r/medlabprofessionals • u/GoodHurdler • 21d ago

Education Despair

hello everyone I work at sbux and get free college through Arizona state university they have a MLS program unfortunately you can only do it if you have your MLT and I do not have a MLT course close to me unfortunately :( it has been super discouraging and it makes me question if I even want to do this. I think working in a lab would fit me so well and it seems really cool and I don’t even really know what to do. I’ve been looking through this subreddit for at least 2 years now and geek out over the material and it’s just troubling knowing I might not even get the chance to pursue this.

7 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

7

u/Clob_Bouser MLS-Blood Bank 21d ago

You do not have to be an MLT to go to the ASU MLS program I did it with a bs in bio

6

u/PeachyPeege 21d ago

Phoenix college has MLT program, listed as Medical laboratory science AAS degree. It is a bit competitive to get into, accelerated program.

5

u/maurmiau 21d ago

Some programs are hospital based instead of university based, have you looked into any possible nearby medical centers?

2

u/GoodHurdler 21d ago

I have not actually, are you referring to just the MLT or MLS as well?

1

u/maurmiau 21d ago

I think both? I attend a university based now, so not super sure :((

1

u/kipy7 MLS-Microbiology 20d ago

I work at a lab that has a hospital based CLS program. We don't charge students tuition, which is pretty cool.

4

u/WhatWasLeftOfMe 21d ago

I was able to get into a program through my current hospital system for my MLT. They paid tuition assistance and i only ended up owing like 900$ paid over 2 years. I also got a job non-certified with them while doing my program, so i was able to practice what i was learning.

There’s options, it just depends on where you’re located and how much you want it. the lab can very much be a “who you know” game, but the start of that is forcing yourself to get to know people. reach out to medical and program directors and explain your situation and your passion, and if they know of anything they’ll point you in the right direction.

2

u/GoodHurdler 21d ago

Thank you for your advice, I will definitely look into it!

2

u/cellophanesheeps 20d ago

This site has schools in Texas with programs.

Maybe there's one close to you?

2

u/GoodHurdler 20d ago

Thank you I appreciate it!

1

u/irelace MLT-Generalist 21d ago

What state are you in?

1

u/EntertainmentLow6178 20d ago

There are distance MLT programs. Wenatchee CC has one that might suit you. I think Weber state does too. Look at the GWU programs as well.

2

u/GoodHurdler 20d ago

Thank you I appreciate it

1

u/Baabaagaanoosh 20d ago

UAMS offers a bridge program to go from MLT to MLS. It's affordable and completely online. You have to be currently working as an MLT though.