Key Takeaways
- The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program ranked first among Maryland and D.C. school programs in the 2025 Cell Bowl competition.
- The Cell Bowl tests students’ knowledge of blood cells, requiring them to identify normal versus abnormal cells within a timed test.
- The CSM MLT program provides hands-on practice to prepare students for diagnostic healthcare careers, including procedures such as blood counts and urinalysis.
- The program’s participation in the Cell Bowl competition aims to bring awareness to the medical laboratory field and its essential role in patient care and diagnosis.
- The competition has improved students’ knowledge and skills, with scores dramatically increasing since the start of the Cell Bowl.
Introduction to the Cell Bowl Competition
The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program has achieved a significant milestone by topping all Maryland and D.C. school programs in the 2025 Cell Bowl competition. The Cell Bowl is a unique competition that tests students’ knowledge of blood cells, requiring them to identify normal versus abnormal cells within a timed test. The competition uses an app called CellAtlas, which gives participants one minute to correctly identify 30 cells. Over the course of three weeks, the CSM team correctly identified 30 cells in 51 seconds, finishing 17th among 58 two-year and four-year institutions across the country.
Student Experience and Motivation
For MLT student Saniya Kelly, the Cell Bowl competition was a motivating experience that brought out her competitive spirit. Kelly stated, "The Cell Bowl really activated my competitiveness. I wanted our class to rank high against the other competing schools." She put pressure on herself to perform well, not only to make her professors proud but also to rank high in the competition. Kelly’s experience is a testament to the impact of the Cell Bowl on students’ learning and motivation. The competition provides a fun and engaging way to learn cell identification and simplify the memorization process, making it an effective tool for MLT students.
The MLT Program and Its Benefits
The MLT program at CSM provides hands-on practice to prepare students for diagnostic healthcare careers. The program includes procedures such as blood counts, urinalysis, cross-matching blood for transfusion, identifying pathogenic organisms, and chemical analysis of blood and other body fluids. The program’s emphasis on hands-on practice and real-world application is a key factor in its success. Kelly, for example, appreciates the program’s use of real specimens, reagents, and analyzers, which simulate an actual laboratory setting. This approach helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the medical laboratory field.
The Role of Professor Tiffany Gill and Industry Leaders
CSM MLT Program Coordinator Professor Tiffany Gill played a crucial role in introducing the Cell Bowl competition to her students. Gill worked with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) to take the Cell Bowl national, and the first tournament was held in 2021. The ASCP, a gold level sponsor of the tournament, provides Super Cell Bowl champions with an interactive practice exam and book to help them prepare for the certification exam. Gill’s efforts have helped bring awareness to the medical laboratory field, which is often overlooked despite its essential role in patient care and diagnosis. As Gill noted, "Medical laboratorians may work behind the scenes, but their training and expertise are essential to patient care, diagnosis, and treatment."
Student Inspiration and Career Goals
Kelly’s interest in the medical laboratory field was inspired by a high school biotechnology teacher. She has always been drawn to the hands-on aspects of science and appreciates the MLT program’s emphasis on practical application. Kelly plans to work as a Medical Laboratory Technician after completing her degree at CSM and eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree program to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Her experience in the Cell Bowl competition has not only improved her knowledge and skills but also deepened her passion for the field. As Kelly stated, "This competition really opened my eyes to how complex the cells in our body are. I’ve had to study the different types of cells so I could identify them quicker. I learned a lot, and I feel smart when I show my family how quickly I can identify all the cells."
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The CSM MLT program’s success in the Cell Bowl competition is a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the dedication of its students and faculty. While the team did not make the playoffs, they continued to compete for extra credit and a trophy, which sparked competitive learning and improved scores. Professor Gill’s goal is to prepare students to leave the classroom and become the best professionals possible, and the Cell Bowl competition is an integral part of this effort. As Gill noted, "The joy of being an educator is being able to watch these students grow, and to feel empowered by what they have learned." The future of the medical laboratory field looks bright, with talented and motivated students like Kelly and programs like the CSM MLT program leading the way.
