Graduation was held for Upper Cumberland Phlebotomy Technician students on Thursday evening, May 16, 2024, at Celina City Hall. The students began the Phlebotomy Technician course in January 2024, at the K–8 School in Celina. Students balanced school with family and work responsibilities, some also taking other courses at our Upper Cumberland campuses.
Certified Phlebotomy Technicians are in high demand and are often employed at a hospital, medical practice, or third-party laboratory. Students complete the course in a relatively short time, permitting them to start careers with great benefits in healthcare facilities. Classes are held two evenings each week for ten weeks and then followed by two weeks of clinical externship. Once students complete coursework, labs, and clinical, they are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam. As certified Phlebotomy Technicians, these graduates will have opportunities to work in healthcare and grow within their organizations.
One student, Tammy Wakefield, was interviewed and offered a position at the facility where she completed clinical rotation (she accepted!). Two other students, Hannah Johnfroe and Brodye Norris, are furthering their education in degree programs — one is interested in Radiology, and the other in Medical Lab Technology. Both students were busy with their educational studies. Hannah attended courses in both Cookeville and Livingston while attending Phlebotomy Technician classes in Celina. Brodye attended Clinical Medical Assistant at our Gallatin campus in the mornings and during the evenings, attended Phlebotomy Technician in Celina, while also taking courses in Livingston. He is now certified in both medical disciplines.
Congratulations to all graduates! We wish them success in their careers. We also recognize and thank the students' families for their support and encouragement.
We express our gratitude to the following individuals for their support of continued and higher education in their community and surrounding areas: Mayor Luke Collins of Celina, Director of Clay County Schools Diane Monroe, and Principal of the K-8 School David Maxfield. Additionally, we extend our thanks to the Upper Cumberland Fund for their assistance with the cohort's course fees.
The Phlebotomy Technician course is offered by Vol State's Center of Emphasis Health Sciences, which provides quality continuing education programs for health-related disciplines.
