12 Week Course
206 hour Didactic/On Campus Lab Training Program (Joint Program)
First eight weeks: Lab Assistant and Phlebotomy Training
Final four weeks: California State Phlebotomy Training Requirements

What you'll learn:

• Clinical and Lab Techniques
• Step-by-step methods for blood withdrawal
• The crucial elements of safety and infection control
• Prepare and process specimens
• Commonly used collection devices
• Laboratory test names
• Instrument operation of ECG machines
• Perform and record vital sign measurements
• And more…

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Duties
The primary responsibilities for a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I involve venipuncture and skin puncture. More complex procedures are performed in a Medical Center or Clinical Laboratory.

The primary responsibilities for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician II involve arterial punctures as well as venipuncture and skin puncture.

Lab Assistant (LA) Duties
The primary responsibilities for a Lab Assistant involve 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.

They also may perform administrative tasks such as answering telephone calls and keeping records.

All medical professionals must abide by the policies and procedures for laboratory safety and patient confidentiality.

Admission Requirements
Candidates must meet all immunization, physical exam, CPR, and educational prerequisites before applying to the program and pass a nationwide criminal background check. After all other requirements are met, candidates will also have a personal interview.

Applicants must have one of the following:

• Official (sealed) High School transcripts
• GED
• Official (sealed) College transcripts documenting a minimum of 12 units

The National Licensing and State of California Certification organizations will require official transcripts for examination and application eligibility. Note: All foreign diplomas and transcripts must include a notarized translation in English and must be evaluated by a foreign transcript agency before submission.

• Valid CPR Card from the American Heart Association, Healthcare Provider, Basic Life Support course, two (2) year certification. Applicant must present a valid CPR card at the time of submitting an application. Letters of course completion cannot be submitted in lieu of card. No exceptions will be made.
• Documentation of:
• Hepatitis B (within last 10 years)
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (2 if born after 1957)
• Varicella (Titer/vaccine) (Possibly 2 immunizations)
• Tuberculosis (PPD -skin/Chest x-ray) (2 within the last 12 months)
• Tetanus/Diphtheria (within the last 10 years)
• Complete physical examination within the last 12 months

All documentation must remain valid throughout the duration of the completion date of the program.

Student admission is highly competitive and limited by the availability of clinical training sites.

Phlebotomy Program Essential Functions
All students must be able to perform the essential functions of the curriculum. In addition to the general admission criteria required by the college, phlebotomy students must be able to:

• Use digital fine motor skills with both hands continually throughout the day.
• Visual ability sufficient to discern colors and perform Phlebotomy procedures.
• See clearly enough to read hand-written and computer-generated communications.
• Work standing on their feet for the majority of the day.
• Walk to and from patient service areas of the hospital for the majority of the day.
• Help patients in and out of phlebotomy chairs and tables.
• Write and speak to patients and staff effectively.
• Interact appropriately with patients, physicians, peers and supervisor.
• Use good judgment to seek assistance when needed.
• Lift a minimum of 25 pounds unassisted.
• Apply safety and infection control standards learned in the program to maintain a safe and clean environment for patients and self.

Clinical Site Travel
Students may be required to travel several hours to clinical sites. All students must be prepared and willing to commit themselves to any travel time required to achieve the educational goals of the program. Rotation requirements will be presented to the student by their respective Clinical Coordinator and/or Program Director. Students may be required to rotate between clinical sites during their clinical education to ensure all students receive equitable high quality clinical education during their training.

Earnings
According to the US Department of Labor, the demand for phlebotomists/lab assistant in the job market is expected to increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), (www.bls.gov) this career field will provide outstanding job opportunities in the coming decade. The median expected salary for a typical PLA in the United States is around $26,000. PLA's generally earn between $26,534 and $44,001 per year (www.salary.com)

Graduates can work at...

• Hospitals
• Clinical Laboratories
• Medical Centers
• Surgical Centers
• Clinics
• Physician Offices
• Blood & Plasma Donation Centers
• Governmental Medical Facilities & Agencies
• Paramedical Firms