CUESTA COLLEGE
PHLEBOTOMY PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Phlebotomy courses are listed in the current Class Schedule and can
also be located using Class Finder under Medical Assisting: MAST 109
AND MAST 109L
Students must register for both MAST 109 and MAST 109L with CRNs
that coordinate the same instructor for both the lecture and lab sections.
You may click on the links below to find answers to your questions. It is
strongly recommended that you read all of the information provided.
• How do I contact the instructor?
• Where is the phlebotomy course offered?
• When does the class meet?
• How do I register for the phlebotomy program?
• Is there a way for me to improve my priority registration status?
• The class is full, what can I do?
• Is there a priority wait list for students wishing to add?
• Can I get an add code prior to the first class meeting?
• What is the maximum enrollment for the course?
• Why can’t there be more than 15 students in each class?
• What are the prerequisites for the phlebotomy program?
• Why do I need proof of high school diploma or equivalent
education?
• What can I do if my high school transcripts, diploma, or GED
certificate are unavailable?
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• What are the required text book(s)?
• What are the phlebotomy course requirements and costs?
• What are the uniform requirements for the course?
• Is there anything else I need to know about the dress code?
• What is the California Department of Public Health / Laboratory
Field Services phlebotomy training requirement?
• How are Clinical Externship hours arranged?
• What is required at the first class meeting?
• What are the course policies? Attendance, Grading, Skill
Competencies.
• What strategies are important for my success in the Phlebotomy
Program?
• Can I repeat the course if I am unsuccessful?
• Can I work as a phlebotomist after only completing the Cuesta
College phlebotomy training program?
• How long does it take to complete all of the requirements to
become a California Certified Phlebotomy Technician - 1?
• What is the student success rate for completing the course?
• What is the student success rate for the national examination?
• When and where is the national examination offered?
• I have learning disabilities or special needs. What resources are
available to me?
• Do I need to complete Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) to
maintain my phlebotomy certificate?
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How do I contact the instructor?
Dawn Smith
desmith@cuesta.edu
Stephanie Ponti
sponti@cuesta.edu
Jennifer Din
jennifer_din@ cuesta.edu
Where is the phlebotomy course offered?
The phlebotomy course is offered on the San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles
campuses. Check the current Class Schedule or Class Finder under Medical
Assisting MAST 109 AND MAST 109L for specific dates and times.
When does the class meet?
The phlebotomy training program is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Always check the current Class Schedule or Class Finder for class meeting
information.
San Luis Obispo Campus:
Two sections of Phlebotomy are offered:
Tuesday AM Section: 9:00 AM – 1:50 PM for the first 11 weeks of the semester.
There are also three additional 2 ½ hour meetings from 9:00 – 11:30 AM scheduled
on campus during the clinical externship. Dates for these class meetings are listed in
the Class Schedule or Class Finder.
Tuesday PM Section: 4:00 PM – 8:50 PM for the first 11 weeks of the semester.
There are also three additional 2 ½ half hour meetings from 4:00 – 6:30 PM
scheduled on campus during the clinical externship. Dates for these class meetings
are listed in the Class Schedule or Class Finder.
Paso Robles Campus:
Class meets Tuesdays, 4:00 PM – 8:50 PM for the first 11 weeks of the semester.
There are also three additional 2 ½ hour meetings from 4:00 – 6:30 PM scheduled
on campus during the clinical externship. Dates for these class meetings are listed in
the Class Schedule or Class Finder.
How do I register for the phlebotomy program?
New students will need to complete a Cuesta College admission application prior to
registering for the course. The application process may be done online by going to
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http://www.cuesta.edu/student/getstarted/application/, and following the
Application for Admissions link.
Once the application process is complete, registration for the phlebotomy course
may be done based on the priority registration status assigned.
Continuing students may register for the course based on their priority registration
status.
Is there a way for me to improve my priority registration
status?
Students who are 25 years or older and have been out of school for 5 or more years
may contact the Counseling Department or go to the Reentry Program page at:
http://www.cuesta.edu/student/servs_classes/reentry/
Students who qualify as Reentry will be assigned a priority 5 registration status for
the following semester.
The class is full, what can I do?
You may attend the first class meeting. The instructor will drop students who do not
appear within the first hour and begin the add process through a random drawing
for available seats, be on time. Frequently monitor the class online for openings that
may occur during the registration process.
STUDENTS HOPING TO ADD: DO NOT PURCHASE THE REQUIRED
COURSE SYLLABUS OR TEXT BOOK PRIOR TO RECEIVING AN ADD
CODE FROM THE INSTRUCTOR AT THE FIRST CLASS MEETING.
Is there a wait list for students wishing to add?
Waitlist information can be found here:
http://academic.cuesta.edu/admrreg/waitlist.htm
Can I get an add code prior to the first class meeting?
No, add codes are only issued at the first class meeting.
What is the maximum enrollment for the course?
Maximum enrollment for the course is 15 students.
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Why can’t there be more than 15 students in each class?
Although we would like to accept all students who are interested in our phlebotomy
training program, the 15 student limit is based upon a student/instructor ratio that
allows each student adequate time to master the many skills required to meet the
course objectives.
Due to the invasive nature of phlebotomy skills, which require one-on-one student /
instructor time, maintaining a safe environment is critical.
Phlebotomy requires an uncompromising level of safety in regard to the
management of sharps (needles and lancets) and handling of blood and body fluid
specimens.
What are the prerequisites for the phlebotomy program?
•
Students must at least 18 years old at the first class meeting. Bring a valid
CA driver’s license or CA photo ID card to verify minimum age
requirement.
•
A current Health Care Provider CPR card is required. This training is
accepted only from the American Heart Association, specify Health Care
Provider training; or the American Red Cross, specify Professional Rescuer
– Health Care Provider training. Current CPR Requirements and Resources
are listed on the Nursing and Allied Health Department webpage at:
http://academic.cuesta.edu/nursing/Current_Students_Resources.htm, or by
opening our CPR Resource Page, located here.
•
Documents or proof of high school or equivalent education. Equivalent
education may be a GED certificate. See “What can I do if my high school
transcripts are unavailable?” below.
•
We strongly recommend taking a medical terminology class prior to entering
the phlebotomy program. Cuesta College offers a distance education medical
terminology course, NRAD 222, found in the Class Schedule or Class Finder
under the Nursing course listings.
Why do I need proof of high school or equivalent education?
Both the National Center for Competency Testing (www.ncctinc.com) and the CA
Department of Public Health application for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician
require a copy of either your high school diploma or equivalent education.
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What can I do if my high school transcripts, diploma, or GED
certificate are unavailable?
Contact the Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services, in writing to
explain your situation. Solutions will be based on an individual basis. Go to their
web site at: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/lfs/Pages/Phlebotomist.aspx
Click on the Phlebotomy link, then go to Frequently Asked Questions. The phone
number is (510) 213-7465.
What are the required textbook(s)?
Go to the Cuesta College Bookstore at http://bookstore.cuesta.org/ for required text
book. The current course syllabus for MAST 109 is required and available only at
the Cuesta College Bookstore.
What are the phlebotomy course requirements and costs?
NOTE: Do not schedule appointments to complete course requirements
during scheduled class time.
Estimated Costs –
All costs subject
to change
Requirement
Unit fees x 3.5 units
Materials fee
Textbook. Go to http://bookstore.cuesta.org and enter the semester
term, click on Textbooks and enter MAST 109 for required text
information
@ current college fee
$60.00
$70.00
Current Course Syllabus
Background and drug screen
Physical Exam
Immunizations
$11.00
$130.00
Costs vary
Costs vary – see section
below
TB screening
Free while available at
Cuesta College Health
Center. $50.00 through
health care provider
Uniform and shoes
Health Care Provider CPR
Phlebotomy Program Photo ID
Parking Permit
Costs vary $50.00-$100.00
$60.00 – $80.00
$5.00
Current campus rate
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National Phlebotomy Certification Exam
http://www.ncctinc.com/Certifications/
National Phlebotomy Exam Study Guide
Application Fee for
California Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1
$90.00
$ 20.00 – 40.00
$100.00
https://secure.cps.ca.gov/cltreg/
or home page at:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/lfs/Pages/Phlebotomist.aspx
Background check and drug screen:
The clinical agencies require students to fulfill this requirement.
Information is provided at the first class meeting. Only the agencies
discussed at the first class meeting may be used to complete this process. This
requirement must be completed by the date in the current course syllabus.
Immunizations:
Specific information is discussed at first class meeting; due date for
completion of this requirement is usually at the 8th week of the semester.
Start gathering immunization documents or contact your health care
provider as soon as possible to meet course due date.
MMR: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (German Measles)
Immunization document or IgG blood titer order by your
health care provider
Varicella (chickenpox)
Immunization document or IgG blood titer order by your
health care provider
Hepatitis B
Immunization document or blood test for antibody surface
antigen ordered by your health care provider
Hepatitis B immunization is a 3 injection series over several
months. Students need to have had at least the first injection
in the series.
Tdap: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (Whoophing Cough)
Immunization document or IgG blood titer order by your
health care provider
Seasonal Influenza immunization
Immunization document
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Two-Step TB Screening:
All phlebotomy students are required to have on file current TB
screening results prior to beginning the clinical externship. The due date for
this requirement is listed in the current course syllabus, but is usually at the
8th week of the semester.
Registered students may contact the Cuesta College Health Center at either
campus: San Luis Obispo campus 546-3171, Paso Robles campus 591-6200
ext 4207 for information regarding free TB screening. Call as soon as
possible for your appointment.
What are the uniform requirements for the course?
The uniform and shoe requirement is discussed at the first class meeting. Uniforms
are required at the second class meeting. Do not purchase uniform or shoes until
attending the first class meeting to receive specific guidelines. Items needed include
plain colored scrubs, lab / warm-up jacket with knit cuffs, and shoes.
Is there anything else I need to know regarding the dress code?
Yes. No artificial nails of any kind, natural nails must be polish-free, clean, and
evenly trimmed to fingertip.
No visible piercing other than a maximum of 2 piercings in each ear lobe, no ear
lobe spacers.
No visible tattoos.
What is the California Department of Public Health /
Laboratory Field Services phlebotomy training requirement?
As required by the California State Department of Public Health / Laboratory Field
Services all phlebotomy training programs must meet the minimum required hours
and approved curriculum for the type of course being taught.
Cuesta College is approved for and offers a full phlebotomy course. MAST 109
includes 50 hours of didactic (lecture) or class room theory. MAST 109L is 54 hours
which includes skill practice, clinical externship, and the 3 additional class meetings
listed in the course schedule.
The student externship is at an approved clinical laboratory setting where the
required minimum of 50 successful venipunctures, 10 successful skin punctures and
observation of 2 arterial blood gases must be completed.
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How are Clinical Externship hours arranged?
Arrangements for scheduling the clinical externship hours are coordinated with the
course instructor, student, and laboratory manager each semester. Students must
have adequate availability to complete this requirement. Weekend and evening
hours are usually not available at the laboratories to meet this requirement.
The best clinical experience is achieved when the student’s schedule allows them to
be in the clinical externship a minimum of 4 hours per day several times within the
same week. Students frequently are able to arrange schedules that allow them to
complete the externship requirements within one or two weeks.
Students whose schedules only permit Tuesdays to complete this portion of the
course may have difficulty meeting the clinical externship requirement for the
course.
It is encouraged that students carefully consider their commitments for the semester
in which they wish to enroll in the phlebotomy program such as; enrollment in and
requirements for other courses being taken in the same semester, childcare, and
employment prior to registering for the phlebotomy course.
What is required at the first class meeting?
Students who are registered for the course are expected to arrive in class ON TIME
with the current course syllabus and text book. Plan ahead for parking during the
first week of class to avoid being tardy which may result in an instructor initiated
drop. It is recommended that you bring a nutritious snack and / or lunch; only
plain water is allowed in the classroom – no coffee, soda, etc.
Students who are hoping to add the course must attend the first class meeting. DO
NOT PURCHASE THE COURSE TEXT BOOK OR SYLLABUS UNLESS YOU
ARE ADDED TO THE COURSE BY THE INSTRUCTOR.
What are the course policies?
The course policies are included in the course syllabus and discussed at the first
class meeting. Registered students are expected to have read the course policies
prior to the first class meeting. Those policies that may be helpful in making a
decision whether or not to register for the phlebotomy course include:
Attendance:
Students who are not present during the first hour of the first class meeting
will be dropped. Allow adequate time for parking during the first week of
classes.
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The course hours are regulated by the California Department of Public
Health / Laboratory Field Services. There are no excused absences and
make-up is not guaranteed. Regular and prompt attendance is required.
Three times late to class equals one absence. The State regulations require
that every minute of the approved course be completed by each student in
order to successfully complete the approved training program.
Grading – MAST 109:
A minimum of 70% on each assignment and quiz is required to
progress within the course.
Additionally, a minimum of 70% is
required on the final examination to successfully complete the didactic
portion of the course and advance to the clinical externship. For example, a
student who has achieved an “A” on all course work, but receives less than
70% on the final examination, will not complete the course and will receive a
course grade of “F”.
Late assignments will receive a maximum of 70% minus deductions. This
means that a late assignment that receives less than 70% may prevent the
student from advancing in the course. Timely communication with the
instructor is important regarding any special circumstances.
Grading – MAST 109L:
MAST 109L includes skill practice during class and clinical externship. It
is a pass/fail course where successful completion is based upon competent
demonstration of skills and satisfactory completion of the clinical externship.
Skills competencies:
Competency in the skills of hand washing, gloving procedures, sharps
management and disposal, skin puncture (finger stick and heel stick), and
venipuncture including use of the vacutainer, syringe with straight needle,
and butterfly needle must be demonstrated with 100% accuracy in order to
progress in the course.
The skill competency checklists are included in the course syllabus. Skills
are mastered through completion of the course assignments, instructor
demonstration and return mannequin demonstration by the student.
Cuesta College offers a state of the art skills lab which provides
computer programs and life-like models and mannequin arms for
student practice. Advancement to performing skin puncture and
venipuncture on lab partners and in the clinical setting requires each student
to demonstrate these skills with 100% competency on two occasions while
being observed by the instructor or their designee.
Final Course Grade:
The final course grade is based upon the successful completion of the
didactic, skill competencies, and clinical externship requirements. Failure to
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successfully complete any one of these course components will result in a
course grade of “F”.
What strategies are important for my success in the
Phlebotomy Program?
Phlebotomy is a fast paced course and requires adequate study time. Be thoughtful
regarding your other commitments such as additional courses you may be taking,
child care, and work schedules.
If you have test or performance anxiety, difficulty with reading comprehension, or
are an ESL student contact Academic Support Services and / or enroll in a College
Success course the semester PRIOR to taking the phlebotomy course.
Be prepared for each class meeting by completing assignments and take home
quizzes as assigned. Allow 2 hours of study for each hour of class. There are 5
hours of class each week therefore allow for a minimum of 10 hours of study per
week.
Build relationships and network with your class colleagues and form productive
study groups.
Stay on task during class lecture, skills, DVD, and computer programs.
Can I repeat the course if I am unsuccessful?
Yes. However, MAST 109 and MAST 109L may only be repeated once. Both
courses must be repeated simultaneously.
Can I work as a phlebotomist after only completing the Cuesta
College Phlebotomy Training Program?
No.
Step 1: Completion of a State approved phlebotomy training program is the first
step in the process. Students successfully completing the program will receive a
Certificate of Achievement from Cuesta College.
Step 2: After successful completion of the course students will need to sit for and
pass the State approved national examination approved for Cuesta College
Phlebotomy students as noted in the Course Requirements table.
Step 3: Complete the State online application for Certified Phlebotomy Technician –
1 and submit the required documents and fees as noted in the Course Requirements
table.
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How long does it take to complete all of the requirements to
become a California Certified Phlebotomy Technician - 1?
The Cuesta College phlebotomy training program is one semester. At the end of
each semester the national examination is offered on the San Luis Obispo campus.
Exam dates are discussed at the class meetings. It may take 4 - 6 weeks to receive
the exam certificate.
Once the national exam certificate is received the application process to the
California Department of Public Health / Laboratory Field Services may be
initiated. The State may take up to 90 days to process applications.
For example, a student who enrolls in August will complete the course in December.
The national exam will be taken in December. Exam results may be received in
January or February. Application to the State in January may result in the issue of
the certificate in March. The timeline for this scenario is approximately 8 months.
What is the student success rate for completing the course?
The student success rate average is 93%. This is based upon 14 out of 15 students
completing the course each semester.
What is the student success rate for the national examination?
The student success rate average is 96%.
When and where is the national examination offered?
The examination is offered at the end of each semester on the San Luis Obispo
campus. Additional information is provided at class meetings. Examination dates
are available at http://academic.cuesta.org/desmith Click on the Phlebotomy link
and then click on National Phlebotomy Testing Information.
I have learning disabilities or special needs. What resources
are available to me?
Cuesta College has excellent academic support resources for students with learning
and / or physical needs, ESL, tutoring, etc. Contact Academic Support at
http://www.cuesta.edu/student/servs_classes/academicsupport/
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Do I need to complete Continuing Education (CEU’s) to
maintain my phlebotomy certificate?
Yes, a California Certified Phlebotomy Technician – 1 will need to complete 6 hours
of CEU’s every 2 years and pay the renewal fee to maintain their certification.
Instructors will discuss online and community CEU resources.
We hope this information has been helpful.
Please contact us if we can assist you further.
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