At 38 years old, Jared Downs didn’t expect to find himself back in the classroom. After years of struggling with addiction and dropping out of high school, he knew something had to change following a car accident and overdose in 2023.
“I just wanted to do something different,” said Downs. “I’ve always struggled with school — trying to stay focused. But after I got clean and sober, I knew I needed to find a new direction.”
That realization led him to 鶹Ƶ’s program, a learning model that blends technical training with foundational academic support, to earn his phlebotomy certificate.
“I’ve always kind of liked blood,” he said. “I’ve been fascinated for some reason, so I decided to take the phlebotomy course — and I really enjoyed it.”
Phlebotomy is an entry-level healthcare career with strong job prospects and a growing demand. YVC’s certificate program takes just two quarters to complete, with hands-on lab instruction offered on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses.
For Downs, the program was more than a career move — it was a lifeline. During a pivotal time in his recovery, he was living in an Oxford House — a peer-supported sober living environment designed for individuals committed to staying clean.
“This program helped prove to myself that I could accomplish something when I put my mind to it,” he said. “There were times it was really stressful I was living in an Oxford House, volunteering to help others in recovery, and trying to stay on my own path. It was overwhelming.”
TOP: Students in a phlebotomy lab class on YVC's Yakima Campus. ABOVE: Jared Downs poses for a photo in YVC's North Campus Commons.
But he wasn’t alone. Downs credits YVC staff, especially I-BEST Coordinator Andrea Gutierrez Trammell, for helping him stay on track.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support I got,” he said. “Andrea was a huge part of my success. And the other students — we leaned on each other. It was just a really cool environment.”
During an internship at InterPath Laboratory to complete his certificate requirements, Downs gained real-world experience and built confidence working with patients and lab staff.
“They were so supportive and patient with me,” he said. “I asked a lot of questions. There were things I couldn’t do yet, but I learned so much just by watching and asking.”
He found joy in the challenge of communicating with patients and navigating the responsibilities of a healthcare setting.
“Working with patients helped me be more responsible and better at communicating,” Downs said. “That’s never been one of my strong suits. It’s helped build my self-esteem.”
The academic side of the program wasn’t easy, especially math. But instructors like Rachel Ziegler and Rusty Marquis made a lasting impression on Downs.
“Even on the days it wasn’t fun, it became fun. It was draining at times, but in the end, it was a beautiful thing.”
– Jared Downs, alumnus
“Rusty made math fun — and I can’t stand math,” Downs said. “He kept people engaged and made it manageable. Rachel was awesome too. She made it fun to learn.”
Graduating in June 2025 was a milestone Downs won’t forget.
“It was emotional,” he said. “Seeing the people who showed up to support me — it meant a lot.”
Now, Downs is working at Sundown M Ranch and considering further studies to open the door to even more career opportunities in healthcare.
“It’s kind of all in timing,” he said. “Better to start late than never.”
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA ’05, communications consultant. Photos by Menard and Dustin Wunderlich, director of community relations.