Hey everyone,
I’m at a loss for words on this one. I recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Science/Microbiology and applied for a Medical Laboratory Technician program at a nearby community college. I was told that the selection process was selective but that I would be treated on an even playing field based on the prerequisites required to enter the program. I was also told that I would receive a few extra points for already having a degree, anyone with a degree already or another medical certification would receive a few extra points. However, I was told today that I was denied entry into this program due to being overqualified. I live in a state where you have to have a license to work in a medical lab, to receive a license you must by certified by the ASCP or AMT. To sit for their certification exams you must graduate an accredited NAACLS program or have a degree in a related field with 2 to 3 years of experience in a medical lab. Due to the state license requirement to have a license before working in a lab I cannot get a state license without attending an accredited program.
Has anyone on here been denied entry into a specialized (state funded public school) program before due to being over qualified. I feel like I am being seriously played. I have submitted an appeal but the individual who informed me of my denial is the instructor for the entire course
When you meet with this person, lay out your career goals, and ask for very specific recommendations about how you should proceed. There may be other locations where you can study.
Some of the programs at the community college where I teach have admission restricted to certain populations (displaced workers, refugees, students who still lack a GED, etc.), but that infromation is not always indicated clearlyon the website. It is possible that the program you applied to has similar unstated restrictions.
Unfortunately the college has no restrictions. Having a previous degree added “points” to my overall application, when speaking to the program director I was told that the point system can be thrown out if the committee thinks the student is overqualified. I have submitted my formal complaint and appeal to the college president. Evaluations were supposed to based on the gpa of the student, specific grades in required courses, and an interview.
During the interview with the committee I stated how I earned my bachelors degree first to make myself a better candidate, and applied to the program as a way to serve at the “bottom of the lab food chain” with the ability to advance my career without having to take time to complete a bachelors degree while working. I could advance my career at a steady rate while learning all career aspects from the lowest level to the highest. I also made it specifically clear that I plan on staying within this field into retirement.
Which state are your currently residing? Since you have your bachelor’s degree, why did you not apply to a CLS program instead of an MLT program? MLT programs are only AA programs (at least in California) so your BS definitely makes you overqualified for this program. A CLS program would have exposed to all levels of the laboratory hierarchy- from the bottom up. Why settle for an MLT program when you could be in a better paying position through a CLS program.??
I reside in Tennessee, I also understand that MLT programs are associate degrees. However, the institution that provides a CLS or MLS degree program is a private school and tuition is out of my financial reach. The MLT program gives me an opportunity to get my “foot in the door” so to speak. My bachelors degree ensures that after 3 years of employment I can sit for the Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, or Medical Laboratory Scientist certification exam. My concentration in microbiology allows me to take an additional exam to specialize in microbiology in the laboratory discipline. Also this MLT program is the only one in the area, and the CLS (MLS) program is also the only one in the area, and at $36k to complete that program (assuming most of my public school credits transfer) is a little steep.
Thanks for the explanation. I am a CLS in California and our CLS/MLT programs actually offer stipends/ scholarships to program participants instead of having to pay tuition. However, Program materials such as books, licensing fees etc… are covered by the student. Very different than in your state. You have a good basis for an appeal and wish you the best of luck.
I wish that were the case in my state, but I will keep grinding away until my appeal is approved or someone is willing to employ me for a year as an intern. I hope the appeal will come first. Thank you for the kind words and luck on my appeal.
If anyone has anything else to add for the appeal process feel free to chime in.
To complete this post for posterity reasons, my appeal was approved and was accepted into the program. This is for anyone in the future who may have a similar issue.
Congratulations and best of luck