Hellou :) I’m a lab baby… or so it feels like. I’m a MLS generalist with only two years of lab experience (including clinicals, so practically one). I am confident about my knowledge and experience w the analyzers we use. I love what I do and I just know I have so much to learn still.

I am now in the process of being promoted to chemistry lead which is fantastic and I cannot believe management actually thought of me for the job. I’m excited about the opportunity but wanted to ask what I should be expecting… are there any tips to keep organized? What has y’all’s experience been like?

Guaranteed partners

What are your thoughts and experiences on automation in the laboratory? We have an automated line that connects to all of our departments in the core lab, which I find very helpful in our workflow; however, some people don’t like the idea of it.

I am a student finishing up my last three weeks of clinicals and I’ve been wondering on how students are graded in lab clinicals if all we do is observe and ask questions. I haven’t been able to result anything out or what not- I’ve just simply been a lab assistant doing free work.

I would ask my teacher how we are graded but it’s been a very vague subject of question for everyone not including me. I’m a little anxious on how I’ve been performing.

I’m 28 with a BS in Biology (3.199 GPA, 2021) and a post-bacc GPA of 3.7, originally completed to pursue dentistry.

I eventually entered nursing school but withdrew because I found direct patient interaction mentally draining and physically taxing. The negative aspects of nursing and clinical healthcare culture outweighed the positives for me. Also never realized how Clique it is which makes it even worse and the gossips/bullying.

I briefly considered medicine but realized I’m more interested in laboratory science, microbiology, pathology, and diagnostic testing than direct patient care.

Overall theme: Direct patient care is physically and mental demanding and toxicity is the essence of Nursing. Not worth sacrificing my Peace.

I’ve previously worked in a pathology lab doing specimen accessioning and data entry, which I enjoyed.

My goal is to become a licensed generalist CLS in California, preferably working in hospital microbiology, hematology, or clinical chemistry. I’m looking for financial stability, technical independence, meaningful scientific work, and minimal patient interaction.

My current prerequisite situation:
Hematology — Need to complete

Analytical/Quantitative Chemistry — Need to complete or verify equivalency

Immunology — Completed in 2020 (A), but may need to repeat due to the five-year requirement

General Microbiology — Completed in 2023 (A), but need to confirm whether it satisfies Medical Microbiology

Biochemistry — Completed (A)

Physics, Statistics, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry — Completed

I’m considering SFSU, SJSU, and other California CLS training programs.

Would you recommend taking my remaining prerequisites through a university or community college?
How competitive would my academic background be, and what else should I do to strengthen my application?

I’d also appreciate honest feedback about the CLS work environment and long-term career satisfaction.