SCC sends 11 new phlebotomists into the workforce

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Southeastern Community College graduated 11 new phlebotomists.

The program is a one semester course that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in the practice of drawing blood and collecting human specimens for diagnostic testing. Students learn how to perform venipuncture, capillary puncture and proper specimen handling.

Phlebotomy Instructor Tanya Bellamy said that with more than 125 unaided needle sticks on patients, Bellamy said her students are eligible to take any registry exam.

“This was a great semester, and the students worked very hard,” Bellamy said. “This was a very passionate and very collective group of students. They helped each other, so they were very much like a family.”

The 16-week course was split into two sections with seven weeks of on-campus instruction and 300 hours of clinical work for the remaining weeks.

“In the classroom, students learned the theory portion of phlebotomy, what diagnostic tests are and which ones are ordered by the doctor,” Bellamy said. “With this class being nationally accredited, these students can work anywhere in the United States with that certificate.”

Medical Laboratory Technology and Phlebotomy Program Director Dawn Williamson said that the phlebotomy program is a great stepping stone into SCC’s MLT program. With the knowledge and skills of collecting samples covered, Williamson said that the program leads students into a medical laboratory setting well prepared.

Clinical hours are performed in area hospitals and doctor offices. Once completed, students are eligible to work in hospitals, clinics, blood donation centers, insurance companies and doctor offices.