Viera High School Students Explore Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center Labs
By Space Coast Daily // April 21, 2026
Hands-on tour highlights laboratory operations, career pathways and the Come Grow With Us program
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Students from Viera High School recently visited Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center to tour Brevard County’s largest laboratory.
The visit gave them a unique behind-the-scenes look at how hospital laboratories operate and offered insight into the variety of careers available in healthcare.
During the tour, the students observed several departments, including Pathology, Microbiology, Blood Bank, and Core Labs.
In Pathology, they watched tissue samples being examined. In Microbiology, they saw cultures monitored for bacterial growth.
At the Blood Bank, they learned why strict temperature control and accurate expiration dates are critical for patient safety.
In the Core Labs, students witnessed advanced analyzers processing hundreds of samples simultaneously, highlighting how technology and efficiency work together to support patient care.
After exploring the laboratory areas, the students visited the Skills Lab for hands-on learning. They examined specimens, viewed specimens under microscopes, and interacted with exhibits from other healthcare services.
These activities provided an opportunity to experience aspects of healthcare that are rarely visible to high school students.
The tour focused on career pathways. Students were able to ask laboratory scientists questions and learn about the steps required to enter healthcare professions.
Marybeth Luna, Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist, explained that students who apply to the Come Grow With Us program are selected for strong academic performance.
Come Grow With Us has a variety of pathways, such as Medical Lab Technologist.
These programs, which last two years, offer paid on-the-job training and cover up to $ 8,000 in tuition support, allowing students to gain practical experience while furthering their education.
Deirdre Crowder, Associate Development Supervisor at Health First, emphasized that the visit gives students a chance to see the wide range of careers in healthcare.
“There are so many opportunities that students may not even know about,” said Crowder.
“We are trying to give a variety of experiences in different roles and show students how Health First can support them in their career journey.”
She also explained that the Come Grow With Us program currently has 15 different pathways and is expanding.
Because some programs have school components that start at specific times, Health First helps guide students into the program that best fits their schedule, so they can begin sooner rather than wait for another program to start.
Crowder added that hosting students helps build a pipeline of future healthcare workers who can meet the community’s growing needs.
The tour concluded in the simulation lab, where students observed a mock surgery, a right inguinal hernia repair.
They saw the preparation process, including instrument setup and planning, up to the point when the doctor made the incision on a mannequin.
This demonstration gave students a firsthand look at the precision, coordination, and collaborative work required in surgical care.
