Hello!
Im a senior in high school wrapping up my college applications. My 1st choice is The University of Texas at Austin, and I will be admitted through automatic admission. I chose my first choice major as medical labratory science. For my second choice I chose biology. Career wise, I am either going to pursue a career as a lab tech (obviously) or possibly going the pre-pharmacy route. By the end of my senior year I will be a certified pharmacy technician after completing hours of rotations at cvs & Walgreens, and passing the state exam. If I absolutely love it I will most likely go the pharmacy route. However, although im in this class I don’t feel like I will love pharmacy. As a junior, I was in a class where I was able to go on clinical rotations and shadow various medical professionals. I witnessed 2 live births, cath lab procedures, and lots of other cool things. During this class I fell in love with the lab setting and im also sure this is my passion. Anyway, my question is which path is more practical? Im worried that I will spend for years studying mls, and then end up with a crappy minimum wage job. Although I don’t necessarily think this is the case it’s a worry I have. However, I know that right out of college it’s almost guaranteed that I will find employment. Going the pharmacy route is going to be EXPENSIVE and grueling. Not only that but I don’t feel like this is my passion. Although I am leaning toward mls, I also worry that I won’t be seen as versatile to employers and that I will never be able to advance in the field. I don’t want to be making 40k-50k for the rest of my life. I’ve also considered majoring in bio/microbiology, then enrolling in a cls program after graduation to make myself a little more marketable. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Also, I know it’s not a super popular major, but if there is anyone who happens to be currently majoring in this or know anyone who is, please let me know how it is! Thanks!