At Volunteer State Community College, student success doesn’t stop at graduation. It turns into meaningful work that strengthens communities. Recent graduate Brytan Pendergrass is a powerful example of that impact.
Brytan is one of just four medical laboratory technician students nationwide to receive a $2,500 scholarship from the American Proficiency Institute (API), a recognition of both his dedication and the growing importance of his field.
Brytan’s journey began in high school with an interest in healthcare, but he quickly realized direct patient care wasn’t the right fit. After taking a job at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, he discovered medical laboratory science, and it immediately clicked.
“It’s a mix of the healthcare setting and computers,” he said. “I fell in love with it.”
At the time, Brytan worked as a specimen processor, able to log samples but not run tests. That limitation pushed him toward the next step.
Encouraged by a coworker, Brytan enrolled in Vol State’s Medical Laboratory Technology program, gaining the credentials needed to advance.
Today, he runs patient samples and plays a critical role in diagnosis and treatment.
“Without what I do, people would not be able to be diagnosed with cancers,” he said. “It feels good knowing that I am providing health to my community.”
Laboratory professionals rarely meet their patients, but their work is essential. On a typical day, Brytan may process more than 100 samples, each one helping guide care.
“It’s interesting how much you can do for someone without ever meeting them,” he shared.
The API scholarship not only honors Brytan’s work but helps ease the financial burden of his education.
More importantly, it highlights a career path he believes deserves more attention.
“Lab technology should be shared more often than it is.”
Brytan’s journey reflects what Vol State does best, connecting students to opportunity, equipping them with real world skills, and preparing them to make an immediate difference.
Congratulations, Brytan. Your work is already making an impact where it matters most.
