How to Become a PCT in Nevada

Maybe you are considering getting a new job as a patient care technician.

In that case, you first should have some info on how to train and get a certification.

Check out the article below where you will find out more about the requirements.

Patient Care Technician Job Description and Duties in Nevada

As a PCT, you will not work under supervision.

While CNA jobs are similar, that position does require supervision.

If you want to work as a PCT, you will need to have numerous skills pertaining to the job.

For example, you will be helping patients of the facility, but also families as well as the personnel working at the clinic.

The daily job duties of a PCT are:

• Bathing and feeding the patients
• Catheter care
• Maintaining patient rooms clean
• Vital sign monitoring
• Performing phlebotomy procedures
• Talking to the patients’ families
• Escorting patients to various places for further investigations

In Nevada, you have to register with the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry.

PCTs are often required to take on extra duties.

Patient Care Technician Job Requirements in Nevada

To work as a PCT, it is required to:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have good communication skills
• Are detail-oriented
• Are compassionate
• Have a clean criminal background
• Are certified
• Have physical stamina

You will also have to register for an exam and take it to enlist in the Registry.

Patient Care Technician Education in Nevada

According to The Nevada Nurse Registry, you need to join a training program.

This will help you get the skills needed to do your job.

Some of the schools that have PCT programs in Nevada are seen below.

Most of the PCT programs last for a few months.

Some of them last for an entire year, but you can also find longer programs.

For example, you can choose an Associates’ degree.

This program will last for 2 years or more, but you will also get better credentials.

It will also help with your future job prospects.

The programs for PCTs feature theory hours and lab practice.

If you decide to join a PCT program, you need to:

• Have a clean criminal record
• Passed a drug screening test
• Passed a TB skin test
• Have the following health immunizations done:
  • MMR
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Flu
  • Tetanus

The classes feature subjects like:

• Providing patient safety
• Providing basic care
• Medical terminology and abbreviations
• Basic infection control procedures and techniques
• The structure and function of body systems
• Identifying and reporting changes in the patient’s condition
• Monitoring and recording bodily functions
• CPR
• First aide techniques
• Drawing blood
• Inserting catheters

Patient Care Technician Certification in Nevada

If you decide to get a license, there are a few steps you should take.

After you finish the program, you will be allowed to take the exam.

The NHA exam requires candidates to:

• Are over the age of 18
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Graduate from a specialized training program
• Paid the exam fee – $149
• Show proof of citizenship or nationality
• Submit a set of fingerprints

NHA requires you to have 1 year of experience.

However, you only need to have experience if you haven’t finished a training program.

Attending a program is recommended as your tuition fees will be covered by the facility.

The certification exam lasts for close to 2 hours.

You will have to answer 100 questions.

Before taking the exam, you also need to answer 20 pre-test questions.

Patient Care Technician Employment and Salary in Nevada

In Nevada, there is a big number of medical facilities where you can work.

Some of these include:

• Hospitals,
• Clinics,
• Rehabilitation centers,
• Long term care and assisted living facilities,
• Hospices
• Home care

In Nevada, the average salary for a PCT is approximately $35,000 per year.

However, your annual earnings will depend on where you live and your education.

Regional Salary in Nevada

Additional Information for Patient Care Technician in Nevada

In case you might need additional resources, you could have a look at:

• Nevada Nurse Aide Registry
• National Health Association