Rayn Hagans is taking advantage of short-term training through Wayne Community College’s Workforce Continuing Education Services. At just 18 years old, she has already completed WCC’s Phlebotomy program and is getting valuable work experience in her field.
Hagans has always been interested in working in healthcare. After finishing high school early in December of 2024, she immediately enrolled in WCC’s Phlebotomy course in January, getting a head start on her career goals.
Short-term training
The Phlebotomy program is part of WCC’s Workforce Continuing Education Services, which provides short-term training to prepare individuals in the community for a variety of skills. Graduates of these programs earn a certificate of completion and may obtain further credentials in their industry.
Phlebotomy students prepare to become certified phlebotomy technicians who obtain blood and other specimens for the purpose of laboratory analysis. Through a combination of classroom instruction, labs, and practice in clinical settings, students learn proper specimen collection and handling, maintaining patient data, and communication skills.
Hagans recalls practicing finger sticks and venipuncture procedures to make sure she and her classmates knew the proper techniques. She also enjoyed her clinicals as they allowed her to interact with real patients. “I’m a people person,” she said. “I like being able to have conversations with the patients and let them know they always have someone to talk to.”
A well-rounded education
After graduating as a certified phlebotomist in May, Hagans wanted to earn another certification to learn more about different aspects of healthcare. This fall, she enrolled in WCC’s Medical Office Assistant program, a 16-week online course designed for those seeking experience in coding and billing for healthcare agencies. “It’s more administrative, which gives me a different skillset for things outside of phlebotomy,” Hagans said.
Hagans recently earned a scholarship from the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation to cover the cost of her Medical Office Assistant course. This scholarship is part of the SECU “Bridge to Career” Program, which supports Workforce Continuing Education students by awarding them $500 to help remove financial barriers as they seek credentials.
The financial support allows Hagans to focus on her studies and continue exploring what WCC has to offer. “There are so many opportunities at WCC,” Hagans said. “My instructors are great, and I like the learning environment here.”
Prepared for the job
As Hagans progresses through WCC’s Medical Office Assistant course, she also works as a donor service technician at The Blood Connection, a nonprofit organization with community blood centers and mobile units. Her job provides necessary experience in her field and offers room for growth, as she hopes to ultimately become a travel phlebotomist.
WCC frequently hosts The Blood Connection on campus for mobile blood drives. When Hagans participated in the College’s most recent blood drive through her job, she said it felt like being back home. “Knowing that I got my certification here, and I’m doing what I got my certification for, felt amazing,” she shared.
With much already accomplished at 18 years old, Hagans hopes to encourage other young students to take advantage of career exploration through WCC’s short-term courses. “It doesn’t matter how old you are. You have time to do anything that you put your mind to,” Hagans said. “Just go out and do it. Don’t let anything get in your way or stop you.”
Learn more about WCC’s short-term Allied Health programs on our website, or contact WCC Interim Director of Allied Health Joyce Hamilton-Fleming (919-739-6929 or jahamilton-fleming@waynecc.edu).