For several years, Black River Memorial Hospital's Laboratory Department has served as a clinical rotation site for laboratory students from area colleges. Presently, three students are completing their clinical experiences at the hospital and have been working with the laboratory's education coordinator Gloria Helstad, MT, (ASCP).

The students are from UW-Stevens Point, Chippewa Valley Technical College and Western Technical College and all have positive comments about their experiences here.

Laramie Kostyn from Wisconsin Rapids is attending UW-Stevens Point and has been at Black River Memorial Hospital since September. His rotation ends in March. He said his learning experience was made greater because of the staff. "They were wonderful," he said. "Everyone in the lab is interested in learning and teaching more, which makes it a great educational environment for all of us."

Sandra Witt from Tomah is attending Western Technical College and will complete her clinical rotation in February. She says she has enjoyed working with the laboratory staff. "They are very knowledgeable in all they perform," she said. "I feel they have prepared me for my future in the laboratory profession."

Jenny Dregney from Whitehall is attending Chippewa Valley Technical College. She will complete her clinical rotation in May. "I have been in hematology and chemistry," she said. "These departments are very interesting with a lot to learn, but the laboratory staff has done an excellent job with helping me every step of the way. The staff is knowledgeable and great to work with."

As education coordinator, Gloria Helstad organizes the students' clinical rotation to insure that all laboratory medical disciplines are studied in a practical setting. "I also communicate with the program director at the colleges, administer the exams and submit grades," she said. "I truly enjoy teaching students and promoting the Medical Technology profession."

Helstad said the entire lab staff is involved with clinical rotations and "imparts valuable knowledge and experience to every student." She also said the hospital's involvement in this educational process has helped to recruit employees. "Four students who performed their clinical rotation at our Laboratory Department are now employed here," she said.