Member Recognition Carlo Ledesma, MT(AMT)

Medical Technologist Carlo Ledesma, MT(AMT) knows that behind every lab sample is someone’s life. This is exactly what he tells his students at Rose State College, where he is program director, to emphasize the importance of quality in their work.

Carlo chose this career path because he comes from a family of medical technologists and was inspired by his uncle, who is also an MT(AMT). Because of his uncle, Carlo knew that he also possessed certain skills, particularly being attentive and technically sound, which would help him succeed as an MT.

“I am very proud of my certification. Being AMT certified puts a stamp on your credentials that you are a nationally recognized laboratory professional.”

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, Carlo immigrated to the U.S. and took a position as a microbology lab assistant. Knowing the importance of becoming certified, Carlo worked and simultaniously studied to take his certificaiton exam. Carlo said his experience as a lab assistant helped him pass his AMT Medical Technologist exam.

Certification helped Carlo secure his first job as an MT, and while working, he decided to attend graduate school. After receiving his masters degree, Carlo was hired into a supervisory job training lab staff. It was in this role that Carlo discovered a passion for teaching. He decided to pursue an opportunity to become a trainer for MLT students at Rose State and eventually earned the role of program director.

Although the first day of a new class is always challenging, Carlo overcomes it by getting to know his students and telling them about the significance of the lab professional to the healthcare team. He compares a lab professional to an unsung superhero who is saving lives behind the scenes.

His own enthusiasm for learning helps him discover the best ways to inspire his students as future laboratory professionals. Carlo emphasizes critical thinking skills to build student engagement. “It’s not just me talking in front of the class,” says Carlo, “I engage students so they can sharpen their skills to think quickly.” Carlo enjoys seeing students develop and move into careers. “Seeing the students graduate and save lives as laboratory professionals is rewarding,” he said. “Watching them grow from the very start of the program to having acquired all the knowledge after the program is very fulfilling to me.” Carlo fully prepares his students to take and pass the AMT certification exam. If they are hesitant to test, Carlo coaches them and relates his experience of three months of studying and answering questions before he felt confident that he could rationalize and explain his answers. He motivates students to earn a valuable credential that they can use for gainful employment and is well respected by peers and colleagues in laboratory medicine. Carlo recommends the medical technology profession for those who are detail-oriented and investigative in nature and who would like to be a valuable member of the healthcare team.

“Being an MT is like being a superhero; we continuously save lives behind the scenes.”

About his own AMT certification, Carlo says “I am very proud of my certification. AMT exams for laboratory professionals are as valuable as other certification exams. Being AMT certified puts a stamp on your credentials that you are a nationally recognized laboratory professional. And the local networking opportunities that AMT provides empower me to become a leader in the laboratory community.”

When he isn’t working, Carlo enjoys traveling, which inspired his personal goal is to make it to all 50 states and all 7 continents, including Antarctica!