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If you want to work in healthcare without spending years in school, phlebotomy is a solid option. You'll learn to draw blood, handle specimens, and work directly with patients in hospitals, labs, and clinics. Nevada has several accredited schools that can get you trained in months - not years.
Here's what you need to know about getting started.
Phlebotomy Certification Rules in Nevada
Nevada does not license phlebotomists at the state level, but most employers require national certification. Training must come from an accredited program that offers both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, phlebotomists in the state commonly hold Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credentials.
Common certifying bodies include:
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
After training, you'll take a certification exam. Some employers also require background checks, drug tests, and proof of immunizations.
Steps to Become a Phlebotomist in Nevada
- Finish High School or Get a GED
This is the minimum education requirement. - Choose an Accredited Phlebotomy Program
Look for one that offers classroom and supervised clinical hours. - Complete Required Training Hours
Programs often require 40+ hours classroom and 100+ hours clinical practice. - Pass a National Certification Exam
CPT or equivalent. - Apply for Jobs in Hospitals, Clinics, or Labs
Some graduates also move into other healthcare roles over time.
Top Accredited Phlebotomy Schools in Nevada
Below are recognized programs that meet national certification standards.
1. College of Southern Nevada (CSN) - Las Vegas & Henderson
- Program: Phlebotomy Technician Program
- Length: 1 semester
- Features:
- Classroom and laboratory instruction
- Clinical externship in a medical setting
- Website: www.csn.edu
2. Northwest Career College - Las Vegas
- Program: Phlebotomy Diploma Program
- Length: Approximately 3 months
- Features:
- Evening and weekend classes available
- Hands-on externship rotations
- Website: www.northwestcareercollege.edu
3. Pima Medical Institute - Las Vegas
- Program: Phlebotomy Technician Certificate
- Length: 3 months
- Features:
- CPR certification included
- Training in venipuncture and dermal puncture
- Website: pmi.edu
4. Nevada Career Institute - Las Vegas
- Program: Phlebotomy Technician Training
- Length: 8-12 weeks
- Features:
- Small class sizes
- Focus on patient safety and lab procedures
- Website: www.nevadacareerinstitute.com
5. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) - Reno
- Program: Phlebotomy and Laboratory Assistant Skills Certificate
- Length: 1 semester
- Features:
- Approved by national certification bodies
- Day and evening classes available
- Website: www.tmcc.edu
Program Comparison Table
| School | Location | Program Length | Clinical Hours | Certification Prep |
| College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas/Henderson | 1 semester | Yes | Yes |
| Northwest Career College | Las Vegas | ~3 months | Yes | Yes |
| Pima Medical Institute | Las Vegas | ~3 months | Yes | Yes |
| Nevada Career Institute | Las Vegas | 8-12 weeks | Yes | Yes |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | Reno | 1 semester | Yes | Yes |
Skills Learned in Phlebotomy Training
Most programs teach these core skills:
- Venipuncture and capillary blood collection
- Proper labeling and specimen handling
- Infection control and safety procedures
- Patient communication and comfort techniques
- Medical record documentation
These skills transfer well into other allied health jobs like medical assisting or lab tech work.
Where Phlebotomists Work in Nevada
After certification, you can work in:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Blood donation centers
- Physician offices
Large healthcare employers in Nevada include Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, Renown Health, and UMC of Southern Nevada.
Continuing Education and Career Paths
Many phlebotomists use the role as a step into broader healthcare careers. With additional training, you could move into:
- Medical laboratory technology
- Nursing
- Emergency medical services (EMS)
- Medical assisting
Certifications usually require renewal every 1-2 years with ongoing continuing education units (CEUs).
Tips for Choosing the Right Nevada Phlebotomy Program
- Verify accreditation with national certifying bodies.
- Ask about externship sites and how placement works.
- Confirm tuition and fees before enrolling.
- Check class schedules if you need evening or weekend options.
- Find out pass rates for the certification exam.
Summary and Next Step
If you want a direct path into healthcare, phlebotomy is worth considering. Training in Nevada is fast and widely available, and national certification opens the door to many workplaces.
Here's what to do next:
- Decide on your target start date.
- Compare schools using costs, schedules, and clinical options.
- Contact at least two programs to ask about enrollment.
Once you finish training and earn your certification, you can start working in hospitals or clinics - and build experience for a long-term healthcare career.
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