POSTED FEBRUARY 2024
With more than 20 years of experience as a Medical Assistant, Margie James has seen a little bit of everything in her career. Now, she’s sharing everything she has learned with Churchill High School students who are working hard to become phlebotomists.
Phlebotomists collect blood samples for diagnostic tests. So, attention to detail matters. So do ‘soft skills.’ A good bedside manner and compassionate social skills are something Margie drives home every day.
“This is a very hands-on class and that’s what I love about it,” said Margie. “I talk to them a lot about being professional. We’re together every day for two hours, so we get to know each other very well. I love that they can hold each other accountable because we’re all on the same team.”
Two days a week, Margie’s Churchill students spend time shadowing a variety of career paths at Stone Oak Methodist Hospital. It’s a perfect opportunity for practice to meet experience. It’s also a great way for students to survey the many career options in the medical field and discover what they are truly passionate about.
“This gives them exposure to everything. I can talk about it all day long, but it becomes real when they experience it and see it for themselves.”
In May, James’ students will take their phlebotomy certification exam. The cost for our students? Nothing. NEISD covers it.
“I tell them all the time, take advantage of this free education,” said Margie. “I would have loved to have had this opportunity in high school.”
The month of February has been designated Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by the National Association for Career and Technical Education.
