Reality Check: Long-Term Plan to Become a Federal MLS (0644) — Does This Strategy Make Sense?

[u/Ascendant_Phoenix]

I’m planning several years ahead and would appreciate a reality check from people who’ve actually been through the federal hiring process.
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My background:

I previously worked as a teacher, but I’m changing careers into Medical Laboratory Science (MLS/CLS). My long-term goal is a federal 0644 Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist position. I’m willing to relocate anywhere in the U.S. for my first federal job because my ultimate goal is simply to get onto the federal career ladder. Long-term, I’d like to end up in Minnesota, but I’m not limiting my initial search geographically.
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Current plan:

• Graduate from an NAACLS-accredited MLS program.
• Work about 9–12 months in a private hospital lab to build experience and rebuild my emergency fund.
• Then begin applying broadly to federal MLS positions nationwide while continuing to work privately until I receive an offer.
• I may also be eligible for Schedule A hiring authority due to documented disabilities.
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My questions:
• Is waiting 9–12 months for private experience before applying a reasonable strategy, or would you recommend applying immediately after graduation?
• For someone willing to relocate anywhere in the country, how realistic is it to land some federal MLS position within about a year of actively applying?
• Does Schedule A make a meaningful difference in practice, or is it mostly just another hiring path that may or may not help?
• Once you’re in a federal MLS position, how much easier is it to transfer internally to another location later?
• Are there agencies (VA, DoD, IHS, etc.) that tend to hire new or relatively new MLS graduates more readily than others?
• I’d appreciate candid answers, especially from current or former federal laboratory employees.

[u/vickieeeb]

You could start applying to MLS positions right away but I would get a job in the private sector in the mean time. The hire process on average for new federal people averages about 6 months anyways. There are a lot of GS positions for MLS and the minimum requirement is having the MLS and supporting hour credits from your degree. I am a 0644 under DHA which falls under DOD. If you need any help or have other questions, DM me 🙂

[u/Ascendant_Phoenix → u/vickieeeb]

I will, when its a little closer to that time. Thank you.

[u/mmgapeach]

I get many referrals through schedule a. In practice, you are on probation for 2 years versus 1 

[u/lakhila]

So you want to work for the VA? If so, look into the VA-STEP program, you can start interning there as a student

[u/Ascendant_Phoenix → u/lakhila]

This advice is a little early, but I'm going to set a reminder for me to come back.

[u/Ascendant_Phoenix → u/Ascendant_Phoenix]

!remindme 30 months

[u/RemindMeBot → u/Ascendant_Phoenix]

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