MCC Partners with Rochester Regional Health to Create Phlebotomy Technician Program
November 20, 2023
Geared toward students and working professionals, new microcredential aims to meet high need for skilled phlebotomists
BRIGHTON, N.Y. – In collaboration with Rochester Regional Health (RRH), Monroe Community College (MCC) will offer a one-semester, credit-bearing Phlebotomy Technician microcredential in response to the Greater Rochester region’s high need for skilled phlebotomists.
Starting in January 2024, the program will teach participants to collect quality blood samples, properly handle and process those samples, practice safety standards and regulations, and effectively communicate with patients. Participants will take classes on MCC’s Brighton Campus and receive clinical experiences at RRH. (Visit MCC’s website to learn more about the program.)
“We know that so many important decisions in a person’s health care plan begin with work done in the lab. Phlebotomists play an integral part in that process,” said Charlene Wilson, Ed.D, executive vice president and chief people officer at RRH. “We are thrilled to partner with Monroe Community College and invest in the future of health care by training a new generation of these skilled laboratory workers dedicated to excellence in patient care.”
Individuals benefiting from the microcredential include students pursuing a health care career, particularly in nursing, and working professionals.
Upon program completion, participants can immediately enter the workforce or continue their education toward a certificate or degree in a related field, including in MCC’s health studies, clinical laboratory technician, or liberal arts and sciences-general studies programs. Microcredentials are designed to allow some “on” and “off” ramps so a person can pause or intersperse employment as needed. Programs are narrowly focused so learners achieve specific skills and competencies in their chosen field of study or profession relevant to industry, community or their individual needs.
“There is a great need in the community for well‐trained phlebotomists. The phlebotomy sector is prone to staff turnover, and COVID exacerbated the staffing shortage,” said Tracey Graney, Ph.D., director of MCC’s clinical laboratory technician program who helped develop the Phlebotomy Technician microcredential. She is also a biology professor. “Phlebotomy can be viewed as a career itself or the first step into a career in health care, such as nursing or in the laboratory. Individuals who enjoy interacting with others, have good eye-hand coordination, and are comfortable with computers and some equipment make excellent phlebotomists.”
The microcredential is offered through MCC’s Biology Department on the Brighton Campus, 1000 E. Henrietta Road.
For more information about the microcredential and/or to enroll, go to www.monroecc.edu/go/admissions or call the Admissions office at (585) 292-2200. Deadline for program registration is Friday, Jan. 5; classes begin Jan. 22 through May 17, 2024.