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How to become a MLT?

I'm graduating in May with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology and I'm interested in becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). However, I don’t have any clinical lab experience, and the information I’ve found online about the process is a bit confusing and inconsistent. Could someone help me understand the most direct and realistic path to becoming an MLS with my background? I’d really appreciate a clear roadmap or advice on the best next steps.

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Alexandra’s Answer

Hi Chloe!
I am Medical Laboratory Scientist.
In order to get clinical laboratory experience, you should apply for internship in hospitals that train specifically MLS student around your area. From my experience, they do accept students/graduates from Science majors.
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Aimee’s Answer

MLT is the 2 year version of medical laboratory. You could continue on in school for 2 years to get that degree. I would encourage you to research universities in your area to see if any of them have Medical laboratory science degrees. That is the four year version. With a bachelor's in Microbiology you may be able to find a clinical site that could work with you on just that portion which would only be about a year.

Another option would be to check local hospitals see if they have work route options for medical laboratory. Starting as a phlebotomist would get you in the door in a lab and give you great experience.
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Edward’s Answer

This is a great question. In California we are CLS's or Clinical Laboratory Scientist. How do you start? Believe it or not, any where you can get exposure to the medical profession. My path started by working as a file clerk at a local hospital. This gave me exposure to the world of medicine and what hospital felt and smelled like. I then found jobs working in doctors offices being trained in phlebotomy and running simple Laboratory tests while in college
These experiences confirmed my love of Laboratory medicine and launched my career of being in the Laboratory for 16 and then transitioning to being a Healthcare executive.
Another area to be explored is your local community college to see what training they offer. If you have a family friend who is a doctor, see if can shadow them for a day.
The biggest thing is to get real life experiences to help you gain confidence in your decision and then drive to your goal.
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