½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Clinical laboratory science

When I was first applying to schools, I planned to major in forensic science. However, after coming for a UMassD tour, I sat with the medical laboratory science (MLS) program's first-year advisor. He explained to me that I could still become a forensic scientist if I majored in MLS, and, if anything, I could break into the field quicker with a degree in clinical lab science.

The clinical option in MLS is a broader area of study to major in, and it allows me to hone my skills in all sections of the laboratory. I have more options for a career path if I'm certified as a clinical scientist.

This particular certification allows me to work anywhere in the lab, as well as in a biotech or cytotech facility. Because I wasn't quite certain which part of the lab I wanted to  work in, the clinical option was very attractive to me.

Next steps

I'm graduating this spring with a bachelor's of science in medical laboratory science. After completing my clinicals at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, I was offered a position to work full-time in their blood bank full-time.

My time at UMassD has definitely over-prepared me for my position in the medical field, and I'm very excited to be pursuing a field relevant to my degree.

I will eventually continue my education by attending a physician's assistant school in the coming years.

Plans to join Doctors Without Borders

After I graduate, I plan to work in a hospital laboratory, and after a few years of experience, I plan to go into medical relief work for an organization such as Doctors Without Borders or the Peace Corps. I've always been passionate about helping others, and with my degree I can bring healthcare to developing nations.

I've also entertained the idea of going to graduate school to study forensic science. With my lab training, I would be a good candidate to help people in the criminal justice field through the techniques I've learned at UMassD. However, after two years of lab experience, I shifted my focus to the healthcare side of lab medicine, which is what inspired me to research career options in Doctors without Borders and similar programs. 

½ûÂþÌìÌÃ: quality education

I chose ½ûÂþÌìÌà because of the quality of the education. In many departments, not only do you have the chance to work with award-winning faculty, but you also have the chance to use state-of-the-art equipment that helps prepare you for a real career.

Not many degrees can prepare you for a career with your first job out of college. A lot of times you have to work your way up the corporate ladder or go through a series of entry-level positions before you find your career. With the high-quality technical training and skills I received at UMassD, I’ll be prepared to begin working right after I graduate.

Admissions ambassador

My two weeks of training for the position of admissions ambassador completely transformed my previous knowledge of ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. We learned about every college, area of interest, and program that we offer our students. I was astonished by the multitude of opportunities that are available to students.

As I started giving tours, I learned how to clearly express my thoughts through public speaking and how to collaborate with all kinds of new people. If I can share an experience that my tour group can relate to, or if we can find common ground, it becomes so much easier for strangers to converse.

I feel more accomplished if I can answer their questions, ease their mind about the college admissions process, or give them a perspective about student life. College is about new opportunities. I encourage future students to seek an interest outside their comfort zone and get involved as much as possible.

Opportunities to lead

I was elected to the Board of Directors at the non-profit I volunteer for, Circle Camps for Grieving Girls. 

On campus I have worked as the events lead for Admissions Open Houses and Experience Days. It was challenging at first, being the youngest and least experienced ambassador when I arrived as a freshman. But with the opportunities I've been granted, I've been able to become a lead ambassador, an effective communicator, and reliable tour guide.

I'm so grateful that my supervisors saw the potential in me, because I know I wouldn't have been as successful in my college career without the ambassador program.

More information

• College of Arts & Sciences: Medical laboratory science

My time at UMassD has definitely over-prepared me for my position in the medical field.