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�鶹Ӱ��’s Phlebotomy Program recently applied for and received its first accreditation from the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians.

“To be accredited means your standards are of a higher quality,” said Dr. Jean D. Brown, director and clinical coordinator of Allied Health at �鶹Ӱ��. “We had to show proficiency in several areas. People can see �鶹Ӱ�� has a high-quality Continuing Education Phlebotomy Program.”

The accrediting body examined lesson plans, instructors’ certifications, and 21 competencies in the “order of draw,” which is ensuring students are taking the necessary steps in the correct order when drawing blood, among other standards in the program.  

Instructor Dr. Tammy Kincy, Instructor Griselle Guzman, Program Assistant/Specialist Clara Hawley, Program Coordinator and Lab Assistant Gbemisola "Sola" Matthew and Brown comprised the five-person team that navigated the accreditation process.  

Brown also credited Health and Wellness Dean Melissa O. Ockert for supporting efforts to achieve accreditation status.

“For students, going through an accredited program shows they are familiar with trends and best practices in the health care market, that they are knowledgeable about current standards,” Brown said. “It helps make them more marketable to employers, as well, and helps them earn a livable wage.”

Pay can range from $42,000 to $48,000 a year. Getting phlebotomy certification can also help workers such as nurse’s aides increase their earning potential. Trained phlebotomists have the opportunity for careers with companies such as LabCorp and hospitals or receive additional training to do patient care.  

Matthew, the accreditation team member and former student in the program, said she found the program challenging, but support from faculty and staff helped master the knowledge she needed.  

“The Phlebotomy Program is exciting for individuals with a passion for caring for and saving people,” she said. “To be a phlebotomist, one must have enough confidence. Without confidence, I do not think being a phlebotomist is the right choice for a person. My instructors helped me gain that confidence to enter this profession.”

Matthew encouraged those interested in a career in phlebotomy to look into the program.  

“Having the determination of heart matters and aiming at one's goal makes one achieve one's aim in life with God,” she said.

Brown said she is immensely proud of students like Matthew who have completed the program and thrilled that new students can say they now are part of an accredited program.

“We’re excited about this,” Brown said. “We wanted to make sure our program meets the highest quality education standards and this shows it does.”