PARK HILLS– Mineral Area College is launching a new 8-week Phlebotomy Technician program in March. The program will not be eligible for college credit, but students may still be eligible for tuition assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or SkillUP.
In MAC’s Allied Health Simulation Lab, Instructor Misty Weston demonstrates one of the techniques students will learn in the new Phlebotomy Technician program. The 8-week non-credit course begins March 21. For more information, call 573-518-2280.
Students who successfully complete the program will have the training needed to begin a career as a phlebotomist. Phlebotomists are valuable members of the health care team who are responsible for drawing blood and samples and preparing them for testing.
Pam Watkins, director of MAC Continuing Education, said the Phlebotomy Technician program is an example of how MAC develops programs in response to regional needs. Requests to provide the program have come from both the facilities looking to hire trained phlebotomists as well as members of the community wanting to train locally.
“It’s a great opportunity for someone who is looking to begin a career in healthcare,” said Watkins. “The short-term commitment of an 8-week course is perfect for those eager to enhance their skill set and get into the workforce quickly.”
The curriculum will consist of 5 weeks of classroom training and 3 weeks of clinicals. Students will learn the skills and responsibilities of a phlebotomist including the techniques and procedures necessary to safely and efficiently procure blood and nonblood specimens through hands-on practice in both a controlled lab setting and in clinical experiences. The course also teaches students infection prevention, how to communicate effectively with patients, and to understand their role in the healthcare setting.
Classes will be held for four hours each day, Tuesday-Friday, for 5 weeks beginning Tuesday, March 21, 2022. The final 3 weeks consist of clinical training with healthcare partners in our region.
Visit www.MineralArea.edu/Phlebotomy for more details. To register or to learn more about tuition assistance, contact Pam Watkins at Mineral Area College by phone at 573-518-2280 or by email at ContinuingEd@MineralArea.edu