Phlebotomy is one of the fields with the largest expected growth rate in all states, including Nevada.
Therefore, it is a great option for those looking to develop a career in health-related fields.
Phlebotomists, sometimes called lab assistants, are in charge of drawing blood from the patients.
The blood samples are further used for diagnostic or blood donation.
However, the role of a phlebotomist includes more tasks such as handling, transporting specimens, and other laboratory tasks.
If you want to become a phlebotomy technician, you can complete the appropriate course and prepare for the certification exam.
Pay attention to sit for the exam issued only by some of the nationally recognized institutions in Nevada.
Phlebotomy technicians that hold national certification have better job opportunities and a higher salary.
In Nevada, cities such as Las Vegas, Carson City, Henderson, Virginia City, and others are the cities with the highest demand for certified phlebotomists.
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Phlebotomy Training Requirements
There are slight differences between the process of becoming a phlebotomist in Nevada and in other states.
In Nevada, phlebotomists are considered office laboratory assistants.
Therefore, to become a phlebotomist in Nevada, you will have to complete laboratory training.
Once you earn your certification as a Laboratory Assistant, you can work in a laboratory or doctor’s office.
The requirements for the role of a phlebotomist include high adaptability and ability to handle different people and different situations.
Next, phlebotomists need to know about safety procedures and protocols.
If you have a low immune system, phlebotomy might not be the best choice for you, as you will be in close contact with sick people.
Certification Requirements in Nevada
As mentioned before, you have to be certified as a laboratory assistant in the state of Nevada to be able to work.
The educational programs for laboratory assistants are comprehensive and include a variety of medical and medical-related topics.
Programs last differently, and the average amount of credit is 33 for phlebotomy training.
To be able to enroll in a phlebotomy training program, you need to complete high school, possess GED, or pass the equivalency exam.
Next, candidates are asked to show proof of their health insurance and to pass a specific physical exam.
Bear in mind that programs can have different requirements and some may be restricted.
The programs are similar in terms that they include practical training and theoretical lessons.
Therefore, they will prepare you real-time situations you need to learn to handle as a phlebotomist.
After you complete the program, you will be required to enroll in an externship in clinical settings.
Once you are awarded a Certificate of Achievement, you can sit for the national certification exam for Phlebotomy Technician.
Then, you need to apply for a Laboratory Assistant licensure issued by the State of Nevada.
The renewal cycle of national certification is two years.
The certification can be renewed through CEUs, and you can expect a renewal fee.
The certification maintenance is highly important because it can affect your job, and your marketability and your salary level.
Certification Agencies in Nevada
There are several approved and recognized agencies in Nevada that offer certification in phlebotomy.
For example, the National Center for Competency Testing consists of 145 test questions and students have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.
The organization American Medical Technologists also offer phlebotomist certification.
It needs to be renewed every three years through CEU and re-examination.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology requires training or relevant work experience and written or oral exams.
The renewal is every ten years.
Next, you can get certified through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians.
You will have to pass the practical exam, written exam, and maintain your certification yearly.
Lastly, the certification is available at the National Phlebotomy Association in Nevada.
Schools
There are several schools in Nevada that offer appropriate training for future phlebotomists in Nevada.
Carrington College offers excellent phlebotomy training for future phlebotomist technicians.
Medical Skills for Life Institute includes a Certificate program for phlebotomy technicians.
Phlebotomy training at Northwest Career College is short but quite effective.
Pima Medical Institute has a phlebotomy training of 10 credit hours.
The Phlebotomy certification program is offered at the Phlebotomy Learning Center of Las Vegas.
If you enroll in this program you can expect to complete it in 11 weeks.
Check the table for more information.
School Name Address Carrington College 5580 Kietzke Ln, Reno, NV 89511 College of Southern Nevada Charleston Campus - Las Vegas (6375 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146)
Cheyenne Campus - North Las Vegas (3200 East Cheyenne Ave., North Las Vegas, NV 89030)
Henderson Campus - Henderson (700 College Dr., Henderson, NV 89002) Medical Skills for Life Institute 3110 S. Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146 Northwest Career College 7398 Smoke Ranch Road, Las Vegas, NV 89128 Pima Medical Institute 3333 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89121 Phlebotomy Learning Center of Las Vegas 4040 S. Eastern Ave, Suite 317, Las Vegas, NV 89119 Western Nevada College Carson City (2201 West College Parkway, Carson City, NV 89703)
Minden (1680 Bently Parkway South, Minden, NV 89423)
Fallon (160 Campus Way, Fallon, NV 89406)
Salary
An average annual salary of a phlebotomist in Nevada is $36.277.
Annual Salary Range:Location Avg. Annual Salary Las Vegas $36,684 Reno $35,534 Henderson $36,542 North Las Vegas $36,684 Sparks $35,534 Carson City $35,675 Elko $30,119 Boulder City $36,188 Mesquite $36,153 Fallon $35,074 Regional Salary in Nevada
Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV 840 $43,970 $21.14 $64,130 $35,300 Reno, NV 100 $42,570 $20.47 $50,100 $36,630
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.