Should I take MLT role?

[lialalala]

I got two offers for my new job: at the medical lab as a lab tech/data entry and at the ob/gyn office as a MA/receptionist.

I already have 15 months experience as a medical assistant at the pediatric office. And I am considering to retake MCAT in March, so I do need some time to study while working.

These are my pros/cons based on the interview and the tour of the office



Medical Lab

Pros: flexible hours, closer from home, might be less exhausting because most work done while seating down so might have more energy to study after work (I assume this based on my experience when I worked as a clinical research associate where it was mostly computer, lab work)

Cons: no patient interaction so might not have many story to share during interview/application


OB/GYN

Pros: new patient interaction with different patient cohort so will have more stories and building deeper clinical experience

Cons: longer working hours, I know I get tired after work as a MA so not 100% confident I can spend 2 hours studying after work


Please share your advice what might be a better choice! Thank you in advance

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[AJS59]

I got two offers for my new job: at the medical lab as a lab tech/data entry and at the ob/gyn office as a MA/receptionist.

I already have 15 months experience as a medical assistant at the pediatric office. And I am considering to retake MCAT in March, so I do need some time to study while working.

These are my pros/cons based on the interview and the tour of the office



Medical Lab

Pros: flexible hours, closer from home, might be less exhausting because most work done while seating down so might have more energy to study after work (I assume this based on my experience when I worked as a clinical research associate where it was mostly computer, lab work)

Cons: no patient interaction so might not have many story to share during interview/application


OB/GYN

Pros: new patient interaction with different patient cohort so will have more stories and building deeper clinical experience

Cons: longer working hours, I know I get tired after work as a MA so not 100% confident I can spend 2 hours studying after work


Please share your advice what might be a better choice! Thank you in advance

Given you've gotten the patient interaction hours down I'd jump at the medical lab work. Only reason maybe for OB/GYN would be if they'd pay you better

 

[Dr.S at Princeton Review]

From the two options you've provided us, I would also lean towards the medical lab option as well. You've already worked for well over a year as an MA so this would be a new and unique opportunity for you to not only learn more about an often hidden side of medicine but also provide more flexibility when it comes to preparing for the MCAT.

 

[oakiedokie]

I was in a similar position between an MA and a MLT. I already had multiple years of clinical experience going into it and ended up going the MLT route and I couldn't recommend it more. Every interview I have had so far has brought it up and it seems to be really interesting to the ADCOMs. In my lab, I focus on microbiology and hematology and I have learned so much about what test to order and when and has overall given me a great foundation going into medical school. You are right that the patient interaction is limited, but I still have some great stories about how important MLT's are in patient care and how much more appreciation they deserve as they are often forgotten about due to not being at the bedside. Plus, I did study for the MCAT at the same time and it was definitely doable.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

You certainly learn how to be detail-oriented as a MLT and have an appreciation of the "voodoo" behind the results.