I'd like to buy a vowel

This kinda sucks. The only real jobs that are available are working in hospital labs. Kinda makes sense due to the fact that someone getting a grant is like finding Jesus or something (thanks W.)

The good news is that the market is so competitive that some are offering signing bonuses. But they require MLT certification or higher. I finally found one job that said a "four year college degree in the sciences OR MLT". So I applied yesterday morning. They called me that afternoon and said they really couldn't hire me without the MLT, so contact them again after I get the MLT certification.

So I looked into it. MLT is run through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). It costs $150 to take their certification test. I will also buy their information material for another $50 just because I know I'm weak in some areas. But I did pretty good on the sample test, only showing laspses where my weak points are.

I wish I didn't have to go through this. But that's the disadvantage of the University system - on the job training does not have any paper certificates. So I will go through this program to get my "scrap of paper".

I'll start with the MLT. In three months, I can apply for another certification MT (medical technologist). On paper, I have the education background for it. Then I would like to get the cytometry certification (CT), but will have to arm twist for that one since all my training came from the University and have no scraps of paper to back up my claim I can run a cytometer. Might also get the Microbiology one (M).

So in about a year, it could be

B.S., MLT, MT, M, CT (ASCP)

I much perfer the University system:

B.S. = bulls**t
M.S. = more of the same
Ph.D. = piled higher and deeper

I had a chemistry professor in my second year that said that. My mom compared the ASCP to a union type thing. I will have to pay annual dues once I pass the test. But any hospital lab certified with the ASCP will honor my "certification". The ASCP will help with job placement. So I'll just have to swallow the pride and fork over the money. I wish I could just get a job on the merits of my education and years of experience. But I guess I'm not in the University system anymore.