From Lab Work to Patient Care: How One Graduate Unlocked Career Pathways with MedCerts

After earning a degree in public health from West Virginia University, Pennsylvania-based healthcare professional Kasey found herself facing a challenge many new graduates know all too well: breaking into the field without hands-on experience. “I was applying, applying, applying,” Kasey shared. “It was really hard to get started.” Eventually, she secured a role as a lab assistant at Holy Spirit Hospital, where she spent three years working behind the scenes supporting providers, coordinating lab communications and ensuring testing accuracy. While she enjoyed the work and grew her experience, something was missing. “I realized I wanted more patient interaction,” she said. “In the lab, you don’t really get to see that side of healthcare.”

Discovering a New Path Forward

Kasey’s opportunity came through her employer’s partnership with Guild, which introduced her to online healthcare certification training programs through MedCerts. Guild and MedCerts work with many different organizations to provide education benefits for people looking to grow their skills and advance their careers. We always encourage those seeking growth opportunities to check in with their employer and explore their employer’s tuition/education benefits, as only “2% of employees who have access to a tuition assistance program actually participate in it.”

Kasey quickly enrolled in the Patient Care Technician program, eager to expand her skillset beyond the lab.

“I snagged that opportunity really quick, and I’m glad I did,” she said.

The program opened the door to a broader understanding of healthcare, blending her existing lab experience with new patient-facing skills.

Turning Knowledge Into Real-World Skills

One standout aspect of the MedCerts experience for Kasey was the interactive learning format.

“I really enjoyed the interactive learning opportunities,” she explained. “They were detailed and helped me visualize what working with patients actually looks like.”

The online training didn’t stay in a theoretical space; it immediately translated into her day-to-day work.

“The phlebotomy side of things has been especially helpful,” she said. “I’ve been in the lab for years, but it was really interesting to learn national protocols.” A broader perspective helped her better understand how healthcare systems operate, and where she fits within them.

Expanding Career Possibilities

Now, with Kasey’s program complete and certification exam scheduled, she’s looking ahead to multiple potential career paths.

“I have options now,” she said. “I could move into patient care, focus on phlebotomy or even explore electrocardiography and work more closely with cardiology teams.”

For her, that flexibility is empowering.

“I want to try different things and see what fits,” she said. “Not everyone knows right away, and that’s okay.”

Advice for Future Healthcare Professionals

For anyone considering a healthcare career, especially those starting from behind the scenes, her advice is simple:

“Go for it. You’ve got to put your toes in the water to see if it’s something you’ll enjoy.”

She also emphasized the accessibility of online learning as a starting point.

“The online format was a really great way to begin,” she said. “I would recommend it to anyone, even if you’re not already working in a hospital.”

Moving Forward with Confidence

As Kasey prepares to take her certification exam, she’s doing so with a strong foundation and renewed confidence in her future. What started as uncertainty after graduation has turned into a clear, flexible career path.

Move forward with confidence in your career, and start growing your skills with MedCerts.

Written by

Kayla Haack

Kayla joined MedCerts in 2022 and grows brand awareness through social media and content creation. She collects and shares student stories to move the needle for job seekers stuck in unfulfilling professions looking to discover a new tune in their careers.

Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from Texas State University. She lives in Philadelphia, PA, and spends her time digging through dusty crates of records and exploring all the live music and good eats the city has to offer.

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