Has anyone taken this advanced degree and if so, what are you doing now? Was it worth it for a blood bank tech? Am  in need of guidance and wanted to know if MLS is beneficial. 

In the US, a MLS is the professional certification for a Medical laboratory Scientist.  Besides a board exam, it first requires a B.S. in an accredited program.  Is this what you mean?

Scorr

I think she's referring to a Masters of Laboratory Science.  I think it is available at a few Universities.  LisaMarie, I can't answer your question, if I am interpreting it correctly, but...... many years ago when I was considering getting my SBB. I had a lab director tell me that he didn't care how many degrees I had or how many letters I had after my name, he wouldn't pay me any more.  At that time I was supporting my young family so I elected not to pursue it.  Not too many years later I move on to another facility.   After 35+ years in healthcare I can say with confidence, any thing you can do to increase your knowledge and credentials will open doors that will otherwise be closed to you.

Any master's degree (including business and public health) is going to set you up for management and/or administrative positions, if that is where you want to end up.

Scott

it would definitely put you ahead of the pack if you would like a supervisor or lab manager position... I am a MT(ASCP), if we get applicants with just a bachelors degree, they are paid as an MLT, so may be worth your while, definitely can be used to request a higher salary if you apply elsewhere, or could negotiate a higher salary with your current organization? do they offer tuition reimbursement? would you need to take on a lot of student loan debt?

Or if you wanted to teach in an MLT/MLS program at a community college or university.

 

17 hours ago, Karen knight said:

 I am a MT(ASCP), if we get applicants with just a bachelors degree, they are paid as an MLT, 

Personally, I find this quite disturbing!  

I agree with John in his last post.  Either MLTs are getting more credit (and pay) than they are due, or the MTs are getting screwed.

Scott

2 hours ago, John C. Staley said:

Personally, I find this quite disturbing!  

I'm assuming they meant a bachelors that isn't in Medical Technology/Laboratory Sciences.

1 hour ago, James Spears said:

I'm assuming they meant a bachelors that isn't in Medical Technology/Laboratory Sciences.

Ah!  Then the MLTs are getting screwed, and the facility may be breaking the law!

sorry, I misspoke, yes, if we receive an applicant with a 4 yr biology degree, NOT MT(ASCP), they don't qualify for MT starting pay,  but I really have no idea what they are paid, difference is most likely very minimal, an MLT is 2 year MT is 4 year degree so different pay scale, but again, I would never ask anyone what they are paid an hour, nor would I ever volunteer my wage,  and if someone comes in w experience, they would start out at a higher salary than someone right out of school obviously. but all applicants can negotiate for whatever starting pay  they are willing to accept with in a pay range.  believe me, there have been issues with same pay for same work, people with bachelors should be rewarded,  etc. personally, I am not bothered with how  much someone else is paid, not my business.  I do know some didn't advocate for themselves very well when they accepted position, life lesson. my point was any advanced degree is usually a very good idea, depending on how much you get into debt to obtain it?

 

Thanks John C. and every one else.  I would like to  teach. I am in the position of management and I figured more knowledge puts me in a better place.