Future Students
Name: Gabby Gate
Hometown: Westerville, Ohio
Major: Medical Laboratory Science – Certification Track
Minor: Bioethics
Class of 2022
Fun Fact: I work at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Core Lab, as a general student lab assistant.
Career Path: I plan on continuing my career as a laboratory technician for the next few years to gain experience. After that, I may become a travel tech or continue to grad school if I find a specialty I really enjoy.
Why did you choose your major?
The first time I learned about Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) was during my junior year of high school after my biology teacher told me I would really enjoy it. Ohio State was my first choice for a school because they have such a great MLS program, and I had heard amazing things about it.
Why do you believe your major was the best choice for your career path?
I’ve always wanted a career in health care, and I always assumed I would end up being a physician. After beginning the program, I realized that I belong in the lab. I’ve always excelled in lab settings and have found my passion in lab testing. MLS is a perfect major for any career that involves labs and research because it provides you with comprehensive lab skills that prepare you for any lab environment.
What advice would you give future students planning to pursue this major?
Medical laboratory science is a rigorous program, but it’s very fulfilling. The faculty is focused on preparing their students for success in a future lab career, and they have been one of my greatest resources for success. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out when you are struggling. They want you to succeed and make sure you are well prepared. All the students in this program have also been a vital part of my success because we all rely on each other for support and motivation. I’ve also found that getting a job in a clinical laboratory has greatly prepared me for what it will be like once I start my career. It’s been amazing to start off being very unfamiliar with the processes of the lab, to now knowing how a lab functions and how the tests are run.
What has been the most helpful resource(s) or support to you at Ohio State?
The faculty and students have been the most helpful resources in this program. I’ve found some great friends here who have provided a support system for me when studying throughout the semester. The faculty is personable and takes the time to learn about their students. You can tell that they want everyone in the program to succeed, and they value all input. They are all very knowledgeable in their field of expertise and always provide stimulating and relevant lectures.
What are you doing as a student at Ohio State that you never imagined you’d be doing?
I never thought I’d be so involved in laboratory work as a student. It’s such a hands-on program, and I’m very appreciative of that. Being part of this program has allowed me to work at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which is something I would have never imagined being able to do this early in my career. I also never thought I’d experience such an intimate class environment at Ohio State. The program has allowed me to experience what a small school may feel like while still having all the amenities that a large school offers.
Do you feel prepared for the future of your profession?
I feel very prepared to be a laboratory technician. I’ve been working in a lab since my sophomore year at Ohio State, and I’ve already been able to see my growth in knowledge. With every new shift I work, I find that I can understand another component of a test that much better based on my lectures and labs from that week. The lab courses in this program have been designed to replicate how actual clinical labs are, which provides us with great foundational knowledge needed to be good technicians. Not only do we learn what tests mean and what the indications are for each, but we learn about quality control, quality assurance and other logistical components to the lab.
What does “The future of health care begins here” mean to you?
“The future of health care begins here” means that as current HRS students, we can help advance our fields in health care to better the outcomes for our patients. Whether it is through direct patient care or behind the scenes in the laboratory, we are all a part of the next generation of health care workers who will be moving science and medicine forward. My experience in the MLS program has given me the skills to not only be a great lab tech, but also work alongside other health care professionals to provide the best patient results.