Rowan Button
Medical Laboratory Technician – Component Processing, New Zealand Blood Service
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
For Rowan Button, deciding to study a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, specialising in medical microbiology and transfusion science, was easy.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after school, but I always loved biology. I stumbled across the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science stand at a careers expo and knew after only a few minutes that this was what I wanted to study. And the rest is history!
“My third-year specialisation classes were a big highlight for me. Learning from highly educated and experienced professionals in a small class setting was great for getting to really understand and explore the new ideas and information. They had lots of advice and knowledge about the industry itself and the work we’d be doing outside the degree, so it set me up well for my transition to the workforce. I also really valued my clinical placements. Nothing taught me more or solidified my passion for medical laboratory science like getting to experience a working laboratory while still studying.”
He also appreciated the supportive staff, and there are a few lecturers who had a particular impact on him.
“Sharita Meharry was a great help and a good advisor when I was planning out my degree path. I had a non-traditional path in my degree, and she helped me to understand how to best approach structuring my classes, labs and tutorials. Jemila Kester, my microbiology lecturer, had such an interesting perspective and knowledge base. Her focus on new technologies and sequencing really helped with understanding how a real lab functioned on my placement. Robyn Roberts, my transfusion lecturer, was also very supportive and cheered me on when I went on placement and got my role at the New Zealand Blood Service. I really valued her practical approach and enjoyed getting to work with her as a laboratory assistant.”
At the heart of the blood service
After graduating from AUT at the end of 2024, Rowan now enjoys his role as a medical laboratory technician in the component processing department of the New Zealand Blood Service.
“Component processing involves taking whole blood and plasma donations, and receipting, sorting, processing, quality testing and manufacturing them to create essential blood components and products for patients in Aotearoa. Without component processing, our blood service can’t function.
“It’s a very hands-on department, with many different processes and technical skills to learn. No two days are the same, and it can get very complicated with all the different benches and services we provide. It’s an exciting environment where you can really make a difference, and we always keep the patient at the forefront of our work.”
He constantly draws on what he learned at university.
“I not only use my theoretical knowledge, I also get to apply the technical skills I learned in our lab classes and the practical knowledge I gained on placement. As students, we also did plenty of group work, and collaboration is an essential skill in this industry. I can also carry the soft skills I learned – writing, communication, research – into other areas of my personal and professional life.”
Advice for other students
Rowan – who was awarded the Rainbow New Zealand Tertiary Scholarship and was involved in OUT@AUT while he was at AUT – has some great advice for other students.
“Ask every question, try every technique and use your placement as a time to do everything you possibly can. Take all opportunities as they will all bring you closer to your goals.”
Be friendly and inquisitive, he adds.
“The industry is small and close knit, so approaching every experience with a positive attitude will get you far. And don’t forget to have fun!”
