To help fill a medical need in Brown County and the surrounding area, Texas State Technical College is providing an answer.

TSTC will offer a seven-week National Phlebotomy course beginning Monday, April 3, at the Brownwood campus. The course will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. weekdays, according to Doug Jeter, TSTC’s project manager for Workforce Training and Continuing Education.

“There is a need in the Brown County area for people qualified to draw blood,” Jeter said. “A new blood bank recently opened in the area, and this is a way TSTC can help fill employment needs.”

Onetonline.org projected that the need for phlebotomists would increase 33% in Texas between 2020 and 2030.

Raquel Mata, TSTC’s associate provost for the Brownwood campus, said the course is important to TSTC’s commitment to the community.

“We are extremely excited to have the phlebotomy course in Brownwood. It’s a great opportunity for those wanting a career in the medical field,” she said. “It’s a national certification, and that’s big. Another benefit is that the classes will be in the evening to allow for more flexibility.”

Jeter said completing the course will prepare students to take the National Association for Health Professionals certification. TSTC is the only school in the region offering the National Phlebotomy course to prepare students for the exam, Jeter said.

“Being able to offer National Phlebotomy will allow those who complete the course and pass the exam to work anywhere in the country,” he said. “We are proud to be able to offer this in Brown County.”

Jeter said there are several career opportunities associated with the certification, including working at blood donor centers, diagnostic laboratories, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, public health agencies, and research institutions.

During the course, students will learn different aspects of blood collection and procedures, as well as quality specimen handling and processing.

“Our course will help you develop the skills you need to perform a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and universal precautions,” Jeter said.

Jeter recently visited high school students in the Brown County area to inform them of the upcoming course.

“Many of the students did show interest in the course,” he said. “This is a great way to introduce yourself into the medical field.”

Jeter said anyone 18 or older may register for the class. For more information on the registration process, email Jeter at doug.jeter.tstc.edu.