Dabawenya, 1st graduate of NZ LabTech program
PALMERSTON NORTH, New Zealand Shamma Coronado Santa Agata, previously of Davao City, Philippines was the the first person to complete REAL. AC.NZ’s Laboratory Technician Comprehensive Programme, the first program accredited as a way to earn the New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6).
As part of that program, Santa Agata had a very successful placement in a large industrial microbiology laboratory. From multiple job offers, Santa Agata selected to accept a full time, permanent laboratory position at Analytica Laboratories in Hamilton.
Part way through the program, Santa Agata also earned the New Zealand Certificate in Applied Science (Level 4). She also earned a special certification through REAL.AC.NZ.
In a Messenger interview with her, she said that all she wanted was to be recognized internationally in the field she chose to be. A graduate of Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science in 2014 from San Pedro College, it was her grandmother who suggested that she try schools in New Zealand.
“Fortunately, it got all sorted. And now, aside from the achievement I received from Real World Education, I am also now a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist here in NZ,” she said.
Santa Agata is the middle in the brood of three of Ramon and Marie June Santa Agata. Her eldest brother is Asher and their youngest is Nissi.
Becky Demchick, REAL.AC.NZ’s Laboratory Systems Education Coordinator said, “Shamma was an excellent participant to have in the programme. It was a pleasure to work with her on her ISO17025 quality systems project.”
Santa Agata was presented the award by Tangi Utikere, the Deputy Mayor of Palmerston North and the city council’s spokesperson for Education, Science and Innovation. The Deputy Mayor brought special words of congratulations to Santa Agata on being the first person to complete the program.
REAL.AC.NZ (Real World Education) is a Category 1 (NZQA’s highest rating) provider specialising in preparing people to start or advance labora- tory careers. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs aimed at the needs of testing and research laboratories, and a range of programs aimed at the needs of school laboratories. All programs include practical work in real, working laboratories.