Blended Learning: Transformation of Phlebotomy Education at Mayo Clinic

Blended learning, a combination of online and face-to-face classroom experiences, is of particular interest in health sciences education. Mayo School of Health Sciences, one of the five schools within the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, assessed the use of blended learning across three allied health education programs: clinical neurophysiology, histology, and phlebotomy. The process involved analysis of the individual programs and the establishment of a philosophy to underpin the use of blended learning within the school. To evaluate the results of the redesigned blended phlebotomy program that was implemented in September 2012, we collected data on resource use, program accessibility, student performance, and student satisfaction. The results showed that the blended learning environment enhanced the overall course framework, by providing greater accessibility (geographically and temporally), and improved efficiency in the use of faculty, classroom and laboratory space; while maintaining strong student performance. Although student satisfaction decreased initially, program adjustments resulted in subsequent student cohorts reporting high satisfaction. We showed the utility of blended learning being adopted in health sciences programs traditionally delivered face-to-face and the value of technology used effectively in teaching and learning. ABBREVIATIONS:MSHS - Mayo School of Health Sciences, NAACLS - National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences