Phlebotomy Plus

Do not be fooled. There is a glut of Phlebotomists in the SF Bay Area, and anything 'Miss' Nina says about availability of any jobs is BullPuckey! She will pick her favorites in the class, and then EVERYONE else is just there to have her favorites draw blood from. She is nasty-mean and rude. I guess teaching the same class 12 times a year, year after year after year takes it's toll, but that is no excuse for her incredible lack of compassion or good will. I suppose maybe she should retire or simply go away. The owner of the business is really nice, but she needs to get rid of 'Miss' Nina. When I took the class (March 2010), there were previous grads there to assist (unpaid assistants, of course. 'Miss' Nina has everyone fooled that she can help them get a job. SHE CANNOT AND WILL NOT HELP ANYONE GET A JOB THAT IS NOT ONE HER PETS!!!), and it seemed odd that there were people without a job a year and a half after they had taken the class, but now I know why! THERE IS A GLUT IN THE SF BAY AREA!! Do not waste your money, you will be treated like crap! I suggest taking classes at a community college for Medical Coding and Billing if you want to stay in the SF Bay Area to work. There are actually jobs available in that field. Again, there is a GLUT of eligible Phlebotomists in the SF Bay Area! If I could gvie this school a negative stars rating I would. I wish I could have my time and money back. more

I am a 54 yr. female that was interested in changing careers. I have not been in a ""class room"" enviornment for over 30 + years! I graduated with a B.A., in the arts, majoring in ""Photography"". I am sharing this b/c my background has always been in the arts and the restaurant industry. \r I made the decision to go back to school last year and after researching careers and schools, i chose PP.\r My husband and I went to the orientation and we were both convinced that PP was a good fit for me. I also looked into going to Kaiser's program, but was sold on PP.\r Was this program hard for me, _ _ _ _ YES! \r All I did was sleep, eat, and study. At one point I even thought of quitting. I discussed the level of difficulty I was having with Miss Nina (head instructor) and she assured me that I could/would pass this program with her help, and my fortitude and determination. I trusted her judgement.\r All of the times I needed some extra tutoring, she was there (at no charge), she made studying phlebotomy ""come alive"" for me! she was approachable and thorough, AND extremely knowledgeable.\r Whomever is writing negatives comments probably did not take the program serously. They probably were not dedicated students. They probably were looking for an ""easy"" way out.\r I am pround to have graduated from PP.\r Martha...\r more

All i have to say is this was the wrost class and teacher I've ever come across. Nina will not work with you, all she is after is your money and will set u up for failure to have u retake the class and get more money from u. Reading these positive reviews is a shocker, everyone in my class regretted ever stepping foot in there so I'm sure Nina is behind all of the positive reviews. There is no way anyone comes out of dealing with her as positive. I'm a strong believer of karma, and hope she gets the same treatment she puts others through. more

I was told about Phlebotomy Plus through a friend who went to another school. When I told her that I was interested, she told me that students who went to Phlebotomy Plus were way ahead in their training. I took her advice and went to Phlebotomy Plus in March 2009. I can not speak highly enough about not only the school, but to Miss Nina. Don't get me wrong, it is A LOT of work, but the support there is AMAZING! Nina is always there to help you out. There is adequate lecture and lab time to get everything done.I came back to Phlebotomy Plus in November to help assist in the lab, and ended up taking the EKG/Paramedical course in February 2010, as well. I have never had a more positive learning experience. I am excited for my new career and have Phlebotomy Plus to thank! Pros: Fantastic teachers and staff,Highly recognized school Cons: NONE!!!! more

What makes this school unique above all is, you can go to other schools, pay the same tuition and not receive the same high standards of recognition by any hospital or lab. My name in Gina and I attended Phlebotomy plus in Walnut Creek December 2009. I was impressed by their level and standards of education which are recognized nationally as having higher standards of education in the health care field than any other. Upon completing of my class room, lab and testing requirements, I was placed in a clinical rotation - internship in a local hospital which only works with Phlebotomy Plus students because we receive a higher level of education than any other school. The health care industry is a very serious industry. We are responsible for the health and lives of human beings. 1 in 10 patients are mis-identified annually and 1 in 40 result in death as a direct result of simply not identifing the patient specifically. If a student does not pass a practical test, especially because they failed to identify the patient, it is critical to retake the test before passing. If an additional small fee is charged to retake this test, I am sure the student will never forget to identify the patient properly again in the field when they are working with one of your loved ones. I spoke with a student from Bostom Reid who went thru their course, upon completion they were not placed in an internship and could not use their education in obtaining a job! I would recommend this school to serious individuals looking to work in the health care industry. Pros: Same tuition as other schools w/higher recognition! more

I was in the October 2009 class. I was so nervous going into it having not been in school in so long but those fears were replaced with encouragement. Nina is an AWESOME teacher! You get all of the information needed you get lab time and lots of practice. If you need extra help Nina is there to support and guide you! As a matter of fact the school is so great that my cousin is flying up from Orange County to attend so that she makes sure she gets the best education she can!! Pros: Experienced teachers, caring staff more

If you want an education on how to get cheated of your hard earned $2500dollars plus you spend here to get a less than quality education in Phelbotomy, by all means take the class here!! The teacher is abraisive and rude to students-there is not an ounce of care taken in quality teaching---you are rushed thru the course in record speed, and then are set up to fail---which then costs you extra $$$$$ to retake classes, your practical, and extend your lab time--this course needs to be much longer and they need an overhaul with the teaching staff----DO YOUR RESEARCH TO FIND A BETTER SCHOOL THAT HAS A COMPREHENSIVE LONGER PROGRAM, --this school lacked integrity, professionalism, and they NEVER demonstrated that they truely were interested in your well being---to succeed---it was evident to many in our class that it was all about the $$$$$$. Pros: met other students who felt the same Cons: they take your money and run more

Phlebotomy Plus is a great school! The teachers and TA's are amazing and help you duing the lab! I took the class in June and was done at the end of June. I went to do my externship at Mare Island VA clinic a week after I graduated Phlebtomy Plus. The clinic was great and learned how to run a successful lab. The teacher was very organized and there for the students! I am also a full time student at Cal Poly, SLO and was able to get a job at the health center as a Phlebotomist. I am very happy that I have completed this course with this specific school!! Pros: Teachers, location, timing of everything! Cons: parking more

I WANTED SOMETHING FAST AND EASY..... IT WAS FAST BUT NOT EASY I STUCK WITH IT AND I AM NOW A PHLEBOTOMY TECH.......WHAT A PROUD MOMENT! I WOULD NOT CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROGRAM : ) Pros: FRIDAYS OFF! more

If anyone is looking to go to a great phlebotomy school, I highly recommend attending Phlebotomy Plus of Walnut Creek. The staff is highly trained and very professional. They will work with you thru any situation. Phlebotomy Plus is an amazing school! Thank you Nina! more

If anyone is looking for a great school to go to for Phlebotomy, I recommend Phlebotomy Plus in Walnut Creek. The teachers there are all very helpful and knowledgeable. Nina, the Phlebotomy teacher is wonderful in the way she teaches. She is very explanatory and clear in everything she teaches and says. If you ever need any help she is always willing to help you out. The class in a lot of work in a 4 week period of time, but it is very well worth it. Hope this helps anyone looking into a Phlebotomy school. :) Pros: Excellent School, and Teachers. Cons: Walnut Creek Parking is hard to find, but you can park in the Park.: for up to three hours free. more

I moved here in CA from IL in 1999. It took awhile since i found a full time job that i liked to do. I worked in sattelite lab full time graveyard shift since 2002, as a specimen accessioner. And in May 30, 2008, they layed off the whole graveyard shift. I started looking for a job right away but I've realized that I like working in a lab. But all the lab job openings need a phlebotomy certificate. And that's when i looked in the internet for schools near me. As soon as i saw Phlebotomy Plus, I started reading the former student's review, and made an appt for their orientations. The distance from my place to Walnut Creek is kind of far but gladly I met a lady who was also hoping to find someone to carpool with. That's one problem/stress taken away at least. Our class was pretty big but everybody were very helpful and even the teachers aide that they had.\r Miss Nina is very organize in her teaching and very helpful. The class is only one month but she's amazing in delivering her teaching especially if she does this every month. My experience in the lab was great also, especially students were helpfult and cooperative. I would recommend this school for sure because of the way they teach, and treat and help their students towards the end so that they can close your folder and give you, your certificate. Than you so much for your gudiance, Ms Nina. Pros: only a month of school,instructors are great Cons: Parking more

Phlebotomy Plus is an absolutely wonderful school. I had such a great experience. The instructors were professional, highly knowledgeable and very willing to take the time to thoroughly explain all procedures. In my opinion the program was extremely challenging but very rewarding. I was determined to succeed and I put a lot of pressure on myself? I was probably the most neurotic student in the class! I feel very confident going into my new profession because of the skills that I have learned. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone interested in becoming a phlebotomist. Thank you very much Nina and Millie for everything that you both have taught me. Pros: great location, friendly and knowledgeable instructors more

During this recession I was let go from my employer of 10 years in management. My wife and I searched for an opportunity to keep our family going. After reviewing and looking up many schools in the medical field we decided on Phlebotomy Plus of Walnut Creek.\r \r This was the best decision we could have made. I was taught, trained and prepared for a new career in the medical field. I passed my national test on the first try, with a high score. When I went to my externship, I was well prepared and given high praise and a letter of recommendation due to the training I received at Phlebotomy Plus. Thank you.\r \r This is my recommendation: go to Phlebotomy Plus of Walnut Creek.\r Pros: Good value and prepares you well for the field of Phlebotomy. Cons: Parking is some dollars a day close by, Free within 4 blocks. more

This schools is a must!. The teachers were outstanding. Their assistance during and after class was very helpful. The program is challenging and well worth all the effort you put in to it. The knowledge gained from the course is more than applicable in the work force. I am very happy I picked Phlebotomy Plus as my school of choice. I look forward to applying all I have been taught during school and my externship towards my new Career. If your looking for a career in Phlebotomy, I would encourage you to talk with Phlebotomy Plus. more

Phlebotomy Plus is a wonderful school. The teachers are great and want to help their student succeed. They go above and beyond expectations. The phlebotomy course is very fast pace course with a lot to learn. I would recommend this class to anyone that is will to dedicate all their time to learning and studying the material. I enjoyed the teachers and environment so much that I decided to further my education and take the EKG and Medical Assistant courses Phlebotomy Plus offers. Currently I am attending the EKG class and have completed my first week, and I love it!\r more

I thoroughly enjoyed my month long training. It was challenging and very professional. I got lots of help and advice from practicing Phlebotomist's. I would recommend the school to anyone who wants to learn Phlebotomy or Medical Assisting. Nina, Millie and Francois are good people. I got a job at a Biotech-Medical Device Manufacturer one week after graduating. I am still there after five years, training new Phlebotomists and working towards higher certifications in Laboratory Medicine. Thank you Nina, Mille and Francois for helping me get into a great career.\r \r Carl Sutter Pros: Thorough and well paced curriculum. more

I successfully completed the monthlong phlebotomy training in February 2007. I can honestly say it was one of the most challenging and rewarding educational experiences of my life, and that includes the seven years I spent working on my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The instructors took great pains to focus on the skills and knowledge that would be demanded of us in the workplace. They took their role in preparing us extremely seriously. I question whether those who criticize this program understand how critical and grave a phlebotomist's job can be. I got a job working in a hospital not long after completing the program, and I quickly understood and appreciated the seriousness and vigor of my instructors. When a patient is in an emergency room in critical condition, their recovery and survival depends on us getting their labwork done in a professional, correct, and rapid fashion. Mistakes in identification, handling the specimen, and contaminating a sterile environment could result in valuable time wasted through misdiagnosis or even death. \r I am grateful that my instructors took the time to help me build the skills and confidence necessary so that I would be successful in the workplace. There was absolutely no wasted time or information and not a minute where I felt that I wasn't getting what I needed. Absolutely worth the time and effort! Pros: Outstanding, hardworking instructors current in their field with high standards Cons: Other students who were immature, intellectually dull, and had poor hygiene more

I really enjoyed my time here at school! I am not the easiest person to deal with due to the fact that I am a creature that is rulled by my emotion, but my teachers took the time to talk with me and find out what the school could do to work with my specific problems and needs. To be honest I don't think I have ever met a school so intersted in seeing me succeed. My teachers really cared for me both educationally and emotionally and helped me every step of the way. At any other school I would have been written off and passed by, but not here. And the amount of knowledge that I aquired here is above and beyond what I have found most schools offer. I have had a couple of friends come through these doors and they are the one's who recomended comming and I am so thankful thay did! There standards are high but that is because they want all of us to suceed and go above and beyond normal expatations and achieve success! I am very proud to say that I am an alum of such a wonderful school and I will continue to sing their praises and recomend them to everyone I can. Pros: The staff Cons: Parking more

Hi my name is Theresa, I attended the November Phlebotomy training program at Phlebotomy Plus. I have just finished reading the last few reviews, and was compelled to write of my own experience at this wonderful learning establishment. I was a nurse up until a back injury prevented me from continuing in that profession, but I know that the healthcare field is what I love. I researched and found Phlebotmy Plus, I came out here from New Jersey, to attend this school, which in the healthcare field is ranked 3rd in the nation for turning out the BEST phlebotomists. \r I won't kid you, it is a tough course, you need commitment, and focus. You're going to have to give up your social life for the month that you attend school. You'll attend classes, study into the night, but in the end your will walk out of here with the knowledge to begin a new career. You won't just have book learning you will have practial experience, and the confidence that YOU can do this job...and its not just a job, when you're done you will have a career to be proud of, you will be a respected member of the medical profession!\r I have to tell you something, one time when my class was in the lab, doing clinical practice one of the instructors did raise her voice....ok she yelled. Let me tell you why, one of my fellow class mates had just removed a syringe frome someones are and was waving it around (a dirty needle, waved around). \r One of the first things said to you on the first day of class is SAFETY your wellbeing depends on you protecting yourself and others from sharps sticks! this information is gone over and over before you ever walk into the lab. There are dangers, but they are preventable dangers. If you are inmature, a crybaby, someone who needs to be coddled this is not the course for you. The medical profession isn't the right choice for you. But if you strong, caring, willing to work hard, and want a career to be proud of this is the place to come....Good Luck! Pros: Knowledgable instructors who've done the job! Cons: I don't have a single negative statement about this school more