MLS/MLT How do I get my foot in the door?!

[JDmzme91]

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Not sure if this is the right section for this, but whatever. I have been trying to get into a lab since I graduated with my B.S. in biochemistry from ASU in 2015. I've been browsing LinkedIn profiles to see what the MLTs and MLSs have as far as certifications and degrees. Yes I know I need my ASCP and I'm currently in a NAACLS accredited program I have 3 months until clinicals and 7-11 months until graduation. I have tried applying to jobs that say ASCP preferred but not required and we higher students with NO LUCK! I have tried at different points in my education to see how far they actually expect me to be through the program before they consider me. I even got someone to recommend me before with no luck. They always tell me I am not qualified. LinkedIn profiles I've seen usually show MLTs with two bachelors degrees one in a general science and then one in medical technology or I see people with associates in medical technology and no bachelors degree of any kind that have jobs as MLTs.

Does anyone have any idea on how strict companies are with ASCP requirements and experience before consideration? How do I get my foot in the door? I am tired of working as an underemployed CPhT when I have a bachelors degree in biochemistry and am currently jumping through the CLS hoops.

I forgot to mention I have tons of research lab experience, especially in micro and even a co-authored publication....

 

[rkz326]

I was once a non-certified med tech, so, for what good it will do, I can at least relate my pathway. I started as a phlebotomist in a physician's office lab, which at least got me in the door. From there, I started doing some waived testing (strep screens, etc.), and demonstrated I was capable of doing so reliably. When one of the bench techs announced she was moving, I volunteered to take over some of the less enjoyable testing she was doing (UAs and hemo). When she left, I asked to move into the position and was given a shot, upon which I capitalized. I then certified as a Physician's Office Laboratory Technician through AAB (a title which no longer exists, unfortunately), which only required 2 years of work experience and passing a board exam. I did later do a proper ASCP MLT program, and when I did clinicals it turned into a job offer at the hospital I trained at. That's where I am for the moment.

Takeaways - in my experience, hospitals are much more focused on your certification than your qualifications. An independent physician's practice (harder to come by now than when I did it, unfortunately) with an in-house lab is probably your best bet to step in as a med tech, but I am under no illusions about how incredibly lucky I was to find the situation I did. A PT or PRN phlebotomist position might help at least put you inside a hospital lab so they can see what you can do; this is almost certainly going to be a significant pay cut from CPhT, so take that into account before quitting any job you might currently hold. Also, it will very likely create a "JDmzme is good at drawing patients" situation where you will find yourself being expected to cover a disproportionate share of phlebotomy call-ins/labor shortages compared to the rest of the tech staff - I have yet to see a lab where a phleb-to-tech promotee was not thus abused. Just a warning.

Good luck though - I absolutely empathize with wanting to actually feel like you are doing what it is you signed up for.