Toynika Lewis
Toynika Lewis, CPT, is a seasoned Phlebotomy Instructor and Author with nearly 20 years of experience in the healthcare and clinical laboratory field. Her career began shortly after the birth of her first child, when she entered the medical field as a medical assistant in a private obstetrics and gynecology practice, where she worked for five years and built a strong clinical foundation. It was during this time that she was introduced to phlebotomy through a colleague at LabCorp, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion and ultimately defined her professional path.
Over the years, Toynika expanded her expertise across multiple healthcare environments, including private medical offices, hospitals, plasma donation centers, and private laboratory settings. Her dedication and skill advancement led her into progressive leadership roles such as supervisor, manager, and territory manager. She further strengthened her expertise in the plasma industry as a donor floor supervisor and in quality assurance, before transitioning into a Training and Development Manager role, where she discovered her true calling in education, mentorship, and workforce development.
For the past six years, Toynika has focused on teaching and instructional development, currently serving as a Phlebotomy Instructor and substitute educator with Phlebotomy Training Specialists. In February 2026, she published her first book, Prestige Technique: Intro to Phlebotomy, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, created as a foundational step toward launching her own phlebotomy school. Her long-term vision includes establishing her own training institution by early 2027, with plans to open at least two campuses within five years in Dallas and Houston.
• Phlebotomy Certification
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency, dedication, and having a full commitment to what I do. I don't believe in a half step - either you are or you aren't. With this type of field, you have to have a love for it. I would not want someone to come into this field if they're thinking just financially. It's more than that. You really have to have a love and a heart for healthcare, period. If you don't love it, please don't do it. I made sure to make myself a subject matter expert in phlebotomy and just kept moving forward. Once I started teaching and instructing, I realized that was my entire passion the whole time, and those two things went hand-in-hand for me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received is that my timing is not everyone else's timing. Basically, don't compare where you are to where someone else is, and just know that you're in a lane of your own. As long as you're putting in the work, you will see an outcome. Looking at someone else and comparing yourself, you'll never get further. It's your own lane. It's what you can do for it. Once I got that in my head, I realized it makes a lot of sense. It's not just one baker in the world, there's plenty of bakers, but they all have their own lanes. I can be a phlebotomist, and you can be a phlebotomist, so why not help to train the next phlebotomist? I'm not threatened, I'm in my own lane, and it's enough for everybody.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just take the first step. Do your research, and if it's enrolling somewhere, enroll. Just do it. Have faith that it's gonna work out. It's not gonna be easy, but it'll be worth it. You're entering a field that AI can't do. Just perfect your craft, but take the first step and just do it. Don't let your worries get in your head. I worked two jobs while I was going to school, and it can be done. Don't let anybody try to tell you that it can't. You might feel like you can't, but you're as strong as you see yourself. It can be done.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I've seen is timing and lack of childcare. I've noticed a lot of young mothers or returning mothers who are trying to figure out what to do now. But it's mostly the younger ones who are trying to do something on top of a regular 9-to-5. That's why Saturday classes and night classes are our most popular, because it's not easy to find childcare. It's easier for someone to keep an eye out for your kid while they're asleep, or it's something you can come do after your 9 to 5. Childcare was the main issue I ran into with attendance as well - students saying their kid is sick or at the school. It's definitely the young mothers who just keep pushing and try their best. I worked 2 jobs when I was going to school - overnight job, take a nap, wake up, go to school, get to the other job, and then take care of my kids, make sure they're ready for school, have everything they need, and do it all over. It was a lot.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness, empathy, and integrity are most important to me. I'm really big on consistency and dedication. I don't believe in a half step - either you are or you aren't. If you're gonna do it, do it full out. I just love my students so much. I have students from years ago that still reach out to me for questions or assistance. I'm really big on being accessible - I don't want to just throw you in the world, I'm always accessible. I'm very nurturing, and I want to make sure people feel comfortable and supported.
Locations
Private Company
Humble, TX 77346