Phlebotomist? CNA? PCT? Issues finding a job?

[Noob_to_Nursing]

Hello there!

I have read a few posts regarding pre-nursing students going into CNA or phlebotomy. Some say that nursing skills are learned as a CNA...others say that phlebotomy is the way to go if you feel that you want more practice with needles! I've also read on allnurses that you can do both as a Patient Care Technician!!!

I'm in Southern California (Los Angeles area). I looked at the jobs available for all three positions. Seems kind of slim. My questions:

1. Know of any good or ANY phlebotomy programs in SoCal?

2. Is the job market better for CNAs, phlebotomists, or even Patient Care Techs in SoCal? It looks like PCTs are nonexistent in SoCal.

3. Do you have to be a CNA before you get a phlebotomy certification?

I remember being really adamant about going into Respiratory Therapy before going to nursing school...and then being shot down when I heard from one of my pre-nursing classmates that a lot of Respiratory Therapists were being laid off. I also heard to not even go into an LVN program because the market was too saturated.

Thanks for any help!

[caliotter3]

It would be better to have the certification or qualification if by chance you see the rare job opportunity, rather than not have it when the job opportunity pops up. Start out with your basic CNA certificate then get a phlebotomy certificate. Anything above and beyond that can be obtained once you are hired by a hospital. Good luck finding work in SoCal.

[rusteagirl]

My friend went to a phlebotomy school and it only took her 6 days to complete the course and they also provided the internship. I am considering getting my phlebotomy certification while I am waiting for a nursing school to accept me. Here is the link for further info http://regancareer.com/about.php hope that helps

[berry100]

I went through CNA training program for 6 weeks and 2 days after I completed the program, I went straight into the Phlebotomy program which was condensed into 3 weeks for us. I am now preparing to take the LVN boards and will most definitely go for RN. Jobs are very hard to find, no matter what title you hold. There ARE jobs out there, but it may not be what we want or it may take time. I just recently got hired as a Phlebotomist, I love being a phlebotomist & it helps you to practice your needle skills and patient care/interactions. I've been through many programs and many interviews & listened to many people telling me many different things. I would say, for whatever comes first & explore. Let it be your own experience and not others. GOOD LUCK! :)