What is a Phlebotomy Technician / Lab Assistant (PTLA)?
A Phlebotomy Technician/Lab Assistant (PTLA) combines the duties of a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and a Lab Assistant (LA).

Depending on the level of training, phlebotomists draw blood through venipuncture, skin puncture, or arterial puncture. Lab Assistants duties include; specimen processing, plating and processing microbiology specimens, operating and maintaining semi-automated test equipment. Duties may also include fixing blood/tissue specimens on slides, and using computers to input data.

Depending on the location of employment CPT’s may perform LA’s duties as well as their own including; collect patient histories, measure vital signs, height and weight.

How are clinicals assigned?
Clinical assignments are decided by lottery.

Where are clinicals located?
We have clinical sites through out the San Joaquin Valley. Please go to our class catalog for locations.

How long will I have to wait to go to my clinicals?
In groups of five to eight the time timeline is as follows:
1st Round - One to two weeks after class ends.
2nd Round - Four to five weeks after the 1st round.
3rd Round - Four to five weeks after the 2nd round.

Is financial aid available?
Not at this time, however we accept payments through private student loans, Workforce Connection, Governor's scholarship, AmeriCorps, Veterans Administration, and the Department of Rehabilitation.

CAIOMS also offers payment plans.

Where can I work?
Phlebotomists and Lab Assistants can work in doctor's offices, hospitals, labs, medical clinics, blood banks, etc..

Will I be able to find a job when I graduate?
Rapid job growth and excellent job opportunities are expected. Most jobs will continue to be in hospitals, but employment will grow faster in other settings.

Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. The volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both population growth and the development of new types of tests. www.bls.gov

Do you help me find a job once I graduate?
At this time, CAIOMS does not offer job placement. However, we currently have a 70% employment rate for those that complete the program and obtain their state phlebotomy certification.

Where are you located?
California Institute of Medical Science headquarters is located in Fresno, California.

Need Tuition Information?
California Institute of Medical Science offers many options for tuition, click here for more information