HNL Lab Medicine’s Career Connections Program
Building the Future of Laboratory Medicine: Inside HNL Lab Medicine’s Career Connections Program
Behind every accurate diagnosis and effective treatment is a clinical laboratory professional working diligently behind the scenes. Yet across the country, laboratories continue to face critical workforce shortages, making it more important than ever to inspire and educate the next generation of talent entering the field.
At HNL Lab Medicine, investing in the future of healthcare means going beyond today’s testing needs. Through its Career Connections program, HNL Lab Medicine is helping students explore meaningful careers in clinical laboratory science while addressing long-standing workforce challenges impacting laboratories nationwide.
Addressing a Growing Workforce Challenge
Medical laboratory science has faced sustained staffing shortages for decades. Factors such as rising education costs, declining program enrollment, hospital consolidation, and limited public awareness of the profession have all contributed to an aging workforce and fewer trained professionals entering the field.
Career Connections was developed to help reverse this trend by introducing college students, particularly those interested in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), to the wide range of opportunities available in clinical laboratory medicine.
By offering early exposure and hands-on learning, the program aims to build awareness, spark interest, and create clear pathways for students considering careers that are essential to patient care but often remain out of the spotlight.
What Is the Career Connections Program?
Career Connections is a two-day immersive experience, held twice each year during college winter break, at HNL Lab Medicine’s headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Designed for college students, the program blends education, observation, and professional development to give participants a realistic look at laboratory careers. Students have the opportunity to:
- Tour multiple clinical laboratory departments
- Shadow experienced laboratory professionals
- Participate in networking and career development discussions
- Attend a collaborative luncheon with leadership and staff
- Engage in reflective projects, including “A Day in the Life” presentations
Rather than focusing solely on recruitment, the program emphasizes exploration and understanding, allowing students to make informed decisions about their future. “The goal is exposure and understanding, so students can confidently decide whether a clinical laboratory career aligns with their interests and strengths,” said Katie Moore, MLS (ASCP)ᶜᵐ, Training and Development Coordinator at HNL Lab Medicine and leader of the Career Connections program.
Leadership Rooted in Education and Experience
Career Connections is led by Moore, who brings a unique background in both education and medical laboratory science. Her experience has shaped the program’s focus on engagement, mentorship, and community partnership.
“It has been my privilege to leverage my background in education and medical laboratory science to develop programs that engage STEAM-interested students and strengthen community partnerships, with the goal of addressing workforce shortages,” Moore said.
“I am deeply grateful to HNL Lab Medicine leadership for their strong commitment and participation, creating a snowball effect that allows laboratory staff the time to participate in programs and expand our reach and impact.”
What began as a small partnership with a local university has since grown to include students from multiple colleges and universities across the region, reflecting the program’s increasing reach and impact.
An Eye-Opening Experience for Students
For many participants, Career Connections offers their first in-depth look at the scope and significance of clinical laboratory work. Students explore how laboratory professionals across specialties contribute to patient care every day, often without direct visibility.
One student participant shared, “I was fully immersed in the ways lab work is done every day. Being able to see the importance and significance of the lab was exhilarating and so eye-opening. This opportunity is a life changer.”
Another reflected on the experience by saying, “I just wanted to thank you for hosting such an informative and valuable event for college students such as myself. I have a newfound respect for the work conducted by HNL Lab Medicine along with each individual department’s efforts in contributing to the world of healthcare.”
Strengthening the Healthcare Pipeline
Career Connections is one of several student-focused initiatives supported by HNL Lab Medicine as part of its long-standing commitment to education, workforce development, and community engagement.
By investing in early exposure, mentorship, and professional development, HNL Lab Medicine is helping rebuild the pipeline of skilled laboratory professionals essential to high-quality patient care. Programs like Career Connections not only benefit students but also strengthen the healthcare system as a whole by preparing the next generation to meet evolving diagnostic needs.
Looking Ahead
As workforce challenges continue across healthcare, innovative programs like Career Connections play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future for clinical laboratories. Through education, partnership, and hands-on experience, HNL Lab Medicine is ensuring that students understand the value, impact, and opportunities within laboratory medicine long before they enter the workforce.
Interested in learning more about careers in laboratory medicine or HNL Lab Medicine’s community initiatives? Visit HNL.com to explore opportunities and discover how laboratory professionals help power patient care every day.