working as mla

Multi_Power

I am looking to work as medical lab assistant part-time. But my goal is to develop a career that will be well-paid, around 40k. Are there any prospects for a MLA to earn that money? What would it take?

kitrat

Multi_Power wrote: »

I am looking to work as medical lab assistant part-time. But my goal is to develop a career that will be well-paid, around 40k. Are there any prospects for a MLA to earn that money? What would it take?

Do you have a science degree of any kind? Certainly in the NHS the sort of career path you'd follow up to that salary (eventually!) it would be essential to have a relevant degree to start with. I can't comment on private labs though to be honest the way things are these days you're likely to need a degree along the way. At what point are you wanting to earn 40k, by the end of your career? Or in your 30s for example?

Multi_Power

ideally in 5-10 years after starting working as a MLA
can I get the degree via distance learning?
BUT:
I don't have problem to work myself up the ladder in other similar professions, ie. maybe lab manager? maybe lab technician? maybe hospital manager? anything really
HOWEVER:
I need the career to be on evenings only or nights, not 8am-4pm job

ohreally

MacDonalds crew member last week to hospital manager - you're nothing if not optimistic!

Gingernutty

An MLA currently earns a maximum of £19,461 within the NHS.

They are normally on Band 2 of the NHS AFC pay scale, but some more specialised MLAs are on Band 3.

Multi_Power

which career could I pursue after starting as mla?

pmd123

You're looking at coming in at the bottom of a band 2, which will be just over £15k come January. While it is possible to move up the ladder quickly, your lack of a degree will be a disadvantage, as a lot of the candidates for higher band posts will already have that in the bank.

£40k after 10 years is not an unrealistic target, but you would need to put a lot of work in to get there, and stand out from your co-workers in every post you hold.

What experience in this area do you currently have? If you are looking to move into a new field, then what is it that interests you about being an MLA? If it is simply earning potential you are looking at, I can think of a lot of careers both in and out of the NHS where progress could be achieved easier, but this would again depend on qualifications and experience, and the need to work outside of normal hours would be a distinct disadvantage.

Gingernutty

Multi_Power wrote: »

which career could I pursue after starting as mla?

Um....MLA.

Without further training, more qualifications (we're talking degree level and beyond here) and accreditation as a Biomedical Scientist, there is no career progression.

pmd123

Gingernutty wrote: »

Without further training, more qualifications (we're talking degree level and beyond here) and accreditation as a Biomedical Scientist, there is no career progression.

In addition to this, getting in to the NHS at a lower band is very competitive, last time I recruited for band 4's, there were 64 applicants, including candidates with PhD's and masters degrees. Qualifications are not the most important factor, but are certainly one of the factors considered when shortlisting.

GlasweJen

I have 3 degrees and managed to get a band 3 job after a full year of applying and at least 1 interview per month.

Multi_Power

GlasweJen wrote: »

I have 3 degrees and managed to get a band 3 job after a full year of applying and at least 1 interview per month.

because you are over qualified