Columbia State Community College would like to highlight several alumni who have continued to pursue their education at a Tennessee university.

Columbia State is proud to offer a comprehensive Medical Laboratory Technology Associate of Applied Science degree program that prepares graduates for the workforce. Once students graduate and begin careers, some may want to pursue additional formal education to become medical technologists.

Three Columbia State MLT graduates, Christina Boone, Victoria Mercado and Julie Ann Reales, have all achieved Bachelor of Science degrees in Medical Laboratory Science through Austin Peay State University. All three alumnae earned BSMLS degrees without repeating clinicals and by taking online courses while working as MLTs, a testament to the ease of transition from Columbia State's degree into a baccalaureate program.

“The difference is that once you are already certified as an MLT and have work experience, you can continue working while earning your bachelor’s degree,” said Lisa Harmon, Columbia State program director and assistant professor of medical laboratory technology. “That opens doors for advancement and better pay.”

The BSMLS degree builds upon the MLT degree foundation and offers an average earning increase of $13,000 per year, while offering expanded career opportunities in hospital laboratories, forensic laboratories, higher education and many others.

“These students are building on the strong foundation of their Columbia State degree,” Harmon said. “Our NAACLS-accredited program prepares graduates not only for immediate employment but also for advancement and long-term career growth.”

Boone, a 2020 Columbia State graduate, recently passed her AMT certification while working at TriStar Natchez ER in Dickson. She says her MLT degree was what first propelled her career, and the continued educational achievement she has reached.

“The knowledge that Professor Lisa Harmon and her staff provided us with is the basis of this career,” Boone said. The MLT program at Columbia State provided me with a strong foundation to support and further my growth, education and career! I am so thankful for Mrs. Harmon; she is a fantastic mentor, friend and colleague.” 

Reales, a 2021 Columbia State graduate, recently passed her board exam to officially receive her MLS degree while working at Maury Regional.

“My time in the Columbia State MLT program provided me with a strong foundation in laboratory medicine, both academically and through hands-on experience,” Reales said. “The program challenged me to develop technical skills, critical thinking and adaptability qualities that I have carried with me into my career and into the MLS program at Austin Peay. Transitioning into APSU’s program felt like a natural step, since the MLT program had already instilled the discipline, confidence and knowledge I needed to succeed at the next level. Overall, Columbia State’s MLT program didn’t just prepare me academically; it gave me the professional skills and mindset to grow as a laboratory scientist and continue advancing my education and career.”

Mercado, a 2022 Columbia State graduate, earned her MLS degree while working at Williamson Health. She plans to take her board exam later this fall. 

“Columbia State’s MLT program was fundamental to my achievement in the MLS program,” Mercado said. “It truly helped prepare me for the challenges ahead. The BSMLS program was rigorous, but because of the strong foundation I gained at Columbia State, I was able to succeed and achieve my degree. I would highly recommend these programs to anyone interested in pursuing this career path.”

Austin Peay and other universities play a key role in providing the MLT-to-MLS pathway.

“These graduates are a testament to the value and versatility of AAS career entry degrees,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “Students leave Columbia State and go straight into positions in high-demand fields with strong earning potential and are also perfectly positioned to transfer and earn additional degrees!”

Columbia State’s MLT program has been approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. For more information on the program, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/medical-lab-tech.