In 2016, as a graduate of the Medical Laboratory Technology program at Texas Southmost College, the 32-year-old found her way.
“I always wanted to have a career in the medical field, so when I stumbled upon this program I knew it was where I was supposed to be,” said the Harlingen native. “Because of it, I now have a career that I love.”
Before even graduating from the program, Navarrete was hired by Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen as a technician and soon after was promoted to the histology department, where she entered the study of tissue.
With a continual move up the professional ladder, Navarrete is now the lead technician at Mid-Valley Pathology PLLC in Weslaco.
“All of my work experiences have really molded me into the professional I am today, but it really was TSC’s program that laid the foundation for me,” she said. “It sculpted my life.”
Navarrete said going through the program as a single mother to three children was challenging and didn’t come without its struggles.
“Everything I do, I do for my family,” said Navarrete. “I wanted more for us. They are my reason for everything I do.”
Although Navarrete said there were plenty of times when she felt like giving up, but Medical Laboratory Technology program instructors Consuelo Villalon and Maria del Carmen Rodriguez wouldn’t hear of it.
“This was a big step for me and both of these instructors were always there when I doubted myself,” she said. “They never let me give up. They were my driving force when I needed it the most. Without them I don’t think I would have made it through the program.”
Navarrete added that it was TSC that changed her life for the better and has allowed her to provide for her family.
“TSC not only changed my life, but also my family’s life,” she said. “I have a great-paying career with plenty of opportunity for growth. I can only go up from here, thanks to TSC.”
TSC Medical Laboratory Technology is a two-year program with a 95% job placement rate and is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The program provides the basic medical laboratory skills training to produce professionals who play a crucial role in detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for medical laboratory technicians is projected to grow 11% by 2028, much faster than other occupations.
For more information about TSC’s Medical Laboratory Technology program, visit tsc.edu.