OCA Calendar | 3/10/2026 10:18:00 AM
Knoxville, Tenn. – Leaton Nuttall, a 20-year-old graduate of Oceanside Collegiate Academy, is already making her mark in the field of Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Tennessee.
Enrolled in a rigorous three-plus-one degree program, Leaton began her journey early thanks to advanced credits earned at Oceanside, allowing her to start in January and finish in December — a year ahead of many of her peers. Among the program's 10 students, four are undergraduates, and Leaton is the youngest in the cohort.
"The program head was impressed with my advanced credits and high school achievements," Leaton said, reflecting on her early admission.
Initially applying as a biochemistry major, she switched to Medical Laboratory Science due to program availability and quickly adapted to the demanding schedule. From January to May, the didactic phase keeps students in class from 9:30 a.m. to 3–4 p.m., with two to three exams per week. The curriculum spans lectures from lab supervisors in microbiology, blood bank, and clinical chemistry, along with intensive note-taking using paper, flash drives, and phone recordings.
Leaton's disciplined study habits extend beyond the classroom.
"I've learned to manage my time effectively — no distractions, no phone, no watch," she said.
She combines focused library sessions with strategic breaks, making the most of the program's provided materials while staying alert during Q&A sessions, particularly when pathology residents share insights on diagnosing diseases from lab results.
Beyond academics, Leaton has explored opportunities to volunteer at the Body Farm and visit various labs, gaining hands-on experience that complements her coursework. Looking ahead, she plans to take a gap year after graduation to prepare for the MCAT and acquire clinical experience before applying to medical school, with a preference for MUSC due to familiarity and tuition benefits.
Pathology is her chosen specialty, drawn by both the work-life balance and the influence of the program's pathology residents.
Transitioning from Charleston to Tennessee presented challenges, from adjusting to a new climate to navigating campus life, but Leaton credits Oceanside with preparing her for the rigor of college.
"Oceanside taught me time management and study habits," she said. "Playing golf there also taught me how to balance academics and extracurricular activities."
She continues to stay connected with Oceanside teachers and teammates through social media and visits home to play golf whenever she can.
Leaton's ambitions extend beyond graduation. After four years of medical school and another four years of residency, she plans to establish her career in pathology, potentially gaining experience in other cities before returning to MUSC. Her ultimate goal is to contribute meaningfully to the field, addressing the shortage of pathologists while maintaining a sustainable work-life balance.
"I'm grateful for the preparation Oceanside gave me and the guidance I've received along the way," Nuttall said. "I'm excited for the future and committed to making a difference in medicine."
From Oceanside's classrooms and golf course to the labs of the University of Tennessee, Leaton Nuttall's story is one of early ambition, disciplined focus, and a clear vision for the future of healthcare.
About Oceanside Collegiate Academy: Oceanside Collegiate Academy (OCA), located in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while earning up to two years of college credit. OCA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10 grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades
Learn more about OCA by visiting our website at OceansideCollegiate.Academy and by following us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and X. For video content, visit our YouTube channel.
