Nicole Bentley
Nicole Bentley is a Medical Laboratory Scientist based in Hallsville, Missouri, specializing in autoimmune serology and antinuclear antibody (ANA) diagnostics. With several years of experience in high-complexity clinical laboratory settings, her work focuses on indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), ELISA-based immunoassays, and the identification and interpretation of complex staining patterns used to support the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune diseases. Currently working in an ANA autoimmune diagnostics laboratory, Nicole plays a key role in generating accurate, high-quality results that inform critical clinical decisions for conditions such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Nicole’s background spans both clinical diagnostics and GLP-regulated research environments, where she has developed a well-rounded skill set across hematology, clinical chemistry, coagulation, and immunologic testing. She is highly experienced in laboratory quality control, validation processes, and maintaining compliance with CAP, CLIA, and GLP standards. Known for her attention to detail and technical precision, she has built particular expertise in complex test interpretation, including ANCA analysis, and continues to deepen her knowledge in rare and atypical autoimmune markers under the mentorship of seasoned laboratory professionals.
Prior to transitioning into laboratory medicine, Nicole built a foundation in education, earning a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and teaching high school and dual-credit science courses. Her early exposure to laboratory work through veterinary shadowing sparked a lasting passion for diagnostics, ultimately guiding her career shift into the medical laboratory field. She holds a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and remains committed to advancing her expertise in clinical immunology. Nicole is passionate about the vital role laboratory professionals play in patient care and is dedicated to supporting accurate, reliable diagnostics that improve health outcomes.
• MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician)
• ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathologists)
• Veterinary Assistant
• Moberly Area Community College
• West Texas A&M University
• Ashworth College
• Oklahoma Panhandle State University
• MRTA Grant Recipient
• ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathologists)
• STEM Club
• Academic Banquet Comittee
What do you attribute your success to?
I'd say it would have to be hard work. When I was working towards my master's, I was actually working as a teacher full-time, and I had a brand new baby that I was taking care of, plus all of the household duties. There was a lot of hard work, and working on weekends to get everything done. I've always loved science, so I knew going into a scientific field was one of my goals. Working with that veterinarian in the laboratory was one of my inspirations. Having a support system and the local college that offered the program was awesome, and especially the director - she was one of my mentors who kind of walked me through the program. It was amazing.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It would definitely have to be to do what you love. If you get that, then you're the luckiest person in the world. That's what I went back to when I was changing careers - what did I enjoy the most that was achievable for me? I decided to go back to what I enjoyed, and that was working in the laboratory.