After 4 wonderful years at Fredonia I began my clinical laboratory science internship at WCA hospital in Jamestown. I chose WCA because of its small class size of 8 and because I could tell the program director was warm, welcoming, and very passionate about the program.
The first half of the year is considered the didactic rotation. We were given lectures every day by medical technologists in a classroom setting and we also had a student lab where we would practice our skills and apply the 
knowledge we learned in class. We had tests every week on top of homework and projects so it was certainly a busy year, but it was amazing how much information you can learn in a short period of time. We studied phlebotomy, blood bank, hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, coagulation, and microbiology.
During the clinical half of the year, you are out in the lab working side by side with the techs, where you learn all about how to operate the instrumentation, perform specimen processing and testing as well as quality control procedures. I enjoyed every department I’ve worked in. Some techs have a favorite area that they specialize in, while others are considered generalists, and rotate between all the departments on different days. I am looking to find a job as a generalist so I can be doing something different every day and maintain my skills and knowledge in all areas of the lab.
The lab experience that this internship has provided me with will lead to many job opportunities when I graduate, and I feel confident and well prepared to begin my career as a medical laboratory professional. It makes all the hard work throughout the year worthwhile knowing that I will be going on to a stable career I truly enjoy. The program directors have helped us build our resume’ and prepare for interviews so we can score our dream jobs. They have also been a tremendous asset when it comes to preparing for the board of certification exam, which I need to take to become nationally certified.
I have always wanted to work in the healthcare field because I am interested in the science of the human body and medicine. However I did not like the idea of having to work hands-on with sick people. That’s why I feel I found my calling as a med tech, where I can contribute to quality patient care and help aid in the diagnosis of patients from the laboratory setting.
Kelci Yousett
Medical Technology Major