Is being a Medical Technologist considered clinical experience?

[Robin-jay]

Hello everyone, I'm currently in the application process. However, I want to do something during my gap year.

I have Master's Degree in Chemistry, and I definitely want to utilize that. I was thinking of being a medical technologist during my gap year before medical school. (if you don't know what a medical technologist is, look them up. Its usually a position that requires a bachelor's in chemistry, and allows you to move up over time).

Is this a good position for clinical experience? Is it considered clinical experience? Its also good because I can obtain a license doing this as well, which medical schools do enjoy in their applicants/matriculates.


Thank you SDNers.

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[Coltuna]

It's considered clinical experience for sure; however, just know that unless you work at a smaller hospital, you'll have very little patient exposure. That's not to say it's not valuable clinical experience as it's always good to gain experience in diferent setting, but there are better options out there. Also know that being a medical technologist isn't as easy as just having a chemistry degree and throwing your resume at hospitals haha. Most hospitals require a certification for which you need to test, and there's a specific Medical Laboratory Science that prepares students for this career. I know of two techs who actually failed their certification exam the first time around and were Med Lab Science Majors who had gone through a required internship as well.

 

[Robin-jay]

It's considered clinical experience for sure; however, just know that unless you work at a smaller hospital, you'll have very little patient exposure. That's not to say it's not valuable clinical experience as it's always good to gain experience in diferent setting, but there are better options out there. Also know that being a medical technologist isn't as easy as just having a chemistry degree and throwing your resume at hospitals haha. Most hospitals require a certification for which you need to test, and there's a specific Medical Laboratory Science that prepares students for this career. I know of two techs who actually failed their certification exam the first time around and were Med Lab Science Majors who had gone through a required internship as well.

What would you consider "better" options?

What if I opt to not get the certification and simply apply to work at lesser hospital/clinic medical technologist positions? The lab tech I talked to was someone who did patient-contact but wasn't a medical technologist.

I think it goes medical lab technician requires no certificate, and medical technologist does. I'm fine with starting out with the former and working towards the latter while working towards medical school.

 

[Coltuna]

What would you consider "better" options?

What if I opt to not get the certification and simply apply to work at lesser hospital/clinic medical technologist positions? The lab tech I talked to was someone who did patient-contact but wasn't a medical technologist.

I think it goes medical lab technician requires no certificate, and medical technologist does. I'm fine with starting out with the former and working towards the latter while working towards medical school.

I would actually recommend going the technician route over the technologist route if you're just kind of using it as a "pit stop" before medical school for lack of better terms. In my experience, technicians were more involved with drawing blood than technologist but outside of that, it was very hard to tell the difference lol. As far as better options, it really depends on what you're looking for in your clinical exposure. If you need a good income, med tech is the way to go. If you want more patient contact hours, CNA or phlebotomist might be better routes. If you want exposure to the ins and outs of a physician's worklife and want to learn a lot then scribing would be best.

 

[de Ribas]

I would actually recommend going the technician route over the technologist route if you're just kind of using it as a "pit stop" before medical school for lack of better terms. In my experience, technicians were more involved with drawing blood than technologist but outside of that, it was very hard to tell the difference lol. As far as better options, it really depends on what you're looking for in your clinical exposure. If you need a good income, med tech is the way to go. If you want more patient contact hours, CNA or phlebotomist might be better routes. If you want exposure to the ins and outs of a physician's worklife and want to learn a lot then scribing would be best.

Does scribing involve direct patient contact?

 

[Coltuna]

Does scribing involve direct patient contact?

It depends on the working definition of "contact." Physically touching patients? Nope. Exposure to the physician-patient interaction? Yes.

Edit: I assume you mean touching, so no. CNA or phlebotomist are best for that.

 

[harkas]

Hello everyone, I'm currently in the application process. However, I want to do something during my gap year.

I have Master's Degree in Chemistry, and I definitely want to utilize that. I was thinking of being a medical technologist during my gap year before medical school. (if you don't know what a medical technologist is, look them up. Its usually a position that requires a bachelor's in chemistry, and allows you to move up over time).

Is this a good position for clinical experience? Is it considered clinical experience? Its also good because I can obtain a license doing this as well, which medical schools do enjoy in their applicants/matriculates.


Thank you SDNers.

Generally, if you can smell the patient, it counts as clinical experience.

Good clinical experience involves you actually working with the patient. Scribing is good but try to get something else as well.

 

[de Ribas]

It depends on the working definition of "contact." Physically touching patients? Nope. Exposure to the physician-patient interaction? Yes.

Edit: I assume you mean touching, so no. CNA or phlebotomist are best for that.

I work in memory care, and absolutely love my job.

Personally, I would recommend anyone to work as CNA in NH's, hospitals, in ER's and AL. Most places require certificate and some do not. There are 4-6 CNA weeks courses in addition to 1-semester programs at most community colleges.

Since, doctors will work with patients all the time and not just smell them, I recommend direct-patient contact in some sort of setting.

 

[de Ribas]

Hello everyone, I'm currently in the application process. However, I want to do something during my gap year.

I have Master's Degree in Chemistry, and I definitely want to utilize that. I was thinking of being a medical technologist during my gap year before medical school. (if you don't know what a medical technologist is, look them up. Its usually a position that requires a bachelor's in chemistry, and allows you to move up over time).

Is this a good position for clinical experience? Is it considered clinical experience? Its also good because I can obtain a license doing this as well, which medical schools do enjoy in their applicants/matriculates.

I tried to read more on medical technology and I could not find clear answers. Some say it is lab setting and some say that there is some patient contact.

I know phlebotomist and lab technicians, but did not hear much about medical technologists and what they do.



Questions:

Do you have all necessary clinic and non-clinic volunteering hours?

Is this just for your own experience and income or you want it to look good on the application ?

Are you asking if this is going to be good for post acceptance before matriculation?

Thank you SDNers.

 

[Coltuna]

I tried to read more on medical technology and I could not find clear answers. Some say it is lab setting and some say that there is some patient contact.

I know phlebotomist and lab technicians, but did not hear much about medical technologists and what they do.

It really depends on where you work. If you work in a smaller hospital setting, you could draw blood and run the samples whereas in larger settings, phlebotomists almost exlusively do this. Medical technologists and technicians are honestly almost indistinguishable in the laboratory. In fact, the "head tech" in the lab I was in was actually a technician. It's basically the difference between being a RN-BSN vs RN.

 

[Coltuna]

OP, it really depends on what you want out of your healthcare experience. Income/unique experience vs Direct Patient Contact vs Best exposure to everyday worklife of a physician.

 

[Robin-jay]

I would actually recommend going the technician route over the technologist route if you're just kind of using it as a "pit stop" before medical school for lack of better terms. In my experience, technicians were more involved with drawing blood than technologist but outside of that, it was very hard to tell the difference lol. As far as better options, it really depends on what you're looking for in your clinical exposure. If you need a good income, med tech is the way to go. If you want more patient contact hours, CNA or phlebotomist might be better routes. If you want exposure to the ins and outs of a physician's worklife and want to learn a lot then scribing would be best.

The pros of this career move are just too enticing(medical lab technician/medical technologist):

1.) Utilize my chemistry degree
2.) Allow me to move up in the field due to my masters (could even be lab manager).
3.) Hospital/clinical employment
4.) Allows easy access for clinical volunteering
5.) Earns a medical certification
6.) Obtains a decent paycheck to save up for SMP, medical school, etc. if needed

Although I do enjoy some of pros other areas such as CNA, medical scribing, etc. contain, I just don't think they fulfill the plethora of pros the medical lab technician/medical technologist route can provide.

 

[Coltuna]

The pros of this career move are just too enticing:

1.) Utilize my chemistry degree
2.) Allow me to move up in the field due to my masters (could even be lab manager).
3.) Hospital/clinical employment
4.) Allows easy access for clinical volunteering
5.) Earns a medical license
6.) Obtains a decent paycheck to save up for SMP, medical school, etc. if needed

Although I do enjoy some of pros other areas such as CNA, medical scribing, etc. contain, I just don't think they fulfill the plethora of pros the medical technician/medical technologist route can provide.

Fair enough!

 

[de Ribas]

The pros of this career move are just too enticing(medical lab technician/medical technologist):

1.) Utilize my chemistry degree
2.) Allow me to move up in the field due to my masters (could even be lab manager).
3.) Hospital/clinical employment
4.) Allows easy access for clinical volunteering
5.) Earns a medical certification
6.) Obtains a decent paycheck to save up for SMP, medical school, etc. if needed

Although I do enjoy some of pros other areas such as CNA, medical scribing, etc. contain, I just don't think they fulfill the plethora of pros the medical lab technician/medical technologist route can provide.

Why moving to manager position is important if you are going to medical school next year?

 

[Robin-jay]

Why moving to manager position is important if you are going to medical school next year?

I haven't been accepted yet. I hope I get accepted this cycle, but I'm currently unsure. However, whether I'm accepted or not, I want to be doing something in the mean time, and I prefer that something to be the best position that fits the most criteria for a successful future. If I don't get accepted this year, I wouldn't be working at a dead end, I'd still be moving up somewhere while reapplying!

 

[de Ribas]

I haven't been accepted yet. I hope I get accepted this cycle, but I'm currently unsure. However, whether I'm accepted or not, I want to be doing something in the mean time, and I prefer that something to be the best position that fits the most criteria for a successful future. If I don't get accepted this year, I wouldn't be working at a dead end, I'd still be moving up somewhere while reapplying!

That makes sense.

 

[Stevesme]

I'm currently Medical Technologist,

My brother is a physician who actually recommended I did this before going to medical school. Basically he said that its good experience, and that the MT's in his medical school class seemed to be a slight step ahead for some courses. Its definitely good experience, but not from a patient contact standpoint. Working as an MT I have gotten a way better sense of how a hospital operates, and I think if I do get into a medical school (applying next cycle) it will give me more of an appreciation of behind the scenes action that most of the world doesn't see. That being said, I also worked as an EMT in undergrad, and I think that experience will probably get me farther, because I actually administered care and talked with patients.

 

[Robin-jay]

I'm currently Medical Technologist,

My brother is a physician who actually recommended I did this before going to medical school. Basically he said that its good experience, and that the MT's in his medical school class seemed to be a slight step ahead for some courses. Its definitely good experience, but not from a patient contact standpoint. Working as an MT I have gotten a way better sense of how a hospital operates, and I think if I do get into a medical school (applying next cycle) it will give me more of an appreciation of behind the scenes action that most of the world doesn't see. That being said, I also worked as an EMT in undergrad, and I think that experience will probably get me farther, because I actually administered care and talked with patients.

Sounds good!

What was the easiest way to applying to this position? I had an MT tell me a good idea was to go through a company like Roche Technologies, etc.

I've also heard that these companies are willing to pay for medical school tuition? Assuming you have to work for them at least a couple years down the road after residency or so.

 

[Stevesme]

Sounds good!

What was the easiest way to applying to this position? I had an MT tell me a good idea was to go through a company like Roche Technologies, etc.

I've also heard that these companies are willing to pay for medical school tuition? Assuming you have to work for them at least a couple years down the road after residency or so.

When I graduated from my program, I had an offer from the hospital I did my clinical at, but decided to take a job closer to home (free rent, pay of loans etc). In terms of applying for the positions, if you look at various hospitals employment opportunities, they are usually listed as medical technologists or Medical lab Scientists. From what i've heard as well as seeing the experiences from my classmates at school, if you have passed the Board Of Certification Exam through the ASCP getting a position is fairly easy, and even easier if you are willing to work an off shift (2nd/3rd Shift).

Not sure about tuition reimbursement, definitely depends on where you work, but I wouldn't be surprised if that were a possibility.

 

[Robin-jay]

When I got out of school from my program, I had an offer from the hospital I did my clinical at, but decided to take a job closer to home (free rent, pay of loans etc). In terms of applying for the positions, if you look at various hospitals employment opportunities, they are usually listed as medical technologists or Medical lab Scientists. From what i've heard as well as seeing the experiences from my classmates at school, if you have passed the Board Of Certification Exam through the ASCP getting a position is fairly easy, and even easier if you are willing to work an off shift (2nd/3rd Shift).

Not sure about tuition reimbursement, definitely depends on where you work, but I wouldn't be surprised if that were a possibility.

What program did you do?

What if I haven't passed the ASCP, I was thinking of working while trying to study for that, or just work in the position slightly lower than a medical technologist. Do they force you to study for the ASCP, or can I work indefinitely in a position that doesn't require it?

 

[Coltuna]

What program did you do?

What if I haven't passed the ASCP, I was thinking of working while trying to study for that, or just work in the position slightly lower than a medical technologist. Do they force you to study for the ASCP, or can I work indefinitely in a position that doesn't require it?

Most positions require eventual certification. They won't force you to study for it but you won't pass if you don't study. Totally manageable to work and study for it though.

 

[Robin-jay]

Most positions require eventual certification. They won't force you to study for it but you won't pass if you don't study. Totally manageable to work and study for it though.

Thats what I was thinking. But do I have to take the certification at any certain time, or can I take it whenever I feel as though I'll pass it. For example, if they wanted me to take the test in 6 months, could I just prolong that and take it on a year?

 

[Coltuna]

Thats what I was thinking. But do I have to take the certification at any certain time, or can I take it whenever I feel as though I'll pass it. For example, if they wanted me to take the test in 6 months, could I just prolong that and take it on a year?

They will probably require you to take it within a certain amount of time; however, I'm not sure how this works since you don't have an MLS degree. Heck I'm not even sure they'll hire you if you haven't taken the cerification exam without the MLS degree. Speaking from experience, many of my friends were hired straight out of their MLS internships at the hospitals in which they completed their internship. Most of them studied for maybe 1-2 months while working full-time and took the test after graduating and being hired. HOWEVER, MLS classes and the internship are basically all geared towards passing this test.

 

[Robin-jay]

They will probably require you to take it within a certain amount of time; however, I'm not sure how this works since you don't have an MLS degree. Heck I'm not even sure they'll hire you if you haven't taken the cerification exam without the MLS degree. Speaking from experience, many of my friends were hired straight out of their MLS internships at the hospitals in which they completed their internship. Most of them studied for maybe 1-2 months while working full-time and took the test after graduating and being hired. HOWEVER, MLS classes and the internship are basically all geared towards passing this test.

The MLS (or she may have been one step below that position) seemed very optimistic my masters degree in chemistry would be good for obtaining a position around this field, sometimes called "chemist I" or "MLS I" positions, and so on. She had a bachelors in chemistry. I know she was certified at some point. She seemed adamant I could obtain a position as an MLS or something very similar, then take the certification at some point.

When I organically had the conversation with her, it was my first time really understanding these terms, so I probably didn't take it all in efficiently.

 

[Coltuna]

The MLS (or she may have been one step below that position) seemed very optimistic my masters degree in chemistry would be good for obtaining a position around this field, sometimes called "chemist I" or "MLS I" positions, and so on. She had a bachelors in chemistry. I know she was certified at some point. She seemed adamant I could obtain a position as an MLS or something very similar, then take the certification at some point.

When I organically had the conversation with her, it was my first time really understanding these terms, so I probably didn't take it all in efficiently.

Okay she probably knows more than I do honestly; it's been awhile since I've graduated. N=1 here but when I was in the laboratory, the workers in there were very proud of their degree. I sometimes felt like I was encroaching after mentioning I wanted to go to medical school. I'm sure there are some hospitals out there willing to hire candidates with Masters Degrees though!

 

[Robin-jay]

Okay she probably knows more than I do honestly; it's been awhile since I've graduated. N=1 here but when I was in the laboratory, the workers in there were very proud of their degree. I sometimes felt like I was encroaching after mentioning I wanted to go to medical school. I'm sure there are some hospitals out there willing to hire candidates with Masters Degrees though!

Yes I can definitely see the pride in having a degree that helps you work in a hospital laboratory! Yes I will definitely check around. It seems like working with some type of company might be the ideal way to go about it. They might help me find places an positions way more efficiently than me applying to hospitals/clinics alone. She mentioned a few places like Roche Diagnostics, etc.

 

[Coltuna]

Good luck going forward!

 

[Robin-jay]

Good luck going forward!

Thanks! I might pm you in the future if I ever need any future tips on this subject, since you have first-hand experience in the lab.

 

[Coltuna]

Thanks! I might pm you in the future if I ever need any future tips on this subject, since you have first-hand experience in the lab.

Absolutely!

 

[cloud_wolfbane]

I'm a MLT, medical Lab Tech, and I can tell you that some hospitals will hire you with a contingency that you pass your certification (usually within 6 months), but they tend to only do that if you have already completed your clinician rotations. You can definitely become an MLT or MT with a bachelors in Chemistry, but it is going to take more than the time you have if you are just aiming for a gap year. There are some really rural hospitals that might be more lenient, but most want you to have your certification, preferably ASCP but AMT works too.

That being said, it is great clinical experience and has been good on my applications I have been a full time MLT for about 8 years now, so I have tons of clinical experince. The benefits of having it on your application in terms of patient contact, is that very few people in the hospital have any real idea what you do. Everyone just sort of assumes you draw blood and that you must have patient contact. Which is completely false, since most hospitals have plebomists or nurses draw the blood depending on the size of the hospital and the lab. It also gives you a good insight into test results and interpretation. You just naturally pick up what the different tests are for and what the results mean and what add-ons will be requested based on those results.

 

[Robin-jay]

I'm a MLT, medical Lab Tech, and I can tell you that some hospitals will hire you with a contingency that you pass your certification (usually within 6 months), but they tend to only do that if you have already completed your clinician rotations. You can definitely become an MLT or MT with a bachelors in Chemistry, but it is going to take more than the time you have if you are just aiming for a gap year. There are some really rural hospitals that might be more lenient, but most want you to have your certification, preferably ASCP but AMT works too.

That being said, it is great clinical experience and has been good on my applications I have been a full time MLT for about 8 years now, so I have tons of clinical experince. The benefits of having it on your application in terms of patient contact, is that very few people in the hospital have any real idea what you do. Everyone just sort of assumes you draw blood and that you must have patient contact. Which is completely false, since most hospitals have plebomists or nurses draw the blood depending on the size of the hospital and the lab. It also gives you a good insight into test results and interpretation. You just naturally pick up what the different tests are for and what the results mean and what add-ons will be requested based on those results.

Are there any positions in a hospital laboratory that don't require certification, but are still good positions overall?

I don't want to be hired, and then pressured to earn a license within a certain amount of time.

Also, what are "clinical rotations" in this context?

 

[cloud_wolfbane]

Are there any positions in a hospital laboratory that don't require certification, but are still good positions overall?

I don't want to be hired, and then pressured to earn a license within a certain amount of time.

Also, what are "clinical rotations" in this context?

Lab assistants don't need certifications, and some hospitals will hire and train plebotomists without experience. Lab Assistants do all the sending and receive ink work, usually prepping shipments to send out samples to reference labs and field phone calls and what not. I wouldn't recommend it personally, but plebotomist training can be really helpful to have and puts you in direct patient contact. I work as a traveling MLT, going from state to state as needed, so I've seen all sorts of crazy certification things. The place I'm at now will take just about anyone as a plebotomist and then train them to do what they need them to do. Though you can also take a plebotomist certification as well.

So Clinical Rotations is the Lab Tech internship, you spend a certain period of time (usually 4-6 weeks) in different departments of the lab, learning the ropes and getting hands on experience. You usually go through the Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, Serology, Urinalysis, and Microbiology departments. With Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, and Micro being the big 4. ASCP requires some sort of clinical lab rotation before you can take the certification exam. I got my degree through the Army and took the certification while I was still active duty, but the army version of clinicals is 6 months. Most school programs are 1-2 semesters.

If you really are considering becoming an MT or MLT then I would suggest going through the ASCP or AMT websites and reading through the certification requirements. ASCP is sort of the gold standard because the test is pretty hard, but most places will take AMT without being too picky. I'm ASCP certified, but I've worked with plenty of AMT techs.

I would also recommend looking at the hospital listings in your area. Depending on the region, some places are desperate for help and will take on someone without the certification to train, it totally depends on where you are. A big hospital in a city with plenty of employees might laugh, but a small hospital struggling to fill positions will always be more willing to train people.

 

[Robin-jay]

Lab assistants don't need certifications, and some hospitals will hire and train plebotomists without experience. Lab Assistants do all the sending and receive ink work, usually prepping shipments to send out samples to reference labs and field phone calls and what not. I wouldn't recommend it personally, but plebotomist training can be really helpful to have and puts you in direct patient contact. I work as a traveling MLT, going from state to state as needed, so I've seen all sorts of crazy certification things. The place I'm at now will take just about anyone as a plebotomist and then train them to do what they need them to do. Though you can also take a plebotomist certification as well.

So Clinical Rotations is the Lab Tech internship, you spend a certain period of time (usually 4-6 weeks) in different departments of the lab, learning the ropes and getting hands on experience. You usually go through the Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, Serology, Urinalysis, and Microbiology departments. With Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, and Micro being the big 4. ASCP requires some sort of clinical lab rotation before you can take the certification exam. I got my degree through the Army and took the certification while I was still active duty, but the army version of clinicals is 6 months. Most school programs are 1-2 semesters.

If you really are considering becoming an MT or MLT then I would suggest going through the ASCP or AMT websites and reading through the certification requirements. ASCP is sort of the gold standard because the test is pretty hard, but most places will take AMT without being too picky. I'm ASCP certified, but I've worked with plenty of AMT techs.

I would also recommend looking at the hospital listings in your area. Depending on the region, some places are desperate for help and will take on someone without the certification to train, it totally depends on where you are. A big hospital in a city with plenty of employees might laugh, but a small hospital struggling to fill positions will always be more willing to train people.

Very helpful!

1.) How do I get a Lab Tech Internship?
2.) Is the Lab Tech Internship 10 hours a week? 20? 40?
3.) What are the best sources for ASCP test preparation?
4.) How long does the average person study for the test? How hard is hard?
5.) If both MLT and MTs require a certification, whats the main difference of the two?
6.) What part of a hospital do I call to ask about job offerings? Where do I go on the online hospital sites to apply?
7.) When you say clinical rotation is 4-6 "weeks", why do most school programs do 6 months or 1-2 semesters?
8.) Can I take the ASCP as many times as I want. Does taking it multiple times look bad?

 

[cloud_wolfbane]

Very helpful!

1.) How do I get a Lab Tech Internship?
2.) Is the Lab Tech Internship 10 hours a week? 20? 40?
3.) What are the best sources for ASCP test preparation?
4.) How long does the average person study for the test? How hard is hard?
5.) If both MLT and MTs require a certification, whats the main difference of the two?
6.) What part of a hospital do I call to ask about job offerings? Where do I go on the online hospital sites to apply?
7.) When you say clinical rotation is 4-6 "weeks", why do most school programs do 6 months or 1-2 semesters?
8.) Can I take the ASCP as many times as I want. Does taking it multiple times look bad?

1.) I have to admit, I don't know the answer for this one. I did mine through the army and everyone else I know did theirs through school programs.

2.)36-40 hours a week

3.) I used Lab CE they have a test prep online course you can buy plus free online test stuff too

4.) I only studied for 2 weeks, but I had a really short time frame because I was getting deployed. It's not MCAT hard, but the test is on a computer in a testing site and it changes based on your answers. For eaxample, my speciality is microbiology, so I got about 3 micro questions and after I got them right it just stoped asking me micro, but I have a hard time with hematology and cell IDs, so my whole test was identifying lymphocytic blasts and determining the most likely cancer based on morphology. Everyone's test is completely different based on their strengths and weakness, but I did pass the 1st time.

5.) MTs and MLTs do the exact same thing in the lab, the only real difference is the MLT is an associates degree and the MT is a bachelors. MTs usually make 3-4$ more an hour and have a higher chance of becoming managers, but MLTs can also become managers.

6.) You can call HR and see if they will put you in contact with the lab manager. Every hospital I've ever applied for has a button on their website that says something like 'Careers' or 'Professionals' that has the job listings posted. I also like Indeed.com for a more broad job search.

7.) Sorry I worded that badly, 4-6 weeks per department. Like for mine I did 6 weeks Chemistry, 6 weeks Blood Bank, 6 weeks Microbiology, 1 week serology, 1 week urinalysis, and 1 week phlebotomy/receiving.

8.) I'm not sure how many times you can take it, but I know that if you fail the first time you have to wait ~2 months to take it again.

 

[Robin-jay]

1.) I have to admit, I don't know the answer for this one. I did mine through the army and everyone else I know did theirs through school programs.

2.)36-40 hours a week

3.) I used Lab CE they have a test prep online course you can buy plus free online test stuff too

4.) I only studied for 2 weeks, but I had a really short time frame because I was getting deployed. It's not MCAT hard, but the test is on a computer in a testing site and it changes based on your answers. For eaxample, my speciality is microbiology, so I got about 3 micro questions and after I got them right it just stoped asking me micro, but I have a hard time with hematology and cell IDs, so my whole test was identifying lymphocytic blasts and determining the most likely cancer based on morphology. Everyone's test is completely different based on their strengths and weakness, but I did pass the 1st time.

5.) MTs and MLTs do the exact same thing in the lab, the only real difference is the MLT is an associates degree and the MT is a bachelors. MTs usually make 3-4$ more an hour and have a higher chance of becoming managers, but MLTs can also become managers.

6.) You can call HR and see if they will put you in contact with the lab manager. Every hospital I've ever applied for has a button on their website that says something like 'Careers' or 'Professionals' that has the job listings posted. I also like Indeed.com for a more broad job search.

7.) Sorry I worded that badly, 4-6 weeks per department. Like for mine I did 6 weeks Chemistry, 6 weeks Blood Bank, 6 weeks Microbiology, 1 week serology, 1 week urinalysis, and 1 week phlebotomy/receiving.

8.) I'm not sure how many times you can take it, but I know that if you fail the first time you have to wait ~2 months to take it again.

Ok thanks! That does sound lengthy for a gap year. Although I'll consider starting the program if I don't get any medical school interviews in the next 4 weeks.

What is the difference between a "clinical chemist" and MLT/MT?

Like the MCAT, is the ASCP certification only good for a year or two, or is it good for life?

Is it possible to have a part-time job (20 hours ish) when doing clinical rotations? Is 36-40 required?

 

[cloud_wolfbane]

Ok thanks! That does sound lengthy for a gap year. Although I'll consider starting the program if I don't get any medical school interviews in the next 4 weeks.

What is the difference between a "clinical chemist" and MLT/MT?

Like the MCAT, is the ASCP certification only good for a year or two, or is it good for life?

Is it possible to have a part-time job (20 hours ish) when doing clinical rotations? Is 36-40 required?

- You know I'm honestly not sure. I always assumed clinical chemist did more research lab based stuff, but I don't have any real backing on that one.

-The ASCP certification is good for 3 years. You have to do 36 continuing education credits within in that time to renew your license. I usually do mine through the ASCP they have a program that you can pay for, it's expensive but makes the application process easier and faster with how often I move.

-Every program I have seen is 36-40 hours for clinicals, but that doesn't mean there aren't shorter ones out there. Most techs I know ended up doing their clinicals and working part time at the hospital they were doing their clinicals at, sometimes as a pleb or lab assistant, and sometimes as and MLT under supervision sort of thing.

 

[Robin-jay]

- You know I'm honestly not sure. I always assumed clinical chemist did more research lab based stuff, but I don't have any real backing on that one.

-The ASCP certification is good for 3 years. You have to do 36 continuing education credits within in that time to renew your license. I usually do mine through the ASCP they have a program that you can pay for, it's expensive but makes the application process easier and faster with how often I move.

-Every program I have seen is 36-40 hours for clinicals, but that doesn't mean there aren't shorter ones out there. Most techs I know ended up doing their clinicals and working part time at the hospital they were doing their clinicals at, sometimes as a pleb or lab assistant, and sometimes as and MLT under supervision sort of thing.

I recently sent out a few applications. I have a friend who graduated with a masters in chemistry and went straight into MT for 6 months without certification or clinical rotation (although she had to earn her certification to continue after 6 months I think).

Continuing education credits in what? Maybe I can take the AMT before the ASCP, is that test much easier?