Ten years ago, the American Proficiency Institute (API) created a scholarship program to award college students with a talent and interest in the medical laboratory sciences. More than 50 awards totaling over US$100,000 have been presented over the last decade, and the API will award five scholarships of $2,000 to medical laboratory science students this year to support them in pursuit of a career in laboratory science.
But what impact do these awards have? Kaitlyn Schmidt, a 2014 API Scholarship recipient, now works as a medical laboratory scientist. “I absolutely love what I do,” she said. “This is an interesting field and it constantly intrigues me. I clearly remember the phone call when I was a recipient,” adds Schmidt. “I teared up, as it meant so much to me! Not only did I feel special to be one of five students in the US to be chosen, but financially it helped me out tremendously. The scholarship gave me a jump start in a career that I am extremely passionate about, and I am forever thankful for the opportunity.” Even for those choosing other careers, medical laboratory science created a lasting impact. “I wear my clinical laboratory scientist pin on my white coat,” says Aaron Lin, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology and is now in his fourth year of medical school, planning to specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. “I still think the field is highly underappreciated. Many training physicians don’t understand or respect the lab for what it does to ensure patient safety. I will always remember my roots and speak up for the lab when I can.
To apply for the 2017 API scholarship program, head to www.api-pt.com and complete the application form by the deadline of November 10, 2017.
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