Phlebotomy Program Launches a Future in Healthcare
May 22, 2025When Laura Eslava moved from Palmdale, California to Pennsylvania, she never imagined that her journey would lead her to the heart of healthcare—through a needle.
“I feel like life has plans for me, rather than I have plans for life—if that makes sense,” Eslava said. “My future goal is to become an X-ray tech, but my main goal has always been to help people in any way I can. I wanted to start with phlebotomy because it's the best way to begin due to the exposure and opportunities it offers.”
Currently working as a phlebotomist while continuing her studies, Laura is already seeing the real-world impact of her training.
“I realized that phlebotomists are part of the crucial blueprint of obtaining a patient’s health for accurate diagnoses, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of the team,” she said. “The amount of people I’ve worked with—it was a pleasure helping each patient, not just by doing my job, but by listening to them. Sometimes they just want to be heard—about their health, their test results, or what’s going on in their life.”
The Phlebotomy certificate program at Westmoreland offers a hands-on, fast-track route to entering the healthcare field, with curriculum and clinical experience designed to meet the standards of today’s medical employers. The college continues to expand its healthcare offerings to meet the labor market needs in western Pennsylvania.
“Our students are incredibly dedicated and compassionate,” said Phlebotomy Program Director, Amy Voytek. “They’re not just learning a skill—they’re learning how to be part of a care team that patients rely on for accurate diagnoses and quality care. Laura is a great example of someone who brings both heart and skill to the profession. As one of my students, I am always proud to see them in the field working and aspiring to advance their career with more training.”
Laura chose Westmoreland not only because of the range of medical programs offered but also because of the overall atmosphere.
“It had the classes I needed to continue my education,” she said. “The campus is so clean, with such a nice staff and a great space to grow and learn—that was a bonus.”
Among her most vivid memories of the program was performing her first needlestick.
“It’s an experience I’ll always remember,” she recalled. “No matter how many times I practiced on the simulation arms, I was still a bit scared and nervous to practice on a person for the first time.”
Now with her confidence built and her goals in motion, Laura is grateful for where she started—and who helped her get there.
“I couldn’t do this without the support of my instructors, my family and my school,” she said. “I’m truly grateful for the education Westmoreland provided.”
Westmoreland is part of a growing regional effort to meet the critical demand for skilled healthcare professionals. As healthcare providers continue to face workforce shortages across Pennsylvania and the nation, certificate programs like Westmoreland’s are playing a vital role in preparing students to fill those gaps and have them market ready in a short period of time.
For more information about the Phlebotomy Certificate program and other healthcare programs at Westmoreland, visit westmoreland.edu/programs.