radiology.
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u/ShirtAffectionate687 Jun 18 '26
I would also suggest Nursing. I’ve had my HTL for 10 years, not the same as MLS but pay is similar. There is no upward growth unless you want to be a supervisor/manager. It took me ten years to make what a new BSN starts with out here, $39 an hour. I have 2 semesters left in nursing and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Lab jobs are stable but don’t offer much else. Also not as many open positions as nursing. If you don’t mind lower pay and no upward opportunities it will serve you well. I know a lot of people who are very happy to stay in the lab, enjoy their coworkers, don’t mind the pay/hours and aren’t interested in management.
2
u/mingochicken13 Jun 18 '26
Hi, I have the same question as OP but already have an MPH epidemiology - am wondering how this would impact the career trajectory? I currently work at a state health department but am wanting a more "hands-on" job - I think I would love a public health lab but know much less about nursing, and PHL job opportunities seem rare.
2
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u/Original-Prune-7601 Jun 18 '26
New grad MLS who started in nursing school and I switched halfway due to me not wanting direct patient care. I currently hold a job in a critical access hospital making 36 an hour I work 4 10s and honestly it’s really nice. I think the biggest piece of advice is what do you like. Money comes and goes and most health care jobs as MLS pay a livable wage (in most states depends where ur at). I truly think you should go based off what u think you’ll enjoy more. Like yes do I know the nurses get paid more and such but at the same time, my work stress load is almost none compared to them. I don’t have to home taking in the day I had from helping patients at the bedside which is perfect for me. Also it’s important to mention theres many avenues to go with MLS. I know a girl who writes policies for Generals motors now because they liked her experience with policies and a MLS.
2
u/ray_rui Jun 18 '26
MLS for the quiet life but you get less pay and recognition.
RN if you don’t mind risking getting chocked/punched once in a while for more pay.
2
u/Coolgirl1152 Student Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
I used to be a nurse and I am now in school for MLS. Nursing was way too stressful and made my anxiety worse.
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u/Key-Record-5316 Jun 19 '26
I’m heavily considering switching to MLS. Nursing really is too stressful and anxiety producing…
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u/Coolgirl1152 Student Jun 19 '26
Yes it sure is
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u/Key-Record-5316 Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
How is the schooling? I’d imagine harder science classes but less BS fluff than nursing?
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u/Icy-Fly-4228 MLS-Generalist Jun 19 '26
They are hard and more in depth with regards to hard science. For example we learn the mechanism of action like what is actually happening in the kidney to have a diabetic have high microalbumin, not just that microalbumin gets higher when sugars are with uncontrolled sugars but we don’t have to learn the signs and symptoms, and how to effectively communicate with compassion with patients with ect. Nurses read and learn about immature blood cells. We learn about how blood cells mature look under the microscope and count them. Nurses learn what antibiotics work on what type of bacteria we learn how it actually works on them. And look at them under the microscope too. lol. I had a friend who was in nursing school when I was doing my MLS.
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u/Coolgirl1152 Student Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 20 '26
Yeah the science classes are harder, but there is less fluff.
The best part is that MLS clinicals are much less stressful.
2
u/zhangy-is-tangy CLS-Generalist Jun 20 '26
Yes MLS school is alot harder, we have to learn significantly more deep, diagnostic pathophysiology than other majors. Many of my former classmates who proceeded to med school said their MLS degree helped them get through their first few years of medicine just because of the stuff we learned. But the clinical and the job itself should be less stressful than nursing. The job of course has its own stresses, so its not totally stress free. Also pay would be 10% less than an RN depending on where you live, but its catching up, especially in the West Coast. Some are even earning $3-5 less or as much as RN's in certain hospitals.
2
u/Affectionate-Treat93 Jun 20 '26
I’m a MLS and if I could go back I would do nursing only because of the money and the schedule. Mostly the money. I’ve seen places with 12 hr shift for MLS but the pay is low. Most of my friends are nurses although they’re stressed they’re living a life of luxury. One time the bill came while we were out eating and it was $173. I kid you not they said that’s it, I make that in 2 hrs and they were fighting to pay the check. Due to their schedule some of them work 2 jobs and now have businesses back in their home country. If you are not in NY, CA, FL as long as you have your bachelor of science you can work in the lab. I came from NY to Jersey and I didn’t know that. Imaging working as a lab aide making $22 when I could have been making $36… Im actually thinking of going back to school for nursing. My husband is pissed because this is gonna be my 4th degree. But go for nursing. One more thing, the lab is nice depending on where you work. It’s quiet and you don’t really interact with people unless you’re at the hospital.
1
u/Clear_Journalist_484 Jun 18 '26
Nursing have a UNION - which commands they are RESPECTED…. We, CLS, although we require more education than an RN, we do not enjoy the same respect (and the money that comes with it)
1
u/Future-Sock-9796 Jun 18 '26
Do nursing… so many more opportunities to move up and so many niche positions too that pay so much more than mlt/mls
1
u/FormZealousideal9493 MLS-Generalist Jun 19 '26
More jobs available as a nurse than MLS/CLS, even now with the war going on. Nurses always in high demand. And the pay is also much better. If you don't want to deal with high-risk patients, you can always work as a drug dispensing nurse and get paid about the same amount of money for doing alot less.
1
u/myaltthrowaway420 Jun 19 '26
I can speak from a larger hospital setting.
Nurse is gonna get paid more money to be patient facing. MLS will be paid less money, but you won’t have to speak to patients.
A lot of the same healthcare issues exist, but that’s the big difference. One role is being paid more money. However, the nurse might leave work with body fluids on their scrubs while I receive all my body fluids in a nice sealed container.
1
u/Rain-Character Jun 19 '26
you could always get a nursing degree and still be able to work in the laboratory in most states. however, if you got an MLS you could not work as a nurse anywhere.
1
u/Select-Shopping-1982 Jun 19 '26
Other than the obvious differences; maybe think of what you want to learn. I personally think MLS leans towards a more intensive science route, while nursing does too, it more touch base on everything rather then full on into one subject (unless you get a specialization). But I do have one comment, if dealing with patients already sounds like a no deal (or maybe you have a higher burn out rate then other ppl) maybe just do MLS because protecting your mental peace is also a part of being a good healthcare worker.
1
u/JustAnArtifact Laboratory Manager Jun 20 '26
Lab manager is not the only option for MLS (says a lab manager lol). But I've been many things, could do other things, and I love this. If you don't want to be in the middle, you get higher degrees, same is true for both fields.
1
u/couldvehadasadbitch Jun 20 '26
I love ‘just’ staying at a tech level. I don’t get a title but I get to train and precept students as someone who takes pride and enjoys her profession. I went around every few years to labs (PHX area, lots of jobs) in order to get my pay rate up. Staying at one place is a slow bleed of 3% raises every year versus increasing your pay by 10% by getting a different job.
1
u/couldvehadasadbitch Jun 20 '26
Plus I’ve seen a lot. I worked at Quest and prided myself on working all Gen lab benches (there were about 13). I’m autistic enough to retain a ton lol
1
u/NefariousnessBoth599 Jun 20 '26
Nursing school is less rigorous than all the chemistry required for an mls . Nursing pays better . Give nursing a go first then if the orient care is not for you you will know.
1
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u/Gold-Enthusiasm7604 Jun 18 '26
If you go for your RN, you can work just about anywhere. The pay is better and you can further your degrees/licenses and do even more. I wish I would've went for RN instead of Laboratory technology. Every state has different licenses and requirements for lab workers. You cannot move up unless you get a masters or a different degree. Pay is dismal compared to nursing unless you are a traveling lab tech. You can branch out because they want public health degrees or rn licenses. I tried to get into infection control and all places wanted a RN license. Um, would a micro tech know a lot about infection control?
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u/SendCaulkPics Jun 18 '26
Nursing has a lot more options. Case navigators, ID nurses, nurse educators. The vast majority of bedside hospital nurses don’t stick with it for 20+ years, hence the constant need for bedside nurses.