Lab Tech Pursues Advanced Online MLS Degree While Climbing Career Ladder
August 10, 2026
Noemi Gomez Vaca (MS/MLS '26) lives, works and studies in Eugene, Oregon, but on August 18, she will travel to Atlanta to receive her white coat during a special ceremony that marks the culmination of her Master of Science (MS) in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) degree at PCOM Georgia.
Last year, Vaca was searching for an online master's program that offered post-professional options. She holds a BS degree from the University of Oregon and a BS in medical laboratory science from South Dakota State University. This education background coupled with her work as a phlebotomist satisfied PCOM's program and clinical rotation requirements.
“I was working full-time as a processing tech conducting low volume testing but I always believed there was more I could be doing,” she said. “I was also worried about losing existing knowledge and missing out on knowing more things.”
Determined to advance her knowledge and skill set, she enrolled in the online program at PCOM Georgia, with Karen Giddens, MS, MLS(ASCP), as her mentor and advisor.
“The experience has been great and all my interactions with my instructors have been excellent,” Vaca said. “The coursework is asynchronous and I was able to complete modules at my own pace.”
Recognized as the youngest technician in her lab, Vaca is now building a new lab from the ground up as a chemistry technical specialist. In this role, she performs approximately 1,200 tests daily—an impressive increase from the roughly 20 tests she handled in her previous position. Vaca works closely with eight senior technologists, drawing on their expertise to ensure quality and accuracy.
“I love working in the lab, and I feel like I learn more every day," she said. “This program has helped me grow and expand my understanding of the management and educational aspects of the MLS profession."
Her ultimate goal is to potentially pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in Pathology.
“I want to reach a level where I can directly diagnose patients,” she said. “As a tech, I see what's happening, but I can't make the diagnosis. I think that would be a great way to continue working in the lab, and perhaps maybe expand into patient care someday.”
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PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
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