Abou Drammeh, MLS(ASCP) |
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My journey to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) was not a straight shot. In fact, it was by accident! After high school, my mind was made up that I should get a Nursing or Biology degree, and then to graduate school for MPH. At a very young age, the underlying cause of illnesses intrigued me, and I have always wanted to work with microscopes and microorganisms.
So when I accidently discovered a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program at a neighboring community college, it was a perfect fit for me. By then I had already started out at a different community college with the intention of getting a two-year degree so I can later transfer to a 4-year university for a Biology degree. I transferred quickly to the MLT program and luckily I had completed most of the general education and pre-requisites.
After completing the MLT program, I went on to complete my MLS, got certified and accepted a generalist position in rural Montana. My responsibilities include testing in Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Transfusion services, Urinalysis, Blood gas, Serology, and limited Microbiology. I work at night and routinely perform phlebotomy services in the ED and ICU, and our patient population ranges from newborn to geriatric. This can be challenging at times but it gives me the opportunity to see the impact of laboratory services on patients in real time. I am humbled and fortunate to have chosen MLS as a career.
So when I accidently discovered a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program at a neighboring community college, it was a perfect fit for me. By then I had already started out at a different community college with the intention of getting a two-year degree so I can later transfer to a 4-year university for a Biology degree. I transferred quickly to the MLT program and luckily I had completed most of the general education and pre-requisites.
After completing the MLT program, I went on to complete my MLS, got certified and accepted a generalist position in rural Montana. My responsibilities include testing in Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Transfusion services, Urinalysis, Blood gas, Serology, and limited Microbiology. I work at night and routinely perform phlebotomy services in the ED and ICU, and our patient population ranges from newborn to geriatric. This can be challenging at times but it gives me the opportunity to see the impact of laboratory services on patients in real time. I am humbled and fortunate to have chosen MLS as a career.
