From Classroom to Career: The Inspiring Journeys of Rachael and Bethany in Medical Laboratory Sciences

When you step into the high-tech labs at Baptist Health Care in Pensacola, Florida, you’re bound to find two exceptional medical laboratory scientists—Rachael Nelson and Bethany Schaffer—busy at work in the heart of the hospital. What makes them stand out isn’t just their technical expertise, though. It’s the journey that brought them to where they are today, and the deep sense of mentorship, friendship, and professionalism that they share, both with each other and with the students they now inspire.

Both Rachael and Bethany graduated from the University of West Florida’s (UWF) Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) program. Their stories of success are a testament to how the right education, strong faculty support, and a passion for learning can launch careers that are not just about finding a job, but about finding purpose.

A Passion for Blood Bank

Bethany Schaffer knew early on that she didn’t want a career in direct patient care, but she wanted to make a real difference in the healthcare field. When her aunt introduced her to Dr. Behan, the program director of UWF’s MLS program, Bethany was drawn to the behind-the-scenes world of medical lab sciences. She liked the idea of being an integral part of the healthcare system without being on the front lines.

As a student, she was intrigued by the complexities of blood bank—an area of medical lab science that focuses on blood typing, compatibility testing, and preparing blood products for transfusions. What started as a fascination during her clinical rotations soon became her passion. Near the end of her internship at Baptist Health, Bethany was offered a position on the night shift as a generalist, where she would rotate through every area of the lab. But fate had something else in mind.

“I remember talking to someone in the break room about how I didn’t know there was a day shift position in blood bank,” Bethany says, laughing at the memory. “The next morning, I got a call saying, ‘Do you want to work in blood bank?’ I didn’t even think twice—I knew that was where I was supposed to be.”

That serendipitous moment led Bethany to where she is today: Senior Technologist in Blood Bank at Baptist Health Care, where she plays a vital role in transfusion services, providing blood for trauma patients, surgeries, and labor and delivery. The specialized skills she developed at UWF, especially under the guidance of faculty like Katie Cavnar, laid the foundation for her career success.

Leadership and Growth

Rachael Nelson, who graduated just before Bethany, has similarly carved out a successful career in the MLS field, and the two share more than just a love for blood bank—they share a deep respect for the education they received at UWF.

Rachael's journey also began at UWF, where she was drawn to the MLS program by a love for science and a desire for a career that blended technical skills with healthcare. From day one, she was impressed by the faculty's approach to teaching: not only did they provide the technical training necessary for success, but they also instilled a strong sense of leadership and professionalism.

“When I started at UWF, I didn’t realize how much leadership skills would be emphasized,” Rachael says. “That was a game changer for me. As a student, I had to learn how to be proactive, take initiative, and think critically. That’s something that has been so valuable throughout my career.”

Rachael, now a Senior Technologist in Blood Bank at Baptist, credits her UWF education for giving her the skills to excel in an often fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The challenges of blood bank work—where every transfusion could be a life-or-death situation—demand precision, focus, and a constant commitment to learning. Rachael’s ability to lead by example, mentoring younger staff and guiding them through the complexities of the job, has made her an invaluable asset to the team.

From Students to Mentors

While their careers at Baptist have flourished, neither Rachael nor Bethany has forgotten their roots. Both have returned to UWF as alumni to give back to the next generation of MLS students. Together, they’ve presented case studies to current students, sharing rare and interesting cases they’ve encountered in the blood bank.

“I remember one case that was so rare, I hadn’t even learned about it in school,” Bethany recalls. “It was a very unusual antibody, and when we found out what it was, everyone in the lab was shocked. I had to dig deep and learn about it myself, and I shared what I learned with the students when we did our presentation. It was a great experience, and they were so engaged—it was clear they were excited to learn something new.”

Rachael and Bethany's decision to give back speaks volumes about the lasting impact of their UWF education. They’re not just succeeding in their careers—they’re also helping to shape the next wave of lab scientists. Their mentorship isn’t just about teaching technical skills; it’s about instilling confidence, sparking curiosity, and encouraging students to continue learning long after they leave the classroom.

The Power of UWF’s MLS Program

For Rachael and Bethany, UWF’s MLS program wasn’t just a stepping stone to a job—it was the key to unlocking a fulfilling career and lifelong passion for the field. Both graduates praise the program’s rigorous curriculum, which prepared them not just to pass their board exams (a milestone many students across the country struggle with), but to thrive in the workplace.

“The professors at UWF really take the time to make sure you’re prepared,” Bethany explains. “I remember being nervous about my board exams, but I had no doubt that I was ready because of the education I received. And I think that’s true for everyone in our class.”

Rachael agrees: “UWF’s program gave us the foundation we needed, but it also pushed us to be better. It encouraged us to take on leadership roles, to always be learning, and to never settle for ‘good enough.’ That mindset is why we’re where we are today.”

Looking to the Future

As their careers continue to evolve, Rachael and Bethany both see endless opportunities within the field of medical laboratory science. The work they do in blood bank has given them both a sense of fulfillment and purpose, and they’re excited to continue growing in their careers, exploring new technologies, and mentoring the next generation of MLS professionals.

For current students at UWF, Rachael and Bethany offer this advice: “Embrace the challenges,” says Rachael. “This field has so many opportunities—whether you specialize in blood bank, microbiology, or something else entirely. There’s always room to grow.”

Bethany adds, “And don’t be afraid of the board exams. UWF will get you ready. Trust your professors, stay motivated, and know that you’re capable of succeeding.”

With their passion, dedication, and the leadership skills they honed at UWF, Rachael and Bethany’s stories are a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and perseverance. Their success is not just about where they’ve been, but also about how they continue to lift others as they rise—making a lasting impact on both their patients and their profession.

A Continuing Legacy

As Rachael and Bethany continue to build their careers and return to UWF to share their experiences, they remain a shining example of what the UWF MLS program aims to create: professionals who are not only skilled in their technical abilities but are also committed to leadership, lifelong learning, and giving back to the community. Their journey is a reflection of the profound influence that a solid educational foundation can have—not just on one’s career, but on one’s life.

In a field where accuracy and expertise are paramount, Rachael and Bethany prove that success comes not only from what you know but also from how you approach challenges and how you inspire others to rise to meet them, too.