The inaugural cohort earned their American Medical Technologists (AMT) certification after passing the programme’s final examination and completing all required practical components. In doing so, they have met both local and international competency standards, qualifying them as Certified Phlebotomy Technicians through the AMT, a recognised professional association.

The programme combines robust classroom instruction over six to eight months with extensive hands-on clinical experience, that requires a minimum of 140 contact hours, 50 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks to ensure participants develop the technical skills and confidence required for safe and effective specimen collection.

“This programme reflects HSA’s commitment to providing excellent clinical training that meets international standards,” said Marsha Eleweanya, Training and Development Manager at HSA. “We are extremely proud of the dedication shown by our first group of students in learning the practical skills and knowledge needed to support safe and efficient diagnostic services. They are all aware of the crucial role phlebotomists play in healthcare. Laboratory results from their samples contribute to the majority of clinical decision-making, directly impacting patient diagnosis and treatment plans.”

All four graduates of the first cohort were external applicants who completed the programme while pursuing careers in healthcare.

Among them is Raejan Lawla, a University of South Florida Biomedical student who is aspiring to become a medical technologist.

“Completing the HSA phlebotomy training programme has been a transformative experience that has greatly enhanced my skills in diagnostic services,” Ms. Lawla said. “Through this training, I developed important skills such as proper venipuncture techniques, patient communication, infection control practices and attention to detail when handling specimens. This experience has strengthened my understanding of the critical connection between proper specimen collection and the quality of laboratory results.”

Latysha Powell, Healthcare Assistant and Registered Phlebotomy Technician in the Outpatient Nursing Department at Integra Healthcare, also highlighted the programme’s impact on her professional development.

“Being part of this programme has been an incredibly valuable experience,” Powell said. “It has strengthened my skills in diagnostic services and increased my confidence in delivering high-quality patient care. The training helped me better understand the important role accurate diagnostics play in patient outcomes and overall healthcare efficiency.”

Samantha Bennett, Chief Human Resources Manager, noted that the programme represents an important investment in the future of the Cayman Islands’ healthcare workforce.

“Developing programmes like this allows us to build sustainable healthcare capacity by training and empowering professionals locally for real-life healthcare settings,” Mrs. Bennett said. “We are creating clear professional growth pathways for individuals interested in the laboratory field and strengthening our healthcare system in the process.”

A second cohort of 15 students began the programme in October and is expected to complete training by May. The third cohort will begin shortly after in June, demonstrating strong interest and demand for this specialised clinical training opportunity.

In addition to the success of the first cohort, HSA has now achieved certified phlebotomy training centre status through the AMT Association, formally establishing itself as an emerging centre of excellence for allied health education in the Cayman Islands.

For more information about the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Programme, visit: https://www.hsa.ky/events-classes/phlebotomy-technician-certificate