From Psychobiology to the Clinical Lab

When Sara Sasaki graduated from UCLA in 2021 with a degree in psychobiology, she had fallen in love with science—but she wasn’t sure exactly how to turn that curiosity into a career. Fast-forward a few years, and she’s now deep in her Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) training at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)—and loving every second of it.

“It’s been a long and winding road to becoming a CLS,” Sara says. “But every step has been incredibly rewarding.”

Her story is one that many science students can relate to: trying to balance work, finances and future goals—while searching for a meaningful career that blends hands-on lab work, health care impact and lifelong learning.

Starting Out: A Science Lover at Heart

After graduation, Sara took a full-time position as a technician in a microbiology food laboratory. It was practical work that kept her close to the bench—but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she wanted something more purposeful.

“I loved the lab,” Sara says, “but realized I wanted to do something that could directly help others, leading me to discover CLS.

“I had been out of school for a couple of years and working full time,” she continues. “I wanted to advance my studies and complete all of the required prerequisites to apply for CLS programs.”

Our Clinical Laboratory Scientist Preparatory Program—a series of courses available online and in person that meet various state requirements for admission to CLS training programs—enabled her to do just that. The program covers hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology and medical microbiology—all foundational subjects that would later power Sara’s success at CSULA.

She needed a program that wouldn’t force her to choose between her career and her education. Our asynchronous online format was the perfect fit.

“I specifically chose your program for the asynchronous online format so I could continue to work full time and financially support myself while taking courses,” she says.

That flexibility allowed Sara to customize her schedule and study at her own pace. “It was incredibly convenient that I could schedule in my courses to not interfere with my work schedule,” she details. “If I had to go into class, I likely would not have been able to continue working.”

I wanted to be completely prepared to apply to training programs the following year. This program allowed me to complete my prerequisites efficiently and at my own pace.

Doubling Down on Science

Sara didn’t hold back once she started. “I took hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology and medical microbiology at the same time,” she says with a laugh, “then later took the Live Online hematology laboratory section.”

Her goal? Efficiency and mastery.

“I wanted to be completely prepared to apply to training programs the following year,” she says. “This program allowed me to complete my prerequisites efficiently and at my own pace.”

Even though the courses were self-paced, she found real connections with her instructors. “I would occasionally contact my instructors for feedback,” she says, “and I even received letters of recommendation from a couple of them!”

In her hematology lab course, she also met peers who shared her passion. “I developed close friendships with some of my lab partners in that class because we met for live lectures via Zoom—and now we’re all in the CSULA training program together!”

From Coursework to Clinical Training

After completing our courses, Sara applied to—and was accepted into—CSULA’s highly competitive CLS training program.

“I’m currently in my hematology didactic section,” she says. “Both the UC Berkeley Extension hematology lecture and laboratory were crucial to my success in this course.”

That strong academic foundation gave her an edge as she transitioned into the hospital setting. “I could not have applied to this program if I hadn’t completed your CLS prep program,” she says. “The courses provided me with both the foundational knowledge and the educational discipline I needed for my training program.”

Now in her training rotations, Sara finds herself referring back to her Extension notes and course materials often, “finding much of my knowledge relevant to what I am seeing in the laboratory as I’m training.”

Completing your CLS prep program felt like the first real step I took toward clinical laboratory science.

A Career That Feeds Curiosity—and Helps Others

Sara’s favorite part of training is how it combines science with service. She loves the mix of hands-on experimentation, critical thinking and patient care that defines the work of a clinical lab scientist.

“I am in an environment that allows me to pursue my personal curiosities and goals of helping those in need, while also feeling satisfied with performing hands-on work that I actively enjoy,” she says. “As cliché as it sounds, it’s a dream come true.”

Behind every doctor’s diagnosis and every treatment plan is a team of CLS professionals analyzing the data that makes patient care possible. Sara loves being part of that hidden but essential link in the health care chain.

Her next goal is simple but meaningful: becoming a licensed CLS and contributing to her local community, “hopefully as a full-time CLS!” she enthuses. “I want to get my license as soon as I complete my training program and start working at a local hospital so that I can begin helping my community.”

For her, this journey has been more than just career training—it’s been about finding purpose. “Completing your CLS prep program felt like the first real step I took toward clinical laboratory science,” she reflects. “It solidified my confidence in pursuing this career.”

For students like Sara, our Clinical Laboratory Scientist Preparatory Program isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about unlocking a future.

I’m so grateful to the staff and institution for providing these resources. I truly owe so much to this program!

Sara says the coursework gave her both the knowledge and the discipline to handle the demanding pace of her current training. “Extension really set the tone for what graduate-level science training would be like,” she says.

Her practical advice for students considering the CLS path? Start early.

“Although the asynchronous online course time limit is 180 days, it goes by quickly,” she warns. “The classes have substantial material that require dedicated time and attention. Start early and plan ahead!”

She also encourages students not to be intimidated by the asynchronous online format. “I personally enjoyed the format because I could personalize my studies to my own schedule and learning style,” she offers. “It’s a great way to manage your education around your life. I’m so grateful to the staff and institution for providing these resources. I truly owe so much to this program!”

Her success proves that self-paced learning doesn’t mean learning alone—it means taking control of your future.