JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Recent funding from the Air Force Aid Society in collaboration with Trident Technical College's Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development provided an opportunity for Joint Base Charleston active-duty spouses to learn vocational skills in phlebotomy.
Along with support from the Air Force base chapel staff who provided space in their new annex for the training site, eager-to-learn students were able to attend a series of successful training sessions over the course of several weeks. By the course's end, 10 students earned certificates of completion.
The investment has provided a skill which can be used wherever a military lifestyle may roam and can provide an earning potential of approximately $23,000 annually. Additionally, phlebotomy is a needed stand-alone vocation as well as a foundational skill for careers as a nurse, medical assistant, emergency medical technician, laboratory technician, certified nursing assistant, paramedical examiner, etc.
The students were instructed in subjects of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, circulatory system, infection control, blood-borne pathogens, phlebotomy procedures, Health Insurance and Accountability Act, and hematology.
Students were required to perform "waived" testing such as, blood typing, finger-stick blood sugar testing, urinalysis and pregnancy testing. Practice live sticks were performed by the students beginning on a mannequin and then on one another. Each student successfully completed 25 live sticks to meet the requirements of the training to earn their certificates which were presented at the completion of classes on Saturday, Sept. 25.
The graduating students are now eligible to challenge the National Registry. This exam does not have to be taken to work as a phlebotomist, but having the credentials will make getting a job easier. Once the students successfully pass the test, they can be called Nationally Certified Phlebotomy Technicians and certification remains current as long as dues are paid.