Alana Beehre

Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medlab Central, Palmerston North Hospital
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

She enjoys her role as a medical laboratory scientist, says Alana Beehre who now works at Medlab Central in Palmerston North Hospital and specialises in histology.

“Histology involves the preparation of tissue to help pathologists diagnose diseases, using specialised techniques like sectioning and staining to highlight cellular structures and detect abnormalities under a microscope.

“I enjoy the laboratory environment and working as a team to get a final result for a patient. I also enjoy the variability histology brings every day.”

A passion for diagnostic science
Alana – who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science specialising in histology and molecular diagnostics – says she has always wanted a career diagnostic science.

“I’ve always been interested in the role that laboratory professionals play in healthcare, working behind the scenes to help detect, diagnose and monitor diseases, which directly supports patient care.

“AUT’s Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science stood out to me because it provided a clear and structured pathway into the profession. I liked how well-defined the degree was, with each stage clearly outlined, so I knew what to expect at every step.”

She has some great advice for other students who are still considering their own career options.

“Make sure you choose a field you genuinely enjoy. Having passion for what you study will keep you motivated and resilient when things get challenging.”

Practical and supportive
The practical side of her degree was one of the highlights of her studies, says Alana who completed her Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science in 2024.

“Most classes were followed by lab sessions, which helped to reinforce what we learned in lectures and brought the content to life in a real-world context. The hands-on nature of the labs also encouraged collaboration, making it easier to connect with classmates and build friendships. In my career now I often use the strong technical skills in tissue processing and staining I developed during my studies to produce high-quality slides for diagnosis.”

She also appreciated the supportive staff members.

“All of the lecturers provided more than enough support, which made exam season less stressful.”