Laboratory Professionals Member Community

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ASCP member without experience

Ahlam Al Karawi posted 07-17-2025 13:30

Hello everyone,

I am looking for advise, I am Ahlam originally from Iraq, I worked in lab field for more than 16years now I am certified ASCP, and I am trying to apply to many places nobody contacts me and the feedback I get I don't have one year least work in the state, if nobody let in how I will get to work in the state.

Best,

Raquel Brown posted 07-18-2025 07:34

Hello!

Are you ASCP certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/MLS/CLS or as a Medical Laboratory Technologist/MLT? The Bachelor Degree level of Associate Degree level is also how they are differentiated here in the states. Are you located in the States now?

Mark Ireton posted 07-18-2025 17:18

One possibility is to apply for non-hospital lab jobs or other positions that do not require ASCP certification. Many cities have research labs that always need workers: often because the work can be unpleasant, but it may at least get you started.

Good luck and welcome to America --- a wonderful and at times frustrating place.

Sarah Boynton posted 07-19-2025 01:21

My hospital hires a lot of foreign professionals on a H-1B visa, from nurses to MLS's to other tech positions. My medical lab has a lot of incredible Filipino scientists!

Jennifer Harris posted 07-19-2025 08:30

This is a tough one. The states have a number of regulations and methodologies that other countries don’t so I imagine this is the barrier that you are seeing. This is especially true for immunohematology.

if you are already here in the states, I would suggest finding a MLT or MLS clinical rotational program that you can just go to if you already have the degree and necessary prerequisites, but need the experience. These are sometimes through hospitals or through the school themselves. It is usually only 9 months to a year program and can be a great bridge to employment with that hospital you rotate in.

if you are not in the states, I would seek out one of the contact companies like MedPro. They are used throughout the states. This is a great way to get that background in regulation and introduction to hospitals that will hire from foreign locations.

good luck!

Inger Brix posted 12-01-2025 09:31

The HR departments are not hiring for jobs posted. I have applied for 5 jobs at one facility and only heard back from one. Keep applying over and over so they can't ignore you. I dont know why its so difficult this year, I imagine it has something to do with the health insurance assistance ACA not being extended by the govt ? Its not you. Just keep going. Call. Be a pain. Find a recruiter, but dont count on that working it may get you a phone number though. Apply on the co.pany website.

Krystal Medina posted 12-01-2025 13:08

Hello Ahlam, thank you for sharing your current situation. I can imagine how frustrating it must feel as you encompass strong credentials, long experience, and yet you’re hitting a barrier because of the “U.S. experience” requirement. Here are a few steps I suggest that you may consider so you can move forward.

You can start with entry level or contract roles, investigate volunteer or internship opportunities and network with professional associations, as you have already mentioned you are ASCP certified. Further, you can target smaller labs and temporary staffing agencies. May these steps guide you toward a short-term role that allows your valuable lab expertise to shine again. Best of luck.