On-Demand Webinar

• Present laboratory medicine as a rewarding, direct-to-career option
  
  
• Connect career exploration to real credentials and local opportunities
  
  
• Identify individuals within schools that can facilitate a partnership
  
  
• Customize educational experiences based on age and knowledge level of students
  
  
• Discuss educational experiences that provide the most impact

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Inspiring High School Students to Explore Medical Laboratory Careers

In this session, you'll learn:

Watch this on-demand webinar to learn ways to introduce students to the hidden heroes of healthcare.

Your students are curious, motivated, and eager to make an impact. But many don’t realize that some of the most essential roles in healthcare happen behind the scenes—in the medical laboratory.

Laboratory medicine pathways offer students hands-on, high-demand careers that often don’t require a four-year degree. From phlebotomy to pathology assisting, these pathways are ideal for students who love science and helping others.

Join Holly Covas, Ed.D, MPH, MLS, HTL, and Pamela Sieffert, M.Ed, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center as they share classroom-tested strategies for introducing students to the hidden heroes of healthcare.

MEET YOUR WEBINAR PRESENTERS:

Holly Covas began her laboratory career as a Medical Laboratory Technician in Meridian, MS in 2007. She worked as a generalist in a local hospital for three years before graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and returning to the Meridian Community College Medical Laboratory Technology program from which she graduated in 2010 as the educational coordinator. 

Holly moved to Nashville, TN to become the program manager of Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Medical Laboratory Science program in 2013 and transitioned into the program director position after completing her master’s in Public Health from the University of California, Berkely in 2014. Holly later returned to school to complete her doctorate in Learning and Organizational Change in 2022 and completed a Histotechnology program through Harford Community College in 2024. 

During her time at Vanderbilt, Holly increased enrollment in the MLS program from 10 to 16 students, helped to develop and implement a Clinical Laboratory Assistant and Phlebotomy program, and, most recently, developed and implemented a Histotechnology program to meet the needs of the laboratory professions. Holly serves as a Career Ambassador for ASCP and received the Excellence in Education award from ASCP in 2018. She also serves on the Leadership Development Committee with ASCLS and in various roles in Tennessee’s state chapter for ASCLS.

Dr. Harrington began her career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Microbiology laboratory and worked at the bench for many years before completing a PhD and a clinical fellowship. 

Dr. Harrington is currently a Medical Director at the Cleveland Clinc where she directs the Mycobacteriology lab at the Main Campus and the Microbiology Lab at Akron General Hospital. She is also the Medical Director for the Medical Laboratory Science Program and an Assistant Professor at the Lerner College of Medicne. 

Dr. Harrington is a former chair of the ASCP Board of Certification Board of Governors and is currently chair of the ASCP Workforce Steering Committee, a member of the ASCP Commission for Science Technology and Policy, and the ASCP Board of Directors. She has been involved in a number of ASM and ASCP committees and initiatives supporting and advocating for the medical laboratory professions.

Holly Covas, Ed.D, MPH, MLS, HTL
Medical Laboratory Science Program Director
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Susan M. Harrington, PhD D(ABMM), M(ASCP), MLS(ASCP)^CM
Medical Director, Mycobacteriology, Akron General Microbiology, MLS Program Cleveland Clinic

Help Students Discover What’s Next

ASCP connects students to rewarding medical laboratory careers through free classroom resources, career maps, and real-life exposure. One of the most powerful tools? A no-cost visit from a Career Ambassador. These credentialed professionals bring science to life with stories, demos, and pathways that show students what’s possible. Because students can’t be what they can’t see. Learn more about hosting an ASCP Career Ambassador visit.

Pamela Sieffert, M.Ed
Program Director, Workforce Planning | Human Resources | Workforce Strategy
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Pam Sieffert is the Program Director of Workforce Planning at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). In this role, Pam supports various operational departments, the Office of Health Science Education, and Human Resources to identify, implement, and scale education and training opportunities for internal employees and external, potential employees and medical professionals. Pam also serves as a conduit to external partners, leveraging her expertise in pathway and workforce development to engage local and state secondary and postsecondary partners and leaders with VUMC.

Pam has previous experience working with the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Board of Regents to develop and scale student experiences and pathways from, to, and through secondary, postsecondary, and career education and opportunities.