Page 38 - 50th Alumni Success Stories Book

Blanca Martinez I was new to San Antonio and had done some volunteer
work, but was looking for something purposeful for my life.
Phlebotomy Program After seeing an online post about Pima Medical Institute’s
San Antonio Campus Phlebotomy program, I began to wonder if I could do
it. I felt way too old to go back to school, plus I struggle
Graduated 2021 with panic attacks. But, I stopped by Pima Medical to get
information and when I told them about my fears, they
encouraged me and helped me enroll.

I was so afraid after that first day of class and I told my
husband that everyone else was younger than me and
I wanted to quit. He encouraged me to keep trying and
my instructor encouraged me not to quit. The hands-on
learning came easy for me, but I was deathly afraid of
tests and my anxiety would overtake me. My struggle
was real, but I had the support of my classmates and my
patient instructor.

I felt way too old to go back to

school ... now I just love my job!

When I went to my externship site interview, they
actually started talking about hiring me. I had a great
experience and found myself drawing blood with
confidence and making my patients feel comfortable
and upon completion, APPS Para Medical hired me. I am
a traveling phlebotomist and go to people’s homes to
obtain their bloodwork. I really enjoy meeting people in
their own environment and I get lots of compliments that
I have soft hands and am good at my job.

I am so thankful for everyone at Pima Medical. I finished
the program because everyone there believed in me,
encouraged me and cheered me on to the finish line. I
just love my job!

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