Things to Ask Yourself before you take the Medical Technology Course

Your third option is God’s first choice.- Pastor Jimmy Adil

We all come to a point in our lives when choosing the right degree to prepare us for society. There are numerous options and ample opportunities to select a degree. In this fast-information generation, we can explore the different realms of each career. We observe how medical students live and study through TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube. We can witness the workings of the business world, all at the tip of our fingers. However, choosing what you truly want requires careful consideration.

Before graduating from high school, we were already tasked with choosing the degree we would pursue. Growing up in an Asian household where adults often emphasize becoming a medical doctor, my mind was programmed to set the path toward medicine. Consequently, I had to pick the best pre-med course. If I could choose a degree, I would prefer AB-Theology as my first choice and BS-Psychology as the second. So, how did I end up with this medical technology course? A course that isn’t as common as nursing. According to the Statistica Research Department 2022, there is one medical technologist for about thirty-six thousand people in the Philippines. The majority of people don’t know who medical technologists are, often confusing them with nurses.

I first heard about this degree during a conversation with my classmate in grade school. I asked him, “What degree are you going to take when you get into college?” He replied, “I’m going to take medical laboratory science.” The name of that degree left an impression, as that kid was so sure of what he was going to take even in the 6th grade. I, on the other hand, was still uncertain about what I wanted to be. But one thing was for sure—I loved science, religion, and English.

Several years passed, and it was time to pick and choose a degree. These are things I asked myself before choosing the medical technology degree.

“Firstly, does this degree align with my interests? As mentioned earlier, I have a deep passion for science, with a particular fascination for the intricacies of the human body. In my younger years, a family friend gifted me science books, and I found immense joy in repeatedly reading them. I was drawn to topics such as genetics, hematology (the study of blood), viruses, bacteria, and parasites. When I came across the medical technology curriculum, I immediately recognized that my interests were perfectly aligned with this course.”

“Secondly, does this fit my personality? The alignment between your chosen degree and your personality is crucial. It’s essential to recognize that being an introvert doesn’t necessarily restrict you from pursuing degrees that involve human interaction. Understanding my introverted nature and realizing that I may not have the inclination for direct patient care, I discovered that my personality is better suited for a role in the laboratory, where interaction with patients is minimized.”

“Thirdly, the question arises: will I be able to find employment after graduating? Every parent desires their children to become independent, capable of finding a livelihood and achieving success. Concerned about my future, my parents offered valuable advice that ultimately led me to choose the medical technology course. Initially, my first choice was AB-Theology, followed by psychology. My dad expressed his thoughts on the potential challenges after pursuing AB-Theology. Recognizing the limited prevalence and recognition of women pastors, he highlighted the reality that completing the AB-Theology course might require an additional education major to become a professor, leading to a more extended settling period. A similar situation applied to BS-Psychology.

On the other hand, my mother saw teaching as a suitable path for me and suggested an education major. However, my aversion to challenging math subjects, like trigonometry, led me to decline the education route. In later years, I realized that education was indeed my forte, but we’ll delve into that soon.

Considering these factors, the best option emerged as a medical technologist. Not only does this path offer immediate job opportunities upon licensure, but it also serves as a solid pre-med course, effectively addressing two goals with one degree.”

“Lastly, seeking God’s guidance to discover open doors for pursuing this degree played a pivotal role. Growing up with my mother, a junior high school teacher earning a monthly salary between 18,200 to 36,400, we were considered lower middle class according to the Philippines Statistics Association. The cost of my degree, approximately 50,000 PHP (892 USD) per semester, inclusive of dormitory and cafeteria fees, posed a financial challenge, especially considering additional family expenses. However, my mom remained steadfast in her belief that God would provide for my studies.

Her unwavering faith in God’s provision, inspired by the biblical concept that if God cares for the birds of the air, He will also care for His children, became our guiding light. Despite the financial strain, my mom held firm, trusting that God would make a way. Indeed, He did. A divine intervention unfolded through my dad’s brother, who helped us establish a warehouse selling wholesale bundles. Through this business, we received a steady flow of customers, enabling me to continue my education.

Remarkably, my mom never had to borrow money for my educational expenses, as God not only provided for my studies but also for our daily needs, groceries, and other essentials. His faithfulness became evident, solidifying my belief that even though medical technology was my third option, it was, undoubtedly, God’s first choice for me.”

“In conclusion, my journey to choosing the medical technology course was a tapestry woven with threads of passion, personality, practicality, and divine intervention. As I reflect on these pivotal moments, I am reminded that sometimes, our paths unfold in ways we least expect, guided by a higher purpose.

May this narrative serve as a testament to the importance of aligning our choices with our interests, personality, and the practicalities of life. Sometimes, the doors that open might not be the ones we initially envisioned, but they lead us to where we are meant to be.

As I embark on this educational voyage, I carry with me the belief that every twist and turn has been carefully orchestrated, and my pursuit of a medical technology degree is more than just a career choice—it’s a divine plan.

.So whether you choose a medical technology course or not. I’m sure these three questions can help you navigate with your choice of degree.