Graduates of the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program celebrate their achievement at the Savannah Opportunity Center.
On November 16, Savannah marked a significant milestone as the first cohort of the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program graduated. This initiative, formed through a partnership between Goodwill of Southeast Georgia and Savannah Technical College, was made possible by the dedication of instructor Quinlin Moore, known as ‘The Godmother of Phlebotomy.’ Graduates are now entering a rewarding and growing job market, with new cohorts beginning in January 2025 and beyond.
Oh, what a day it was on November 16 at the Savannah Opportunity Center! The city buzzed with excitement as the first cohort of the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program graduated, marking a significant milestone for both the students and the community. This great initiative came to life thanks to an amazing partnership between Goodwill of Southeast Georgia and Savannah Technical College.
Leading the charge was the dynamic and inspiring Quinlin Moore, an allied health medical instructor who quickly became a beloved figure among her students. With her warmth and encouraging spirit, she earned the affectionate nickname of “The Godmother of Phlebotomy.” Quinlin made it her mission to form personal connections with her students, many of whom were single mothers and individuals facing financial hardships. She understood all too well the hurdles that life can throw our way and worked tirelessly to provide the support and guidance her students needed to succeed.
Quinlin’s class had a mantra that resonated with everyone: “If you’re asleep, you better wake up.” This motto served as a rallying cry, motivating students to give their all and seize the opportunity before them. Over the course of a fast-paced 12-week program—fully funded by Goodwill—students dove headfirst into learning everything they needed to know to become certified phlebotomy technicians.
Graduating from this program is a significant achievement! Those certified will find themselves stepping into a field that is not only rewarding but growing rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for phlebotomists is around $41,810 per year, equating to a mean hourly wage of approximately $16.90. What’s more, the need for skilled phlebotomists is expected to increase by 8% by 2033, making this an excellent time to jump into the profession.
In fact, South Georgia is ranked an impressive fourth nationally for phlebotomy employment in nonmetropolitan areas—talk about being in demand! So, it’s no wonder that the program had an overwhelming response, with more than 61 eager applicants placed on a waitlist for the inaugural cohort.
For those who missed out this time, more opportunities are around the corner! The next cohort is slated to begin on January 21, 2025, with plans for yet another cohort in the spring. Classes are organized in the evenings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, allowing participants the flexibility to balance their studies with other obligations.
Before diving into the technical courses, students partake in a two-hour soft skills training workshop. This essential component covers vital topics like communication, emotional intelligence, and empathy, laying a solid foundation for future success in the healthcare field.
One of the standout features of this program is Goodwill’s commitment to helping students secure employment right after graduation. On December 5, a career fair will be held, providing graduates the chance to mingle with various healthcare organizations ready to hire, such as St. Joseph’s/Candler, Southcoast Health, South University, and Hospice Care of Savannah.
Additionally, Goodwill has established a dedicated employer relations position to match recruiting needs with training programs, ensuring that students are not left on their own once they complete their certification.
The future is looking bright not only for the new phlebotomy graduates but also for Goodwill’s ongoing commitment to empowering individuals through education. Alongside the phlebotomy program, they are expanding with plans for certification programs in other growing fields like Medical Billing and Coding.
In April, Goodwill will celebrate Second-Chance Hire Month, complete with workshops designed to help previously incarcerated individuals reintegrate into the workforce. It’s a testament to their belief that everyone deserves a second chance.
And with Quinlin Moore at the helm, the next cohort can expect guidance and support that goes beyond mere instruction. She’s on a mission to assess their needs and ensure that every student is prepared for success in their new careers. Savannah is indeed rich with opportunities, and this graduation ceremony was just the beginning!
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