SCC graduates nine new phlebotomists following hands-on training program

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Southeastern Community College has added nine new phlebotomists to the workforce following completion of its nationally accredited, one-semester training program, school officials said.

The 16-week phlebotomy course combines classroom instruction with clinical experience in area hospitals and medical offices. Students complete training in blood collection techniques, specimen handling and diagnostic testing procedures.

Instructor Tanya Bellamy said students in the program performed more than 125 supervised needle sticks during training and are eligible to take national registry exams upon completion.

“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 program includes seven weeks of classroom instruction followed by about 300 hours of clinical training. Bellamy said students are taught both technical skills and the underlying theory of diagnostic testing.

“In the classroom, students learned the theory portion of phlebotomy, what diagnostic tests are and which ones are ordered by the doctor,” she 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 the course can serve as a pathway into additional healthcare training, including the school’s medical laboratory technology program.

Clinical placements take place in hospitals and physician offices throughout the region. Graduates may pursue work in hospitals, clinics, blood donation centers, insurance companies and medical offices.

SCC officials said the phlebotomy program is one of several short-term healthcare training options aimed at preparing students for entry-level medical careers.