r/CLSstudents

i’m looking for a FREE phlebotomy program in socal i have been looking for a while and i can NOT find anything. the cheapest i’ve seen was 3k and im a full time student so if the program and class would not leave me with a lot of time to work and actually get money to pay the program. please let know if you have found something free or cheaper than 3k in the socal area. i live in el monte/la puente area i am not too far from la and if the program is cheap or free i would be willing to travel a decent amount
also im trying to get my certificate because i will
be applying to medical lab science school next year and i know california programs are very competitive i really don’t want to take a gap year or apply out of state so im trying to make my application more competitive i’ll appreciate any tips !!!!

This might have been asked before, but is there a schedule of the application and deadline dates for all CLS programs in California?

I saw that people are getting responses, and I would like a head start on making my applications since I've graduated with my prerequisites completed.

I would appreciate it if anyone could direct me to the right links, if a schedule exists!

Howdy hey, I am looking at the potential of applying to CLS programs in Northern California. I have done some early research, but I am interested in hearing details from those in who know the field well.

I would be an atypical student. I have a PhD in the realm of biomedical sciences/molecular biology. I graduated with my bachelor's in biology 8 years ago (3.8+ GPA).

From what I have seen online, I would likely need to retake the undergrad prereq courses since it has been so long since I have taken them (but that may be program dependent?). What schools/programs are around the northern California area? Do any of them have hybrid sections? Price seems to vary a lot between programs --what should I be looking out for?

I am interested in doing clinical research someday, but I don't see a reasonable stepping stone or trajectory that will get me there anymore. The reality is I need a job. I've applied for thousands of jobs at this point, with very limited interest in my resume. If I cannot get hired as an entry level research assistant or lab technician in this current market, I need to do something else. It seems CLS positions are willing to hire new grads. And since I am highly experienced in academic labs, I would like to think that if I was a licensed CLS I could maybe.. perhaps... be employable.

For those that understand the current conditions, let me know your thoughts. If you are a current CLS or or student and would be happy to talk, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

I was wondering if anyone has experience with either pregnancy, giving birth, or having a newborn in any of the CLS programs? Specifically curious about folks who have gone to SJSU or SFSU.

I’d be so curious to hear your experience, as someone who is considering both in the near future. I’ve searched the sub but haven’t found any clear firsthand info on whether anyone has done this and if it’s even possible haha. Thank you in advance!

Hello. Anyone have experience with getting onto the alternate list multiple times for the CLS program at LLU? This is the second time im applying and Ive yet again been placed on the alternate list. It makes me wonder why they would place me there again to begin with. Why not just reject my application this time around? How often do people reject their acceptance giving a space for those on the alternate list? How big is the alternate list. Im mostly just venting since this is the second time around. Hoping my chances are better this time around.

Hi everyone!

This is my first time in the Reddit Community so I hope I'll be able to get some helpful advice from those who have already experienced the process of become an MLS. I currently am attending UTEP doing the last of my pre-requisites before applying to the school's medical lab science professional program. I've looked over the application requirements many times by now and I think it's just the nerves beginning to set in since I'm almost there. I don't have upperclassmen that I could ask for advice currently and I reached out to the program's director via email last year for similar inquiries but didn't get much in-depth advice. I'm taking my Intro to Clinical Lab this upcoming semester and this is about the time students are encouraged to ask for their recommendation letters from a professor. My worry is that I've never really chat up a professor before and I would love advice on how I should go about this as I'm more on the introverted side. Can any of you share what you may have done or said when needing a recommendation? I've done my homework and was only able to find that my future professor has done work in microbiology which is one of my top specialties that I wish to explore. Additionally, my school's requirements also mentioned that we may be interviewed as well to be chosen to enter the program and I would be grateful to anyone who has been through a similar interview to share their experience or tips. To my understanding, one of the most important things faculty want to see is how you are as a co-worker and member of laboratory staff which I have taken note of and plan to review. Even if you completed your program at a different institution I would still love to hear your thoughts! Just about anything helps. Thank you!

Has anyone received an email from Loma Linda regarding their application for the fall? They didn't give a specific date when they would send it out but I just wanted to know if I should keep my hopes up to receive one 🥲

For those that have taken any of the CLS pre-reqs in-person at a CSU through Open University, do you have any tips as to how secure a seat in a class? All I have left is medical micro and hematology but the classes fill before I can get very far in the petitioning process. I've contacted CSUN and CPP so far.

Not sure if it’s like other programs(like DO for example) where they would average or see the grades separately. But if I retook courses I did poorly at a CC or extension would that help gpa?

I did ask other program coordinators(not exactly on diy post bacc) but some were more open to upward trend on last 60 units and others were just focusing on prereq coursework. I highly doubt they would do grade replacement but I’m willing to put in the time and effort if that will improve my admissions for this cycle.

I have 5 years of biotech experience but they were mostly preclinical. I did masters in biology at cancer center where i got to handle patient derived samples to run qpcr, western blot, typical molecular experiments but this was for academic research purposes only.

After reviewing all students’ previous experience who are taking cls pre req courses, it seems like almost everyone has some sort of clinical experience.

I’ve been applying to clinical lab assistant jobs even with low pay but I’m keep getting rejected. Many of these positions also require phlebotomy license and I’m almost at the stage where maybe I should get this license first.

Did anybody get in without clinical experience? I know it’s not required but im feeling that the cls programs are so competitive that i feel like I don’t even stand a chance.

Hello! I'm planning on applying for CLS programs for the Fall 2027 cohort, and I am considering CSULA. I currently live in NorCal, and someone recommended it to me because they have a clinical training site in West Sacramento. I'm wondering if anyone knows if the academic instruction only takes place on campus in LA or if there are alternatives since there isn't really a feasible way to attend school in LA one day a week and live close to Sacramento for the clinical portion the rest of the week.