Globe Miami Times Connecting you to the Pulse of Globe Miami
At the Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT), students are rolling up their sleeves—literally—as they gain hands-on training in one of the most in-demand healthcare professions: phlebotomy. This program prepares high school students for immediate employment in clinics and hospitals. It also provides an entry point into broader healthcare careers through the option of continuing with CVIT’s Medical Assistant (MA) program.
For many students like Kay’cee Valencia, the experience is a stepping stone toward a lifelong passion. “I don’t just enjoy it, I love it,” shared Valencia, who completed CVIT’s phlebotomy program last year. “It’s become a passion of mine, and I quite enjoy my job.”
Now employed as a phlebotomist at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, Valencia appreciates how the program’s impact extended beyond just skills training. It was the sense of community and support that made the experience memorable.
“My fellow classmates were always nice; we helped each other study and complete assignments,” she said. “The instructors were really helpful and put in a lot of effort to teach us. I felt really prepared for my job at the hospital.”
Originally part of CVIT’s two-year Medical Assistant program, the phlebotomy course was temporarily separated during the 2024-2025 school year due to the transition between Eastern Arizona College (EAC) and the soon-to-launch partnership with Gila Community College. Because students enrolled this year wouldn’t be able to complete a full two-year program under the same accrediting body, CVIT adapted by offering phlebotomy as a standalone one-year certification track.
“We didn’t want students to miss out on opportunities,” explained Aja DeZeeuw, Central Campus Counselor at CVIT. “So we split the Medical Assistant program, allowing students to complete the phlebotomy portion now and return to finish the MA portion next year.”
This flexibility has created new opportunities for students, whether they choose to pursue both credentials or stick to phlebotomy alone. The structure is expected to continue moving forward—with a two-year track for those seeking both certifications and a one-year option for students only interested in phlebotomy.
One of the most compelling aspects of CVIT’s phlebotomy program is its emphasis on real-world practice. Students are required to complete at least 50 successful venipunctures—actual blood draws from live volunteers—as part of the national certification requirement through American Medical Technologies (AMT).
To meet this standard, CVIT opens its lab to the public every Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., inviting community members to participate.
“We always welcome our community to come and volunteer to help our students achieve the goal they need to pass the class,” said Megan Martinez, the program’s lead instructor. “Without volunteers, they will not be able to reach that goal.”
In addition to phlebotomy techniques, students complete a full 16-credit program that includes coursework in medical terminology, basic healthcare principles, dosage calculations, first aid, CPR, and an allied health science class focused on anatomy.
These foundational classes give students a broad understanding of the healthcare field, helping them become well-rounded professionals.
“There’s a growing demand for entry-level healthcare workers,” Martinez added. “Phlebotomy is one of those areas that will always be needed. Many of our students go on to work as phlebotomists or continue their education. I even recommend this course to future nursing students—it gives them an edge when they begin clinicals and need to start IVs.”
CVIT’s phlebotomy program has also begun making waves in statewide competitions. Aurora Christianson, a current student from Miami High School, recently became the first CVIT student to qualify for the HOSA state competition in the phlebotomy skills event. She placed ninth in a highly competitive field that included schools from Tucson and Phoenix.
“This is a big deal,” DeZeeuw said. “We’re competing with large, well-resourced schools, and our students are proving that they’re just as capable—if not more so.”
In addition, a post-secondary CVIT student, Kaylie Caldera, placed 2nd in the same event, further solidifying the program’s reputation for excellence.
Currently, the phlebotomy program has 30 students enrolled—12 of whom are returning students. Six students previously completed CVIT’s Nursing Assistant (NA) program and returned this year specifically for the phlebotomy portion. The program remains under EAC until July 2025, when Gila Community College will take over.
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open, and CVIT is actively encouraging students from across the region to explore this opportunity. Whether they plan to enter the workforce immediately, or plan to continue their education, students leave the program with a Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPTech) certification, issued by AMT, making them eligible for employment in hospitals, clinics, labs, and other healthcare settings.
“This program helps students develop not only technical skills but also communication and engagement,” Martinez said. “They learn how to interact with patients, which is essential for anyone entering the healthcare field.”
It’s also a program that relies on the community to succeed. From volunteers helping students meet certification goals to healthcare professionals mentoring and hiring graduates, the ripple effects of CVIT’s phlebotomy program are being felt throughout the community.
“CVIT’s mission is to provide meaningful, career-oriented education that meets real-world needs,” said DeZeeuw. “This program does exactly that. We’re not just training students—we’re preparing them to serve their community.”
If your high school student is interested in applying for a medical program at CVIT, or if you’d like to volunteer in the phlebotomy lab, contact Aja DeZeeuw at 480-204-0325.
Carissa Pool is an Arizona native who grew up in Glendale and now lives in Peoria. Carissa earned her bachelor of arts degree from Arizona State University West and in her 15-plus year career in marketing and public relations has worked with a range of clients across various industries, from construction to non-profits. While she takes great pride in her professional achievements, her greatest joys come from writing and cherishing her role as a mother to her two young daughters.
