<p>I've done lots of research on this field and have gotten mixed reviews about it. Some say that its a great field and theres so much you go from there and others say its a dead-end job. Is it worth it to go into this field? Are the classes for it really hard? I think the avg pay is about 50k but I know it will grow by the time I join the work force. Also i was thinking about doing something with genetics in the long run-is this a good undergrad to start with?( my college doesn't have genetic major). Would microbiology be a better major when looking at jobs?</p>
<p>I am a CLS in California and did my undergrad at a CSU and currently work in a Cancer Hospital. I became a CLS (back in the dark ages) and I have found the work very rewarding especially working in a cancer hospital. Yes, there are jobs that will pay more, you may have to work evenings or nights as a newbie, but there is many job opportunities in my field. My former supervisor has a Master’s, is currently in charge of a large Children’s Hospital Laboratory and currently teaches at a local university. My hospital is on the cutting edge of cancer research, so there are good research opportunities available for a licensed CLS. </p>
<p>My major was Microbiology, which was an excellent preparation for many types of jobs (including genetics), although you have a heavy emphasis in Chemistry (General,Biochem and Organic). My Curriculum also included physics, genetics, anatomy/physiology, botany, parasitiology,virology etc… Many of my Pre-Med friends also majored in Microbiology, since the majority of the classes were great preparation for the MCAT. The major is not easy but if you have the determination, I think it will give you a solid base in which to pursue many job opportunities. Regarding pay, the states such as California and Florida, which require a specific STATE license will also have the higher paying jobs. I have never lacked for opportunities to move up in my organization, so I do not believe the many critics whom say this is a dead end job. Just remember Supply and Demand… I am seeing an ever increasing demand for highly qualified CLS’s my area and employers are willing to pay to obtain and keep valuable employees. Good Luck </p>