Nancy E. Monroe, MLT(ASCP)HT, shares the story of her career as a laboratory professional in her own words.

I would like to share with you my adventures as a laboratory professional for the past 35 years. As a young child growing up in the 1960s and 70s, I was influenced by medical dramas such as Medical Center, Chad Everett, and St. Elsewhere. It was my dream to become a medical laboratory technician. Upon graduating from high school in 1972, I researched education career opportunities mostly on my own, because as a teenager growing up in a small southern town that was dominated by the textile industry, there was little outside opportunity. But I knew I wanted more, and in order to achieve my goal in becoming an MLT, I found my calling through the MLT program offered at York Technical College in Rock Hill, SC.

Taking the first step, I applied, and after being accepted there was no turning back for me. This was the beginning of my long journey in the medical world. After two long years, I began my career at a small regional hospital. Shortly afterward, I took a job with a local physician who just started his own private laboratory in his office. This was the perfect opportunity for me to try my newly acquired skills. The first challenge for me was ordering medical equipment and supplies, but soon we had an operational lab. This was a turning point for the office. Turning out CBCs, cultures, chemistries and kit methods, and having patient results usually the same day was a major accomplishment for a small town doctor’s office.

In 1979, I married a U.S. Army soldier, and moved with him to live in El Paso, TX, after working at a physician’s office for five years. Throughout his many duty stations, I was always fortunate to find employment from coast to coast. I found myself working in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ office laboratories, a veterinary diagnostic laboratory and a flour mill. It is amazing how versatile the degree I obtained so many years ago could be for me.

After moving to Washington state in the mid 1980s, the rumors of CLIA '88 began to surface. Washington was the first state to implement these new regulations. It was a confusing time, but the groundwork was set, and the foundation was laid that still continues to this day.

My most challenging work experience was as the Quality Control Supervisor in the flour mill industry. During the first two weeks of my job I was lost, but I began to settle into the new language, standards and regulations that I incurred in the food industry. Many of our products had to meet certain specifications in order for customers to accept our products. I was tasked to ensure that our customers’ specifications were met and the quality of the product was not compromised.

My 25-year anniversary silver sticker from ASCP and a citation for my many years of service, it was signed by Peggy P. Simpson, MS, MT(ASCP). I was sure that it couldn’t be the same Peggy Simpson who was one of my instructors during my MLT training at York Tech so long ago. I contacted ASCP, and it was. I was delighted to speak with her about my adventures as a military wife. I thanked her for the valuable training she provided me and many others throughout her tenure at York Tech during the early 1970s.

Working at Murray State University (MSU) Breathitt Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Hopkinsville, KY, I made the transition to histology. I prepared myself for the histology registry and studied hard, and with the skills and training, I passed the exam. While at MSU, I obtained my bachelor's degree with an emphasis in agriculture.

Today, I work at Springs Memorial Hospital in Lancaster, SC, where I grew up. I am the lead histology technician. Having lived in almost every U.S. time zone, raised two children, moved from coast to coast, my journey has been filled with happiness and trials. I have found that every step of the way, this career has been wonderful and worthwhile. My degree has opened many doors and it can do the same for you.  Just take a chance and step through.