Michigan Works! Helps Bridge the Gap to Healthcare Employment

David graduated this past December from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science. While his degree prepared him well for the field, it did not include phlebotomy training—an essential skill for most laboratory scientists in Northern Michigan.

After being offered a position as a Medical Laboratory Scientist at Otsego Memorial Hospital, David learned he needed to obtain his phlebotomy certification before he could begin work. However, the cost of the program was beyond his budget. That’s when he turned to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.

Michigan Works! was able to cover the full cost of David’s phlebotomy training, removing a major financial barrier and allowing him to focus fully on learning. During the program, David gained hands-on experience drawing blood, practiced professional workplace skills, and completed a five-day hospital shadowing experience to strengthen his confidence.

Now certified and debt-free, David feels prepared and comfortable performing lab draws. He will begin his new position at Otsego Memorial Hospital in February, earning nearly $30 per hour along with a sign-on bonus.

David’s story highlights how targeted training support can bridge the gap between education and employment—and help talented individuals step directly into in-demand careers.