If you want to become a medical worker in Lousiana, you should consider becoming a phlebotomist as it is one of the most promising medical entry-level careers in the USA.
There is a whole variety of medical facilities like hospitals, private clinics, and labs that are looking for qualified phlebotomists.
It happens because of the population trends around the state.
Working as a phlebotomist, you’ll be responsible for drawing blood samples from patients, collect, store, and test them.
Most of the states do not require an obligatory certification to become a phlebotomist.
Nevertheless, Louisiana is one of just a few exceptions.
It means that before starting your career as a phlebotomist, you need to complete a special training program that is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.
There are lots of vocational schools and technical colleges around the state that offer such programs.
Article Table of Contents
Top Cities For Phlebotomy Jobs in Louisiana
- Alexandria
- Baton Rouge
- Bossier City
- Kenner
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
- Monroe
- New Iberia
- New Orleans
- Shreveport
Phlebotomy Training Requirements in Louisiana
There are only states in the USA that require an obligatory certification to become a phlebotomist.
Louisiana is one of these states.
Usually, to complete your training in Louisiana, you need about 12 weeks.
The length of the training program may vary depending on various aspects such as college and schedule.
There are two organizations in Louisiana where you can get your certification:
- The National Phlebotomy Association;
- The American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Just keep in mind that each of these organizations has its own requirements that you should meet to be eligible to get your certification.
Speaking of ASCA, you need to complete 40 hours of theoretical classes, 100 hours of practice, and 100 successful venipunctures.
At the same time, when it comes to NPA, it requires 160 of theoretical classes and an internship in a medical facility.
Phlebotomy Essential Skills
If you want to become a phlebotomist in Louisiana, you should have a whole set of well-developed skills and knowledge of various techniques and methods.
Also, you should know how to manage and store blood samples properly and be able to update patients’ records.
Finally, you need to know how to deal with various types of patients and handle such issues as sight-of-blood and needle fears.
Phlebotomist’s Salary in Louisiana
After getting your certification as a phlebotomist in Louisiana, you can start looking for a job.
In fact, the average salary of a phlebotomist differs significantly throughout the state and varies depending on your location.
The highest recorded annual starting salary is in New Orleans, which is not surprising.
Also, most employers offer great benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and vacations.
City | Salary |
---|---|
New Orleans, LA | $33 883 |
Baton Rouge, LA | $31 397 |
Shreveport, LA | $31 380 |
Lafayette, LA | $31 155 |
Lake Charles, LA | $30 929 |
Kenner, LA | $33 865 |
Bossier City, LA | $31 380 |
Monroe, LA | $31 216 |
Alexandria, LA | $30 240 |
New Iberia, LA | $30 973 |
Phlebotomy Training in Louisiana
Louisiana Technical College – Mansfield Campus
943 Oxford Rd
Mansfield, Louisiana 71052
Louisiana Technical College has two training programs that allow you to get your phlebotomy certification.
One of them is a patient care course and the second one is a phlebotomy course.
During your training, you’ll be able to learn not only such aspects as the various procedures and rules and regulations in phlebotomy but EKG testing and nursing as well.
Louisiana Technical College
605 Hospital Road
New Roads, Louisiana 70760
At Jumonville Memorial campus of Louisiana Technical College, you can apply for a phlebotomy competency course.
This program includes such disciplines as medical terminology, anatomy, phlebotomy procedures, and aims to develop various entrepreneurial and phlebotomy skills.
Southern University Shreveport
3050 Martin Luther King Dr.
Shreveport, Louisiana 71107
After completing a phlebotomy training program at Southern University at Shreveport, you can work as a phlebotomist at clinical labs and other medical facilities.
The whole course is divided into two parts.
The first one deals with some general education issues while the second aims to provide you with various knowledge in phlebotomy.
Also, there is a clinical practice part.
If you complete the program successfully, you can apply for the certification exam.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Phlebotomist