Articles

Coleman Colleague: Maria Angel

Jul 30, 2025

From Medical Laboratory Technician to Medical Laboratory Scientist: Meet Maria Angela, Class of 2019, and find out how HCC Coleman College placed her on a career path to success!

Name
Maria Angel

City/Town of Residence
Houston

Hometown & High School
Alief, Texas, Elsik High School

Degree or Certificate Program
• Medical Laboratory Technician, HCC Coleman College
• Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Bachelor of Science, University of West Florida

Year of Graduation
2019

Title & Place of Employment
Medical Laboratory Scientist at Memorial Hermann Hospital

Why did you choose HCC Coleman College?
It was one of the colleges with high success rates and job placement.

Why did you choose your program of study?
When my daughter became sick and we had to hospitalize her, the hospital team worked so cohesively with the lab to diagnose my daughter. That’s when I knew I wanted to work in the laboratory and help patients like my daughter.

What did you like best about your college experience?
The best part were the friends and memories that I made along the way.

What did you like best about your program of study?
I love how my professors, Smith and Yates, were so engaging and supportive, especially through my challenges. I also loved the hands-on experience I had on my clinical rotations.

When you were tired, what motivated you to push forward?
My husband Ken and children always motivated me to push forward.

What advice can you offer to help other students succeed?
Have a good support system that will push you even when you want to give up. Never be afraid to ask for help, and utilize all the resources that the school provides. Remember, everyone wants to see you succeed.

How did your education change or improve your life?
After graduation I was immediately hired at Memorial Hermann Hospital and have been with the company for almost six years.

I was able to further my education and obtain my bachelor’s in laboratory science, thus changing my title to Medical Laboratory Scientist in 2023. Right now, I am currently enrolled in the master’s program to further my career.