New program preparing adult learners for in-demand careers in phlebotomy
Yakima Valley College is adding to its programs preparing adult learners for in-demand jobs with the launch a new Integrated Basic Education Skills Training (I-BEST) phlebotomy program this summer. I-BEST pairs a professional or technical program with Adult Basic Education courses in order to provide educational access and support for students to progress further and faster along career pathways.
“We’re excited to offer another option to help students enter in-demand careers in our region,” said Marc Coomer, dean of college and career readiness. “Strengthening our communities is central to YVC’s mission. The I-BEST phlebotomy program enables students to get started in a well-paying career while also helping meet the need for skilled healthcare professionals in central Washington.”
Pioneered by Washington’s community and technical colleges, I-BEST uses a team-teaching approach. Students work with two teachers in the classroom: one provides job training and the other teaches basic skills in reading, math or English language. Students get the help they need while studying in the career field of their choice.
The new phlebotomy program joins YVC’s existing I-BEST programs offered in agriculture, business technology, early childhood education, information technology and nursing assistant certifications.
Pathway Coordinator Joe Trenkenschuh said the new program is an asset that will help meet the needs of students here in the Yakima Valley.
“The I-BEST program allows students who are working on their high school credential to simultaneously earn college credit/certification in approved programs. This allows students to progress quicker and further along their career and/or educational pathway, as well as gain employment that meets living wage standards.”
Students who get on a path to earn a professional/technical credential with I-BEST are 30% more likely to complete either a degree or certificate. They are also twice as likely to go on to complete a four-year degree when compared to other students taking basic education courses at Washington community and technical colleges.
Students wanting to enroll in YVC’s new program must first complete healthcare foundation courses including healthcare workplace skills, healthcare English and healthcare terminology. These pre-requisite classes are required for all healthcare I-BEST programs and count for credit towards a student’s High School+ or GED program.
Students interested in enrolling in one of YVC’s I-BEST programs should contact Pathways Coordinator Joe Trenkenschuh at 509.834.4527 or jtrenkenschuh@yvcc.edu at least one quarter before they intend to enroll.
Press Release Contacts:
Dustin Wunderlich / 509.574.6870 / dwunderlich@yvcc.edu
Stefanie Menard / 509.574.4646 / smenard@yvcc.edu