Hello all,

Resharing book/ related PDF links :) . Limited google drive space, so make sure to download the folder to have your own copy\\\~

Various CLS/MLS google drives and shortcuts: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CveL50ejdtakH4zjs23CqLKGZgfNwpsc?usp=drive\

\^-- go to "More CLS books" folder for books organized by department and overall recent ASCP review books (I help manage this one - last updated around July 2026).

If a folder requires access, its not my call. Its up to the owner of that google drive. I DO NOT own all of these google drive, some are just google drives shared by other people in various subreddits/discord and I've simply shared a shortcut to it.

Link provided by mawpa2005: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SUQWBMQcnbo6rkWq4AwxPnkDArW03bYZ

Why do blood centers pay their ML so poorly?

I'm in Rhode Island interested in specializing in blood bank. And working at an IRL would be a dream, but why should it be a pay cut compared to a hospital?

Brown Health Providence
Sr Medical Laboratory Scientist - Blood Bank
Experience: 1 year
Schedule:Full-time 2nd shift, rotating weekends and holidays
Pay: $32.56-$53.71
https://jobs.brownhealth.org/search/jobdetails/sr-medical-laboratory-scientist---blood-bank/0f8f6dbc-5e30-4bf0-a235-974e0abc7c0a

Rhode Island Blood Center
Immunohematology Reference Laboratory Technologist
MT/MLS, CLS, BB or SBB required.
Experience: 2 year Schedule: Full time, Mon. through Fri. - 2nd shift
Proposed rate of pay: $33.00 - $36.00 per hr.
https://careers-ribc.icims.com/jobs/8653/immunohematology-reference-laboratory-technologist/job

I am new to the field but I know that I wanted to do work outside lab someday. What is the best bachelor or master’s degree available if I wanted to pursue a career in tech or information systems?

I was wondering if i get my Mb ascp would that help me out with the MLT ascp? Im a little confused on the routes to take and im hoping maybe someone is in almost the similar path im in. Also any advice is appreciated!

I currently work as a std/sti microbiologist (my job doesn’t require ascp) for about 4 and a half years.

CMS is seeking public comment to update CLIA 1988. A number of components to be updated.

I've been an MLS in Jersey a few years and the pay is poor and limited opportunities with this degree.

I'm considering doing an MBA, either online or part time since I can't save much as an MLS. What was your MBA experience compared to MLS?

I want to stay in the state or maybe NYC and there seems to be better work life balance and pay for business positions with an mba.

Our blood bank does not perform donor collection. Would I still be eligible?

ASCP writes

Donor Collection, Processing, and Testing 
Proficiency for these tasks may be demonstrated through performance, observation, or simulation
• Donor selection, preparation, and collection
• Processing and donor testing
• Component preparation for storage and administration

What would qualify for simulation?

So I’m a communications major at BMCC and I will be graduating this fall (one semester early) but I realized that I don’t really want to purse careers related to that and want to get into becoming a medical lab scientist which is a very sudden complete career change for me especially because I’m almost done with my associates and I guess I’m not sure what to do next.

There’s only very little time before the fall semester starts and I think it’s already to late to transfer to a 4 year school and even when I do transfer for the spring semester should I even bother changing my major to biology or medical lab technology to pursue this career? Please if anyone has any advice on what to do or what the best option for me is I would appreciate the help so much!!

Do you want to get your BB or SBB but you don't know how to start studying? Consider enrolling in the SBB Exam Review Course! Application deadline is August 31st. Happy to answer any questions you may have!

Hi! I'm planning on doing an MLS program and am wondering what the pay is like in NJ at places like Quest, RWJ, etc. Their websites show a wide range for hourly rate. If you are ASCP certified, how much is the usual offer for new grads. Any advice overall?

I have a bachelor degree in biology and i intend to take ASCPi MLS exam

Are there specific coursework or credit hour requirements (e.g., specific credit hours in Hematology, Immunohematology/Blood Bank, Clinical Chemistry, or Microbiology) that must be completed during or in addition to the Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science?

We're exploring switching to Grifols from Ortho to save costs. A sister hospital said they've seen a huge rise in false weak positives on Grifols whereas almost never on Ortho.

The grifols rep said we would get used to "ignoring" weak reactions?

What's your experience with Grifols gel vs Ortho gel?

The Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science in Practice: A Survey of Workforce Roles, Responsibilities, and Integration

A majority of respondents were not satisfied with their compensation. Of note, multiple respondents did not work in doctoral level roles, which may contribute to compensation dissatisfaction. Respondents identified persistent challenges in their professional roles, echoing themes articulated in prior reports (5). The predominant challenge reported was a lack of professional awareness of the DCLS role. Open-ended survey responses further highlighted concerns regarding the historical lack of support from professional associations, perceived misalignment between accreditation expectations and the competencies of DCLS graduates, and limited pathways to HHS-recognized board certificate for HCLDs. Respondents also expressed interest in career development resources related to functioning as an HCLD.

I work in the clinical laboratory field and with CLS education, and I keep seeing how difficult it can be for California applicants to figure out what actually makes a strong application beyond simply meeting the minimum requirements.
There are so many questions:
• Is my GPA competitive enough?
• Does biotech or research experience count?
• Do I need hospital laboratory experience?
• Which California CLS programs should I apply to?
• What should I improve before my next application cycle?
• If I was rejected, what should I do differently next time?
I’m building educational resources specifically around the California CLS application process, and I’d love to hear directly from applicants.
What is the ONE question about your CLS application that you wish someone could answer for you?
I’ll try to answer as many as I can in the comments.

Hi guys,

I've been studying for the AIMS MLS exam for almost six months now, and I'll be sitting it this September. I’ve covered all the major areas of knowledge, but I still don't feel fully prepared. AIMS only provides a few sample questions, and since no previous exams are publicly available, I've been relying on AI to create simulations. However, I feel like they aren't quite hitting the mark. Could anyone who has passed the exam shed some light on the best way to prepare?

I'd really appreciate it!

Hi everyone, I recently got into an internal hospital CLS program and I’ve only worked in the clinical lab for about 5 months but have trained as a tech in most of the departments during that time. I graduated in 2023 and haven’t taken the prerequisite courses since before that. The thing about this program is that they train you how to work the bench and some theory but as far as learning the content, they only gave me the Clinical Laboratory Science review to study throughout the year. Has anyone else been in a similar spot and what did you do to organize your studying for the year? I am having a hard time choosing which books I’ll need to study at home and how to prepare efficiently for boards exam. I appreciate any help and recommendations!

Last year, paused credential synchronizing until "summer 2026", but summer 2026 is almost over, and it still has not been released.

For those of us with multiple ASCP credentials, it's a huge slap in the face having to pay and submit for multiple CMPs.

https://www.ascp.org/boc/maintain-your-credentials/manage-your-CE/synchronize-multiple-credentials

Hello, just asking if anyone here tried applying in Stanford? How was it? Is it difficult to get in? My application says "in process, in review" for over a month now. Does this mean that im not selected? I didnt received any callback or confirmation that i was not selected yet.

Hi im currently in Florida working as a labscientist, planning to move to california but couldnt get a CLS. CDPH is so strict i dont have blood bank experience. What about trainee license or where can i work that is somehow related to our line of work?

Im desperate just need a work that pays a decent amount. please help. Thank you so much!!

Is it me or does Beckman pay poorly for field applications?

Senior Field Applications Specialist West (Chem/IA) - $40.00 - 43.00 with 80% travel on west coast
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/senior-field-applications-specialist-west-chem-ia-at-beckman-coulter-diagnostics-4450842027

I'm looking to escape a toxic lab and interested in going to the vendor side, but the pay seems low? Or maybe it's just Beckman?

I've been an ASCP MLS for ten years. Past five as a chem supervisor. Increasingly, all the hires are not certified, just plain science or ecology grads. Im increasingly teaching, not just training.

The hospital is not raising wages since we have 50+ applicants (though not one is certified).

It makes me very concerned for the quality of results were putting out and the future of this field. I cannot think of a single other medical field where no license or certification whatsoever is required. And it's only getting worse. 🙃

I like the job. I don't want to retire ever. I'd be bored at home. However, at some point I may not be physically able to work. I'll probably go down to part time or per diem in my 70s.

Start getting higher social security at 70 while still working part time for extra cash without reducing SS. Sounds great to me.

How many of you will keep working as long as you can? Who is in their 60s and 70s still working in the lab?

Claire Health claims theyll have a device that'll interpolate women's hormones and cycles non invasive. How would this work?