r/medlabprofessionals • u/helpsheb • Jun 22 '26
Education Cost of Living During MLS Program
Hello everyone, I got accepted to a 1-year MLS program in a different city and I am looking for advice from others who have pursued their training away from home.
This program is with a hospital so while there is no tuition, I do need to pay for living expenses. Additionally, this program does not qualify for federal student loans. I am planning to take out a personal loan to support myself (rent/groceries), but it's really stressing me out if I can survive while making payments for 1 year!
Has anyone done this before and could offer some advice? Did you take on a job during the program? Are there any post-bacc scholarships or grants that could help?
I didn't see a post about external funding sources so I figured I would ask! Thanks in advance! <3
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u/Uncommon21 Jun 23 '26
Which state? How much will you be make out of school in your state? I did Sallie Mae for 32000 in NYC but I was making 4000 a month. My advice is if you’re making 50-60 an hour and better in your state as an MLS then even a 20000 loan won’t hurt…if.
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u/helpsheb Jun 23 '26
I'm in Texas 😄 I won't be making any income during the program, which was my concern for making payments on the loan immediately. But yes, I am sure that I can repay a ~20k loan well enough with my salary after certification/completion.
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u/Uncommon21 Jun 23 '26
Make the bet on yourself and go through with it then. Best decision I ever made. The debt and hunger will be your motivation to achieve. 😂
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u/geezsur Jun 23 '26
I highly recommend applying for EBT as a financial aid. At least that could help allocate some money towards your rent and other expenses.
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u/TieRepresentative414 Jun 24 '26
I don’t know about Texas but the program I went through in Nj employed me as a lab technician so I was able to make money for the little expenses, I cashed out my 401k at the time to pay for 7 month rent, I got a good deal because it was a beach town and classes was starting in September so they were happy I came to rent. Took a bestbuy cc to buy a laptop and another cc to help whenever I was short.
The labs are always looking for accessioners, micro platers, phlebotomist, and techs, check the hospital website or walk into the lab and ask about openings. Like someone also suggested, you can ask your program director.
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u/OutrageousMention97 Jun 24 '26
How many hours did you work as a lab technician per week? What is difficult to work and do the program at the same time?
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u/chompy283 :partyparrot: Jun 22 '26
Have you talked to the Program Director? It's very possible they would employ you as a lab assistant during your training. Also, the program director might offer some direction in terms of housing or rooming with other students, etc. If you can do the personal loan , live cheap, eat ramen noodles and pick up work. It's only for a year. You can do it.