HNL Lab Medicine hosts student lab immersion program

HNL Lab Medicine wrapped its annual Student Immersion Program July 13-16 in Allentown, Pa., giving 10 students hands-on exposure to laboratory medicine and healthcare careers. The company says the program is part of a broader effort to strengthen the lab workforce and introduce students to roles many have not considered.

Why it matters: - HNL Lab Medicine is using early career outreach to address a broader need for more laboratory professionals in healthcare. - The program gives students direct exposure to diagnostic testing, a field that affects disease diagnosis, treatment decisions and patient outcomes. - The experience may help students discover a healthcare path that is often less visible than nursing or physician roles.

What happened: - HNL Lab Medicine completed its annual Student Immersion Program in Allentown, Pa., from July 13 to 16. - The four-day program welcomed 10 local high school juniors, seniors and incoming college students. - Students toured laboratories, took part in hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations, and spoke with medical laboratory scientists and other lab professionals. - One student attendee, Jessica, said the program opened her eyes to laboratory medicine careers and helped her picture her future.

The details: - Students rotated through multiple laboratory disciplines to see how testing work is organized. - The program focused on the technology, teamwork and scientific expertise needed for accurate diagnostic testing. - Participants asked questions, connected with professionals and explored career paths within laboratory medicine. - Students are chosen through a competitive application process that opens each year at the beginning of the year. - Katie Moore, MLS(ASCP)cm, Training and Development Coordinator at HNL Lab Medicine, said the program helps students experience laboratory medicine beyond the classroom and discover careers they may not have considered.

Between the lines: - HNL Lab Medicine is pairing workforce development with community outreach, which can help build awareness of lab careers earlier in the talent pipeline. - The program also signals that hospitals and lab systems are competing for future workers by introducing students to specialized roles before college and job searches begin. - The company’s emphasis on hands-on learning suggests it sees exposure and mentorship as a recruiting tool, not just an educational offering.

What's next: - HNL Lab Medicine says students who want to participate in future Student Immersion Programs should follow the company on Facebook and LinkedIn for the next application cycle. - The annual application process opens at the beginning of each year. - HNL Lab Medicine plans to continue investing in educational outreach and workforce development through programs like Student Immersion.

The bottom line: - HNL Lab Medicine is trying to build the next generation of lab talent by giving students an inside look at a healthcare field that is essential, technical and often overlooked.