April 27, 2018
Story and portrait by Brandon Steinert
Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) are known as the “diagnostic detectives” of medicine. They perform a wide range of laboratory tests including microscopic examination of blood, identification of bacteria and viruses and other laboratory testing that can lead to the diagnosis of diseases such as AIDS, diabetes, and cancer. A hospital’s ability to help patients relies heavily on skilled MLTs running tests and analyzing results.
This purpose keeps Tiffany Pulley motivated to come to work as a Medical Lab Manager every day at the Rice County District Hospital in Lyons.
We’re the reason the docs are able to treat their patients,” she said. “We get to help save people.”
Pulley said she initially wanted to be a nurse and had started the nursing program at Barton Community College, but realized the nature of the work wasn’t exactly what she wanted to do. But, she still wanted to help people and work in the medical field.
“Being an MLT allows me to be around patients and help them, but I’m not the one primarily responsible for their care,” she said. “As the Lab Manager, I still get to poke people, work the bench (use lab equipment) and handle paperwork. I get to deal with all aspects of the lab.”
Pulley started Barton Community College’s MLT program in 2008 and had her first job at the hospital in 2009. She was promoted to manager in 2012. She said it’s been a great career thus far and has enjoyed every moment.
“It’s an all around good field; you get patient interaction and every day is something new,” she said. “Barton’s program was great. It was flexible, close to home and, just the program itself was really good. Cheryl (Lippert, Barton MLT Program Director) was wonderful. She’s very resourceful and helpful and helped me get this job. She’s a great leader and taught me a lot and still to this day helps me with anything I need.”
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science is celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week April 22-28, which is an effort to raise awareness about lab professionals’ work supporting doctors and nurses behind the scenes, and the positive job outlook for those searching for a career in the field.
Barton’s program is 68 credit hours, which can land somebody a job right after graduation or transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Barton has a 2+2 agreement with Kansas State University to make the transition seamless.
Visit MLT.bartonccc.edu for more information.