Several A-B Tech Allied Health programs received top national and state rankings for 2021 from Nursingprocess.org. The college’s Phlebotomy program was ranked second in the nation among more than 363 phlebotomy schools across the country. The Dental Assisting Program at A-B Tech was ranked first in the state, while Dental Hygiene and Medical Sonography were both ranked third.
Rankings were determined on the criteria of academic quality, student success and affordability, total number of students enrolled in the program, and editorial team ratings. To gauge the reputation of a school, Nursingprocess.org also considered internet reviews and ratings from popular web publishers such as niche.com and Google and evaluated schools for the student friendly services offered.
“These rankings validate the quality of A-B Tech’s health programs,” said President John D. Gossett. “Our programs are feeders to almost every healthcare program in the region and our graduates are consistently recognized for their exceptional training and qualifications.”
Key highlights that impacted A-B Tech’s Phlebotomy ranking included offering a short course that allows students to enter the job market in less than six months and the flexibility to pay tuition fees in installments.
“When (Phlebotomy instructor) Monique Worley joined our faculty, we made a professional commitment that we were going to raise the bar through our program for the Phlebotomy profession in Western North Carolina,” said Melissa Hyatt, chair of the Medical Laboratory Technology Department. “Since then, Monique has poured her heart and soul into our Phlebotomy program. She has brought a level of professionalism and excellence to A-B Tech and we are fortunate to have her and her level of dedication.”
The Dental Assisting program received the state’s top ranking because A-B Tech students graduate with a solid grounding in technical, clinical and administrative skills, according to Nursingprocess.org. The organization noted that A-B Tech students are encouraged to participate in community service and professional organizations to further their professional and personal growth.
Factors in determining rankings included academic quality, student success, affordability, number of students enrolled, and the editorial team ratings. A-B Tech’s Allied Health selective admissions policy was also a factor in the classification.
The Dental Hygiene program was cited because it prepares students to confidently face the challenges posed in an allied dental field. Graduates of the program also had a 100 percent passing rate on the national exam this year.
Medical Sonography was touted because its graduates are successfully working as entry-level ultrasound technicians in a variety of settings across the state, such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and imaging centers. Students are trained with job-ready skills by a faculty that have years of experience as clinicians and instructors.
Nursingprocess.org is an online resource that simplifies access to nursing and health care education information with the goal of helping students make better education choices. Currently, the site reaches more than 100,000 students every month, from all over the country.
Learn more about health care programs at abtech.edu/allied-health.