Medical Lab Technician Student Overcomes Challenges to Achieve Career Success
“My hard work and dedication to have a college degree in this field that I love couldn’t be possible without the help Western provided.” —Eric Twambale, 2024 Graduate
Western Technical College’s Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program provides students with the hands-on training and knowledge needed to enter a high-demand healthcare field. For students like Eric Twambale, the program offered a pathway to a rewarding career and a support system that helped him overcome unexpected challenges.
Eric, a student from Uganda, was in the final stretch of his MLT coursework when financial difficulties nearly derailed his progress. Just as he prepared for clinical placements, his funding fell through, putting his degree and future career at risk. Determined to succeed, Eric leaned on the resources and support available through Western. “My hard work and dedication to have a college degree in this field that I love couldn’t be possible without the help Western provided,” he says.
Western faculty and staff recognized Eric’s potential and worked to ensure he stayed on track. Dean Jobe, Associate Dean of Health & Public Safety, described him as a “success story in the making.” With their guidance and financial assistance through Western’s Cavaliers Care Scholarship, Eric was able to complete his program without the added stress of financial uncertainty. The scholarship helped cover essential costs, allowing him to focus on his final courses and hands-on training.
Eric graduated in April 2024 and was soon hired as a Lab Technician at Winona Health Hospital. Now, he’s looking ahead to furthering his education, with plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree. His journey highlights the impact of Western’s MLT program—not only in preparing students for careers in laboratory science but also in providing the necessary support to help them succeed.
Medical Lab Technicians play a critical role in healthcare, analyzing samples that aid in disease diagnosis and treatment. Western’s MLT program equips students with the skills and real-world experience needed to thrive in this essential profession. For those considering a career in healthcare but preferring a behind-the-scenes role, the MLT program offers a direct path to a stable, in-demand job with strong earning potential.
Western is dedicated to helping students like Eric achieve their goals. By combining expert instruction with financial and academic support, our students can step confidently into the workforce.