Brinley Gigante is turning her lifelong interest in health care into a rewarding career through Moraine Park Technical College’s Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program.
Before graduating from Beaver Dam High School in 2025, Gigante began her journey into health care by taking several Moraine Park dual credit courses including College 101, Computer Literacy, College Math, Principles of Sustainability, Nursing Assistant and Anatomy & Physiology.
“I’ve been interested in health care since childhood,” Gigante said. “I always wanted to be a doctor or nurse. I’m naturally empathetic and caring and even received school awards for empathy. I also developed a love for science, which made health care feel like a perfect fit.”
Her interest in the MLT program began after attending Moraine Park’s Health and Human Services Career Experience Event at the Horicon Regional Center, where she met MLT Instructor Dwane Klosterman and Moraine Park recruiter Grace Loomans.
“Dwane shared that Medical Lab Technicians help diagnose about 75% of what’s wrong with patients—and they’re often the first to know,” Gigante said. “That fascinated me. It’s a unique opportunity in health care that doesn’t involve being a doctor or nurse.”
Now enrolled in the program, Gigante has enjoyed the hands-on learning in Basic Lab Skills and Phlebotomy classes, recently earning her phlebotomy certification and lining up interviews.
Beyond the classroom, Gigante serves on Student Senate and will soon represent Moraine Park at the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA) Leadership Conference in Chicago.
“I really enjoy working with the MLT faculty, Trevor and Kailee,” she said. “They’re so welcoming to new students and make me excited to come to class every day.”
After graduation, she plans to work as a medical lab technician and eventually continue her education to become a medical lab scientist.
Learn more about how to get ahead with dual enrollment opportunities.