u/SharpCurrent4400

I’m an F1 student in the Detroit area starting MLS clinicals soon. Do students usually get to choose/prefer hospitals for clinical rotations, or does the college assign them completely?

Also, which hospitals would you recommend for the best hands-on lab experience — Henry Ford, Corewell/Beaumont, DMC, University of Michigan, etc.?

Since I may work internationally in the future, I’d also appreciate advice on what lab experience is most valuable early in an MLS career.

Hi everyone,

I need some inputs on the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program at Michigan State University from anyone who has gone through it (or similar programs):

Program quality:

How good is the MLS program at MSU?

How are the professors, clinical rotations, and overall workload?

How competitive is it to get into the professional phase (junior year)?

How difficult is the interview process?

What kind of GPA/profile is usually needed?

Job outcomes:

How soon were you able to land a job after graduation?

Did most people in your cohort get placed quickly?

Salary expectations:

What’s the typical starting salary for MLS graduates (especially in Michigan or nearby states)?

ASCP certification:

How difficult was it to pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology MLS (ASCP) exam?

Did the program prepare you well for it?

F1 visa / STEM question:

If someone switches to an F1 visa during junior year — is this MLS program classified as a STEM program?

Would it qualify for OPT or STEM OPT extension?

Any challenges as an international student in clinical placements or job search?

Any insights would really help. Thanks!