ARMC School Preps Lab Techs for Real-World by Julia Nunez - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

AUGUST
S M T W T F S
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

ARMC School Preps Lab Techs for Real-World

By Julia Nunez, Community Writer
April 27, 2017 at 08:54am. Views: 133

COLTON>> Only a select few students land spots at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s School of Medical Technology. Those who successfully complete the school’s rigorous coursework and hands-on training are almost guaranteed to secure well-paying jobs in their field. “There’s a shortage of clinical laboratory scientists so there is no shortage of jobs,” said ARMC School of Medical Technology Program Director, Ramona Fox. Students train alongside licensed clinical laboratory scientists at the busy hospital as they collect and test patient specimens for a wide variety of ailments and issues. “You are placed into an actual working environment that you can’t really simulate,” Fox said. Students also attend lectures where they learn about clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, molecular biology and other subjects that are critical to their field. All of the training and coursework is necessary to ensure students have the skills and knowledge necessary to accurately perform a multitude of tests and analyses. “Doctors may base their treatments on the results of these tests, so it’s critical for the results the doctors are looking at to be accurate,” Fox said. “You don’t want to be treated for high blood sugar if you don’t have high blood sugar.” After they have successfully completed the program, students must pass a certification exam which enables them to become licensed as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist before they can begin working in the field. The school’s students have a pass rate of 100% on the American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Science certification exam, as well as a 100% graduation and placement rate. ARMC School of Medical Technology students pay no tuition, and the hospital also pays them slightly above minimum wage for their 40-hour per week internship during the yearlong training program. On average, the school receives about 30 applications a year, but only three students are accepted who meet all of the prerequisites; that includes a BS degree along with coursework in chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics. Prospective students must also demonstrate a keen eye for detail and excellent communication skills. “We look at their GPA, references, relevant job experience, and the interview can be very important too,” Fox said. “You have to have someone who understands and follows all of the regulations because this isn’t a science experiment.” The San Bernardino County Medical Center, which became Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in 1999 when it moved to Colton, started the School of Medical Technology in the late 1950s. It was closed due to budget constraints in 1995, but was reopened in 2007 because the Laboratory’s medical director realized the growing need for medical technologists.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 914

Pedestrians walk past locally owned shops and outdoor cafés in a vibrant downtown district, illustrating how small businesses contribute to economic growth, community pride, and a welcoming environment in San Bernardino.

Photo Courtesy of: MapQuest

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 776

Hikers enjoy scenic trails and panoramic views from Blue Mountain Open Space in Grand Terrace, one of the city's most treasured natural landmarks and recreational destinations.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 597

Families and children participate in educational activities at a public library, reflecting the Grand Terrace Branch Library's commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 692

Residents enjoy a tree-lined walking path and community park, reflecting Loma Linda's long-standing commitment to healthy outdoor living.

Photo Courtesy of: AllEvents

By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 691

Local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members gather for a networking luncheon focused on economic development and collaboration.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 721

Healthcare professionals lead a community wellness program designed to educate residents about healthy living and preventive care.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Foster, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 678

Children and families gather at a public library to enjoy story time, browse books, and participate in educational activities during the summer.

Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 26, 2026 at 07:56am. Views: 1451

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s pediatric subacute program has become the only program
of its kind in California to earn the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American
Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living

Photo Courtesy of: Highland Glo MedSpa

By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1558

Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager

Photo Courtesy of: The Civil Rights Institute

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1428

Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.

Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1046

Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1150

left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .

--> -->