MLT

Question

I’ve worked for the same organization the entirety of my career of 11 years. I’m currently back in school to obtain my bachelors degree. I got my associates 12 years ago and honestly went back to make more money. I work in a hospital laboratory where a tech who has an associates makes less money than a tech who has their bachelors but we do the same job.  So, my online program has proven to be harder than expected and I’m burned out and want to quit. Part of me just wants to start over somewhere without going back to school. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to find anything because my experience is so limited to one field. Any ideas out there of a good paying jobs without having to go back to college? Or is this a magical unicorn that doesn’t exists...

Anonymous · Answer

Why is the program harder than expected? Are you missing foundational classes, is there busy work you aren't motivated to complete?  Was it designed for full time students, not working professionals? Perhaps this is the wrong program. Or, can you get life skills credit for work you're already doing to lighten the load? Can you take a semester off and start again? Cut back the number of credits each semester? 
Starting over means less $ for a longer period of time, because not only are you missing a degree, you have no experience. Can you afford that? 
This isn't an in-the-moment decision, it requires careful thought and planning. Good luck!

Jennifer A · Answer

If there is anyway you can stick it out and get your bachelors, please do so!!!!  A bachelors is a 'entry card' to many programs.  If you decide you want to move jobs after you get your bachelors, your future employers will be highly impressed that you worked and went to school simultaneously - that shows them a real work ethic!

That being said, school is hard.  Online programs are actually harder than on campus programs because you have to do all the learning yourself.  There isn't a 'teacher' there to guide you towards what you need to know.  Add in the fact you have been out of school for a while and your brain and body are now both extremely tired.

I got my bachelors online over 20 years ago while working two jobs and planning a wedding.   Guess what - I wasn't 100% successful.  I actually had to drop a class, extend the program a little bit and give myself a small break.  I was fortunate, I had a counselor that worked with me to figure out how I could get back on track.  Just a few years ago, I decided that I needed a degree in my field as my Bachelors was in business buy my career was IT.    I went back, online, and got my Masters in Information Systems. 
 Just a year later, my boss encouraged me to get my Project Management certificate (PMP).  So, when I say that you can do it, know that I have studied my brain off and have been in your shoes.   I'm not going to sugar coat it - you will be tired, you will be stressed, you will be overwhelmed ... but....

You CAN do this!
YOU can do this!
You can DO THIS!
YOU CAN DO THIS!

If you need a cheerleader to keep you motivated PM me and maybe we can brainstorm ways to help you feel less stressed and help make the program less difficult for you.

BansheeBailey · Answer

What would you like to do? What are you good at?

Barb Hansen · Answer

Hi, from a former MLT who transitioned from a lab position in a hospital to the start-up world awhile ago.

I graduated from an MLT program that was a 3 year college program in Canada - which was and perhaps still is, the only Laboratory Science program you can take in Canada. But that really isn't  the point of your post, other than to say 'Hi, I have literally been in your shoes'

After working as a lab tech for 13 years, I left the hospital space because, for personal reasons, I couldn't do the shift work anymore. Way back in the early days of the internet (read 1996) I literally stumbled across an online e-health company that might want to hire me. I emailed them, explained why they needed me - a highly trained laboratory scientist who could help with many things - and they hired me.

I transitioned from that position into a content/community leadership job at another e-health company,  and then into Product Management executive positions across many different industry verticals.

Looking for a position in a medical/biomedical/health/laboratory startup (which was my path out of healthcare) may work for you. I would not get hung up on completing your degree before you start looking, as you can finish your degree as you get a new position.

I also hired a number of lab techs for content, community, <insert other titles> jobs over the years. I love hiring lab techs -- we are detailed oriented, extremely focused, able to think on our feet, handle stress well, and are life-long learners who embrace new technologies and procedures like a warm cups of coffee on a cold winter morning. Lab techs have great people skills, we know when to ask questions and when to move forward, and we work well as solo practitioners and in a team setting. All of those things that make you a good lab tech make you a great employee in other industries.

A number of lab techs that I used to work with now work for laboratory equipment manufacturers (Beckman Coulter, Ortho, Kodak etc) as sales engineers/managers, customer support managers and marketing staff  or have transferred to other positions in their hospitals (infection control etc).

You have a great set of skills that will transfer to other positions, but don't give up on getting that degree.  You can get that degree and perhaps find a position outside of the hospital (if that is a path you want to pursue).

I am here if you want advice or support. Let's connect.

Monique Simental · Answer

I’ve thought about being a travel agent, working as an organizer of some sort, or something related. Or even sales...

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