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Do you want to enter the healthcare field but are not sure where you fit in?
Becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician in Nevada is a good start.
It usually takes you only a little less than a year of training to secure your first full-time, entry-level position.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Nevada
Nevada does not have any licensing requirements specific to a Patient Care Technician (PCT).
However, you do need to make sure you have the proper EMT, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, or Certified Nursing Assistant training – if those are one of the career paths you are considering.
This also includes some infection control and CPR or Basic Life Support requirements that normally pertain to most healthcare positions.
5 Patient Care Technician Schools in Nevada
1. Pima Medical Institute
Pima offers Patient Care Technician (PCT) training that takes about eight months to complete.
When finished, you will become ready for an entry-level position helping patients in emergencies.
This may include performing EKG (a.k.a. ECG) readings and drawing blood from them for testing (phlebotomy).
During your training, you will practice interacting with patients in a professional but empathetic manner.
In addition, you will learn other skills, such as IV and urinary catheter insertions and removing nasogastric tubes.
Wound care and removing stitches will also become easier for you after you take this PCT training.
Additional help patients may need that you can provide because of these instructions include the following: oxygen therapy, throat cultures, urine testing, mobility support, and a splint or casting assistance.
2. College of Southern Nevada
The Healthcare/AHA/EMS training you receive relates to training you would need when assisting patients in an emergency.
These continuing education (CE) courses are based on American Heart Association guidelines and include Basic Life Support/CPR certifications and recertifications.
Other CE courses include 12-lead EKG reading for beginners and experienced persons who need a refresher course.
Additional classes include IV certifications for people working as an LPN, Medical Assistant, or Dialysis Patient Care Technician.
Course availability changed, but they all centered on different requirements for Nevada PCT staff.
This school does also provide extensive, 56-session training for people who want to become a Dialysis Patient Care Technician.
That is one of the most common types of PCTs there is.
This clinical and lab course is based on the National Accreditation for Nephrology Technician (NANT) guidelines.
3. UNLV
The Certified Nursing Assistant certificate program takes only four weeks to complete.
It is a continuing education (CE) course that prepares you for similar duties as you would if working as a PCT.
For instance, you will practice bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
You will also console them while getting them ready for testing, procedures, or emergency care.
This instruction will equip you with skills for work in a hospital, nursing or retirement home, assisted living or long-term care facility, a private office or clinic, and more.
This course would start you off on a patient care journey and eventually lead you to become a nurse if you want.
4. Nevada Career Institute
The Nevada Career Institute Medical Assistant Program prepares you for a variety of work environments, including doctors’ offices, urgent care clinics, or rehabilitation and physical therapy centers.
Training includes eight classes and a 160-hour externship.
Subjects covered in classes include the medical terms and anatomy information you need to know.
In addition, you will receive an introduction to psychology, medical ethical and legal issues, and pharmacology.
Your time spent on site in healthcare environments will also prepare you for conducting laboratory tests.
5. National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
This is one of the main credentialing bodies for people who want to become Certified Patient Care Technicians (CPCT/A).
They offer exam study materials and make recommendations for healthcare workers.
They also provide certificates to Phlebotomists, EKG Technicians, and Medical Assistants.
Patient Care Technician Schools in Nevada – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Pima Medical Institute | 3333 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89121 |
| College of Southern Nevada | 700 College Dr, Henderson, NV 89002 |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154 |
| Nevada Career Institute | 3231 N Decatur Blvd #201, Las Vegas, NV 89130 |
| National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | 11161 Overbrook Rd, Leawood, KS 66211 |
Salary
Nevada Patient Care Technicians can make an average annual salary of $38,862 between a range of $35,830 to $41,964.
Adding new certificates will bring you closer to LPN nursing salaries of $45,000 or more.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $35,272 |
| Reno | $34,667 |
| Henderson | $35,134 |
| North Las Vegas | $35,272 |
| Sparks | $34,667 |
| Carson City | $34,806 |
| Elko | $29,384 |
| Boulder City | $34,788 |
| Mesquite | $34,754 |
| Fallon | $34,219 |
Regional Salary in Nevada
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City, NV | 240 | $40,780 | $19.6 | $45,250 | $31,450 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 5,630 | $41,400 | $19.9 | $57,910 | $30,660 |
| Reno, NV | 1,180 | $40,960 | $19.69 | $55,890 | $31,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a CNA and a PCT?
A CNA and PCT perform many of the same duties, but a PCT usually has the training that allows them to work unsupervised.
They also may have some advanced skills they are trained for, such as EKG heart machine operating and monitoring or blood sample preparation.
How long does a Nevada Patient Care Technician training take?
The average training time is about nine months.
However, some of the certifications you might apply for may require a year of work experience if you have not sought formal schooling.
You can also earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree after seeking a PCT certificate and eventually move on to nursing.
Does a PCT need a license in Nevada?
You do not need a license to work as a PCT if you are still in training and under supervision.
The certificates you need, however, pertain to Basic Life Support/CPR and other EMS training if working in an ER.
It does help to gain as much training and experience as you can, however, if you want to become a nurse someday.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Care Technician
PCT Schools by City
PCT Schools by State