A different side of healthcare: BGSU senior finds her niche in medical laboratory science

Grace Johnson described the career as an ideal fit for her interests in science and healthcare

By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

Bowling Green State University senior Grace Johnson went from knowing nothing about medical laboratory science to becoming a fierce advocate for the program and career.

With an interest in science and healthcare, Johnson said she assumed nursing was her most logical career path, until she discovered a profession that provided a direct application of the science she was learning.

“I love lab work, and once I learned about the medical laboratory science program, I knew it would be perfect for me,” Johnson said. “The program at Bowling Green does an amazing job of preparing students. We have some of the best laboratory professionals I could ask for in this field. They’re a wealth of knowledge and they really want to share it.

“Our instructors are the shining gem in our program.”

After discovering the program late in her sophomore year, Johnson fully committed to her future career and even secured a full-time job offer from Wood County Hospital before graduation. She is set to join the hospital as a generalist medical laboratory scientist after passing her national certification exam.

Johnson is among many students in the program who receive job offers while still in college, which demonstrates the program’s strength in preparing students for the in-demand healthcare career.

“Our students are welcomed into the workforce with open arms,” said Amanda Joost, associate clinical professor. “The fact that they are able to secure positions while they’re still in college or directly after graduation speaks to the credibility of our program and caliber of our students.”

Medical laboratory scientists are an integral part of improving the health of communities. They perform hundreds of lab tests that help physicians diagnose and manage disease.

With a 100% employment rate, Joost said BGSU is helping create a pipeline of qualified students ready to meet crucial workforce demands in Ohio and nationwide.

Unique to the BGSU medical laboratory science program, clinical placements are guaranteed, ensuring students receive valuable hands-on experience in a professional setting before graduation. 

That distinct feature was a selling point for Johnson, who preferred to experience a large lab environment like the one at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. 

Throughout the spring semester, Johnson has rotated through six different departments at ProMedica — one of the University’s gold-tier corporate partners — learning everything from hematology to blood banking to chemistry.

“Some of the clinical instructors at ProMedica have been working in the lab for 40 years and have such an excitement to teach myself and other students,” Johnson said. “My favorite part has been learning about their unique experiences and having a four-month period where your only job is to learn. Being in such an impressive setting like ProMedica labs has been really great.”