FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2024
Fairmont, WV – Four recent graduates and two faculty members from Pierpont Community and Technical College’s medical laboratory technology (MLT) program have received national recognition from the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Professional Society.
Samantha Bostic, Hayley Miller, and Natalie Poier swept the competition, earning first, second, and third place, respectively, in the technical writing competition. Students were challenged to apply the knowledge gained in their studies to an area of emphasis in the medical laboratory technology disciplines.
Bostic’s winning research focused on hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) caused by anti-Kell antibodies. In perinatal medicine, HDFN poses significant challenges, particularly when attributed to antibodies against the Kell antigen system. Bostic’s writing underlines the intricacy of HDFN management and highlights the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the analysis of laboratory data and the implementation of prenatal interventions like intrauterine transfusions.
“Receiving national recognition for my work was a significant moment in my academic journey and brought about a wave of emotions ranging from excitement to gratitude,” said Bostic. “The unwavering support of faculty and staff at Pierpont has played a crucial role in helping me navigate challenges and achieve my goals by providing a supportive and enriching environment that fostered my personal and professional growth. This opportunity has been phenomenal, and everything has been a wonderful learning experience for which I am so appreciative. It has inspired me to continue pushing myself academically and professionally, with the goal of making meaningful contributions to the field of medical laboratory sciences.”
Miller’s research focused on mycobacterium tuberculosis, while Poier explored cold agglutinin disease in her writing.
Casey Merrill received the Outstanding Medical Laboratory Student Award, which recognizes a student who shows exemplary academic success and willingness to go the extra mile in their studies. Nominations for the AMT Outstanding Medical Laboratory Student Award are made by the program director or instructor.
“When I received the award, I was overjoyed that all my hard work throughout college was finally paying off and I was receiving recognition for it,” said Merrill. “This award will go a long way to prove my dedication to the field. Pierpont’s medical laboratory technology program prepared me in a way no other program could, and what I learned will stick with me throughout my professional career.”
The group received cash prizes, plaques, and invitations to the AMT national meeting in St. Louis, Missouri in mid-July.
“Our national winners for the writing and outstanding medical laboratory student awards were very engaged and continuously worked to learn more about the field,” said MLT Program Coordinator, Melissa White. “It is outstanding that this group developed nationally recognizable skills and achievements in less than two years in this field.”
Through rigorous and engaging coursework and hands-on application, Pierpont’s two-year medical laboratory technology program prepares students to complete their national certification exam and join hospital, commercial, veterinary, and diagnostic laboratories, blood and organ donor banks, public health organizations, and more as medical laboratory technicians.
“Our graduates are not only equipped to perform hands-on tasks but also emerge as highly skilled healthcare providers across various allied health fields,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and MLT professor, Dr. Michael Waide. “The national recognition of our four MLT students highlights their scholarship, while also validating their education and training. Pierpont strives to prepare workforce professionals with the practical and critical thinking skills needed to meet industry demands.”
Waide and MLT associate professor Sherri Craddock were also among those recognized, earning an Exceptional Merit Award and Distinguished Achievement Award, respectively. The accolades recognized their contributions to the AMT Professional Society on the state and national levels.
Nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a faster-than-average 5% growth in job outlook from 2022 to 2032 for medical and clinical laboratory technicians, supporting the growing demand for healthcare professionals within the commercial and public health sectors post-COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 24,000 job openings for medical and clinical laboratory technicians are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. Many medical and clinical laboratory technicians seek out opportunities to advance in their careers through advanced degrees, specialized training, and managerial roles within laboratory settings.
Enrollment into Pierpont’s MLT program for the fall 2024 semester is now open. Individuals seeking a dynamic career in healthcare are encouraged to apply to reserve their spot.
To learn more about the MLT program, click here or call (304) 333-3684.
AMT is a member-led organization of allied health professionals that credentials and supports medical professionals while promoting competence in healthcare delivery.
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Pierpont Community and Technical College
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