Medical Laboratory Science Leadership Student says UC Online Exceeded her Expectations

At the University of Cincinnati, the full laboratory science pathway offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to advance their careers in medical laboratory science. Spanning from the MLT-to-MLS Bachelor’s program to the Master’s in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership and the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS), UC provides a comprehensive educational journey for professionals at every stage. This pathway equips students with the skills and leadership knowledge necessary to excel in the field, whether you’re just starting out or seeking to take your career to new heights. In this testimonial we hear from graduating student, Vivian Gaiko, who has navigated this pathway and is now ready to take on leadership roles in the medical laboratory science field.

What motivated you to seek this degree or certificate program?

I wanted to enhance my research skills, which a graduate program provides, and also gain more knowledge on molecular diagnostics, which is evolving fast, and laboratory leadership to enhance my professional growth.

Why did you select UC/UC Online over other institutions?

UC’s reputation of delivering high quality education was one of the reasons for my selecting the school. The other reason was that the faculty are knowledgeable and experienced. I remember looking up my professors and their work even before I applied as I wanted to be in an institution where I will gain the needed skills and even access opportunities for mentorship.

Why did you choose an online program vs. on campus?

I had postponed doing my master’s since graduating from undergrad in 2016 due to work and family commitments. This program was just perfect for me. The online format allowed me the flexibility of pursuing higher education and balancing it with my commitments and family. The asynchronous classes gave me the flexibility to work on assignments and further readings at my own pace. I managed my schedule, and was able to meet deadlines. This enhanced my time management skills.

What made you choose your current field of study? Was there a personal or professional reason?

My undergraduate training is still in Medical Laboratory Science and Technology. As I worked in the medical laboratory, I developed a passion for molecular diagnostics and wanted to learn more about it and laboratory leadership in general for personal and professional growth. I am passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and this degree opened my eyes on the various opportunities outside the medical laboratory that still make a positive impact on improving healthcare. I had classmates who were educators, others were taking roles as laboratory managers, setting up new labs, and others had the opportunity to specialize in a lab area of their choice, which was inspiring. We were all in different locations and the richness of this variety made the learning enjoyable.

How was the admission process? Did you have any trouble applying to the program?

The admission process was straightforward. I don’t remember having any problems with the application process. For those who’d like to apply, I’ll advise having all the required documents you need to upload on your application ready. As a student with international training, I had a credential evaluation ready even before I settled for UC as the school I’ll be applying to.

What were your expectations of the program, and do you feel that they were met?

The program exceeded my expectations. My expectation was to gain more knowledge and understanding in my area of concentration, molecular. The content was engaging, the discussion forums were very insightful. I also wanted to hone my research skills, which I did, and I’m happy to share that my graduate project was published in the International Journal of Biomedical Laboratory Science, a reputable peer-reviewed journal.

Overall, how would you describe the online learning experience? Do you feel you had the full college experience?

Despite being remote, I felt connected to my classmates and teachers through the virtual discussions and group projects. UC Online provided an experience that felt very much like being on campus. I had access to resources, and I got assistance from the library services during my search for material for the project. The alumni community is also vibrant, and I’m so proud of my UC alumni stickers that I got. I got to attend the graduation ceremony in person and even meet some of my amazing classmates.

What are your thoughts on the faculty of this UC Online program? How were your interactions with them? Are there any faculty members you’d like to recognize?

The faculty was amazing. They are knowledgeable, approachable, and were always available to offer guidance and support. I particularly appreciate Dr. Tille and Dr. Jacobson, who went above and beyond to ensure I (we in our course) understood the course material and was successful in my studies. They responded to questions promptly and even provided recommendation letters where needed.

Did you interact with the UC Online staff? What are your thoughts on them? Would you like to recognize a particular staff member?

I interacted with the UC Online staff during the application process and when registering for my classes, they were quick to respond to my questions.

What were your main concern(s)/hesitation(s) about enrolling in this or any online program?

I wondered about balancing graduate studies and other personal commitments, but this program was very flexible.

What would you say to someone who is considering this or any other program at UC Online?

UC Online is great for anyone considering furthering their education while still working or attending to family. You receive all the resources the school has to offer to on-campus students, it’s only that the classes are done remotely. The faculty are amazing too and very knowledgeable in their fields.

What do you plan to do with your degree?

I plan to implement the knowledge and skills I gained to contribute to improving health outcomes. I intend to grow my career within the biopharmaceutical industry.

Overall, would you recommend the University of Cincinnati Online to others? Why or why not?

Yes, I would highly recommend the University of Cincinnati Online to others because the program met my expectations.

Is there anything else you want to share regarding your experience with UC/UC Online?

This experience was so rewarding for me. I’m glad after so many years of postponing, I was able to achieve my goals of going to grad school and gaining more knowledge to excel in my career. I would also like to encourage someone out there that it is never too late to follow your dreams.

The University of Cincinnati Online Experience

The University of Cincinnati Online is the perfect conduit for the UC education experience. Most students, especially at the graduate level, are working hard to balance their commitments outside their education. UC Online makes this more manageable by offering:

1. Asynchronous Coursework – Assignments can be completed on a student’s timeline without having to visit campus.
2. Application to Graduation Support – Every student will be assigned an Enrollment Services Advisor (ESA) and a Student Success Coordinator (SSC) to assist them every step of the way!
3. World-Class Faculty – The faculty leading these courses are among the top experts in the field. A prime example is the director of the MS-MLSL and DCLS programs, ASCLS President, Dr. Patricia Tille.
4. Scholarship Opportunities – UC’s College of Allied Health Science offers several scholarships, including exclusive benefits for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and University to Business scholarships.

Take the Next Steps with UC’s Full Pathway in MLS

There’s no better time than now to start your journey at the University of Cincinnati. Our faculty and staff are ready for you whether you’re starting at the graduate or undergraduate level, full-time or part-time. We’d like to invite you to apply for the next step that best fits your career and get your application started!

You can apply for the Bachelor’s in Med Lab Science, Master’s in Med Lab Science Leadership, and the Doctorate of Clinical Lab Science by filling in your information on the respective program page. Please don’t hesitate to contact us directly if you have questions or call (833) 556-8611 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best specialization in laboratory science?

The ideal specialization depends on each student’s career goals and interests. Many popular areas include molecular diagnostics, microbiology, hematology, and clinical chemistry – all of which can be advanced with a degree from UC.

Which degree is best for a laboratory professional?

The best degree depends on the role you desire in your career. Our bachelor’s degree serves as a gateway to become a certified medical laboratory scientist. Those who are interested in leadership, education, or more advanced laboratory opportunities would benefit from a master’s or doctorate degree.