The rules for doing actual tech work, especially in California [which
has its own rules] are pretty strict.

http://www.ascp.org/Certification/CertifyingExaminations/ - this page
has a link for California requirements. Check out requirements for the
various technician jobs also. They won't pay as much, however.
California is a unique situation in that the separate California
registry was required up until recently, which has created an acute
shortage in this state. Consequently it discouraged people with clinical
laboratory skills from migrating into the state from the outside. Many
labs work with med techs as supervisors and lesser people, including
diploma only people, under them to get the work done. I would inquire
directly to the laboratory managers in your area as that workplace
scenario is not happening in Ohio where I am.

You may, however, start to look into any contingent job at any hospital
or laboratory. If you have any clerical skills, you may be able to get
in as a data entry person and, as you acquire courses, be able to bid up
to other positions. Even if you can get a job in housekeeping or
transport you are not stuck there forever. Once you acquire courses you
can bid into other positions.

My niece's husband has only a high school diploma. He currently bid into
an 8 hour contingent transport job. He hit some bad luck recently and is
starting over. He has a good work ethic. His 8 hour job has turned into
40 hours most weeks, as many of the transport people don't show up for
work or quit. He's probably next in line to be made permanent. He's
willing to work any hours they throw at him. His boss likes that.

Hospitals always hire internally first. The way to get your foot in the
door is to work off-hours or contingent.  If you are willing to work
third shift especially you may get a foot in the door. If you build up a
good work record in ANY hospital department, managers talk. They know
the people destined to rise up and the ones destined to stay. Some labs
are big enough that they would hire people to unpack and process their
supplies. You are probably too young to become a courier, and labs tend
to hire older people with exemplary driving records for this position
because of fleet insurance. Younger drivers are much more of a
liability.

The lab may be out of reach at first, but do not despair. Get in
somewhere that has a good reputation for being a quality hospital and
stick with it. It may take you some time.

Judy Dilworth, M.T. (ASCP)
Microbiology