February SCC Health Sciences Student of the Month

Published on Mar 4, 2026

A student currently enrolled in Somerset Community College (SCC) Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program, Emily Cole, has been named recipient of the SCC Health Sciences Division’s Student of the Month award for February.

Cole, of Somerset, received the award and is now a candidate for the Division’s Student of the Year Award, to be announced in May 2026.

Originally from Florida, Cole moved to Kentucky the summer before her freshman year of high school and is a 2024 graduate of Pulaski County High School. Since enrolling at SCC, Cole has distinguished herself through academic excellence and campus leadership. She currently serves as Vice President of the Student Government Association and as Vice President of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Through these roles, she has gained valuable leadership experience, strengthened professional skills, and built meaningful connections that she plans to carry into her future career.

The MLT Program prepares graduates to perform laboratory testing that plays a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Medical Laboratory Technicians work in hospitals, reference laboratories, clinics, and other healthcare settings, providing accurate and timely results that directly impact patient care. The MLT program combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experience to ensure graduates are prepared to enter the workforce.

Cole’s interest in laboratory science began while working at an animal hospital during high school. There, she witnessed firsthand the importance of laboratory testing in diagnosing and treating animals. Inspired by the critical role laboratory professionals play in healthcare, she chose the MLT Program to deepen her understanding and build a career in the field. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2026 and plans to further her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, with possible continued study at the master’s or doctoral level.

Cole was recommended for the award by Program Coordinator Courtney Edwards and faculty Alison Causey. “Emily is a standout student,” stated Edwards. “We have seen her display resilience and determination that are very rarely seen in students. She is compassionate toward her peers, always engaged in class, and is consistently one of our top performing students academically. We are confident she will be successful in any of her future endeavors, and we look forward to seeing where her journey takes her.”

Cole credits her success to the unwavering support of her family. She expresses deep gratitude for their encouragement and sacrifices throughout her college journey. From bringing meals during long study sessions to ensuring she made it to important exams when transportation challenges arose, her family has been a constant source of strength. She is especially thankful for her father, whose work ethic and encouragement continue to inspire her to pursue her goals with determination.

To learn more about the Medical Laboratory Technician Program at SCC, Somerset Community College, contact the Program’s Coordinator at courtney.edwards@kctcs.edu.