What is the major difference between the Phlebotomy Technician and Lab Assistant program?
The major difference between the two programs is the following:
Lab Assistant Program: Graduates can sit for both national phlebotomy and lab assistant exam.
Phlebotomy Technician Program: Graduates can sit for the national phlebotomy exam.
With both programs you will be eligible to work as a phlebotomist in California.

Will I be able to work as a CLS or MLT once I graduate the lab assistant program?
No! Lab Assistant / Phlebotomy Technician is an entry level position. There is a significant amount more of training and education necessary to become a MLT or CLS.

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

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 - Five to six weeks after the 1st round.
3rd Round - Five to six 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, Department of Rehabilitation, and Proteus.

CAIOMS also offers payment plans.

Where can I work?
Phlebotomists and Lab Assistants can work in doctor's offices, hospitals, labs, medical clinics, 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. In 2012, a majority of our graduates reported becoming gainfully employed after receiving their state certification in phlebotomy.

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

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