Today we’d like to introduce you to Undrea Ogamba.
Hi Undrea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, My name is Undrea! I grew up in Bay City and later moved to Houston, spending time in different parts of the city and surrounding areas. That exposure shaped how I see people and their circumstances. I understand what it looks like to start with limited access, to relocate, to adapt, and to find your footing in new environments. That understanding is woven into how I teach and how I lead VMI. The Vein Master’s Institute was born from both experience and purpose. I have spent over a decade working in healthcare and patient facing roles, including several years as a practicing phlebotomist. Throughout my career, I noticed a consistent gap. Many people wanted to enter healthcare but did not have access to quality, hands on training that truly prepared them for the field.
My journey into education started organically. I found myself mentoring new hires, training coworkers, and eventually teaching as a phlebotomy instructor. I realized I loved not just the technical skill, but helping students build confidence, professionalism, and pride in their work. Teaching allowed me to change lives in a very direct way.
VMI started as a vision to create a school that focused on mastery, not just certification. I wanted students to leave knowing how to perform venipuncture with confidence, how to care for patients with compassion, and how to carry themselves professionally in any clinical setting. I started small, teaching pop up classes and partnering with established programs while building my own curriculum and reputation.
Today, The Vein Master’s Institute is a growing phlebotomy training program with a strong track record of student success and certification pass rates. What began as a passion project has turned into a fully leased institute focused on access, excellence, and community impact. I am proud of how far VMI has come, but even more excited about where it is going and the healthcare professionals we will continue to shape.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a completely smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, especially in education and healthcare, the journey has come with its share of challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was building something from the ground up without shortcuts. From securing compliant curriculum standards, finding the right spaces to teach, balancing costs, and wearing multiple hats as an instructor, administrator, and business owner, there were many moments that required persistence and faith.
Another challenge was earning trust. As a newer institute, I had to prove that VMI was not just another training program, but a place where students would truly be prepared for real clinical environments and certification exams. That meant holding high standards, being very hands on, and sometimes growing slower than I wanted to in order to protect quality.
Along the way, I also learned that what I am doing is not just owning a business or simply teaching a skill. It has become a true form of ministry. I am able to connect with each student on an individual level. Some come to VMI during very difficult seasons of their lives, some are taking a chance on themselves for the first time, and others are striving for stability and a better future. Learning each student and understanding what they truly need from me, whether it is encouragement, structure, accountability, or belief, has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
We overcame challenges by staying rooted in our mission. I leaned heavily on my industry experience, professional relationships, and student feedback to continuously refine the program. Instead of rushing growth, I focused on results. Strong pass rates, confident graduates, and word of mouth referrals became our foundation.
Every challenge strengthened VMI. The obstacles forced me to be intentional, resilient, and disciplined. They also clarified my purpose. VMI is not just a school, it is a place of transformation. Looking back, the road was not easy, but it was necessary. Those challenges shaped the institute into what it is today and positioned us for sustainable growth
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Vein Master’s Institute is a phlebotomy training institute dedicated to producing confident, competent, and compassionate healthcare professionals. We specialize in hands on phlebotomy education that goes beyond simply passing an exam. Our focus is mastery of venipuncture, patient care, professionalism, and real world clinical readiness.
What sets VMI apart is our approach. We intentionally keep class sizes smaller so that every student receives individualized instruction and support. Students are not treated like numbers. They are mentored, coached, and truly taught. Our program blends technical skill with soft skills, teaching students how to communicate with patients, manage difficult situations, and carry themselves confidently in clinical environments.
VMI is also known for results. We have built a strong reputation for high certification pass rates and graduates who are job ready on day one. Many of our students secure employment quickly because employers recognize the quality of our training and the professionalism of our graduates. In 2025, we trained 27 students & ended the year with a 100% Certification exam passing rate!
Brand wise, what I am most proud of is the culture. VMI is a place of excellence, accountability, and encouragement. We attract students who are serious about changing their lives and we meet them with structure, compassion, and high expectations. For many students, this is not just a school. It is a turning point.
I want readers to know that VMI is more than a training institute. It is a mission driven brand rooted in service, access, and transformation. Whether someone is entering healthcare for the first time or seeking a career shift, VMI exists to equip them with skill, confidence, and belief in what they are capable of achieving.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, the healthcare training industry will continue shifting toward competency-based education that emphasizes real world readiness over purely textbook knowledge. Skilled allied health roles like phlebotomy will grow as demand increases for preventive care, outpatient services, and efficient clinical support. I also see more hybrid learning models, stronger partnerships between schools and healthcare employers, and technology enhancing simulation and student support. Ultimately, success will belong to programs that balance technical excellence with human-centered training and career support.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.vmi?
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17qUBipBAu/
Image Credits
Image Credits Anicia Ware of Coleman & Spencer Premier Task Solutions
