Phlebotomy Training in Louisiana
Trained professionals in the healthcare field are in constant demand and with the increase in today’s aging population this need continues to grow. More and more people seeking careers in healthcare are choosing phlebotomy as their path into the medical profession due to the relatively short time it takes to be fully trained and certified. Phlebotomy, also known as venipuncture is the drawing of blood as prescribed by a physician for medical diagnosis, for blood transfusions, blood donations or in some cases to prepare patients for intravenous therapy (IV). These procedures are typically performed in hospitals, physicians’ offices, community healthcare centers, laboratories and more.
A career in the medical laboratory sciences is a great choice, and getting educated in the field of phlebotomy is not as complicated as one might think. In most states, there are no certification or licensing requirements, but anyone that aspires to be a phlebotomist in the state of Louisiana must take the time to do so prior to seeking employment. In retrospect, those with an education and license will enjoy greater job earnings and upward mobility in the workplace.
Prerequisites for Phlebotomy Courses in Louisiana
In order to enroll in any facility that provides phlebotomy training, potential students will need to have graduated from high school or possess a GED. If you plan to enroll in a local community college or university, there will typically be additional requirements. Assessment examinations are often given to test your skills in mathematics and reading prior to admission, and some institutions may hold a pre-acceptance interview with candidates.
Regardless of where you obtain your education, you will need a certain number of hours of hands-on experience performing vein punctures and other duties. Before being allowed to earn hours in this environment, students will undergo a thorough physical examination. Some institutions will also ask you to submit to a drug screening and a background check.
Description of Phlebotomy Training in Louisiana
Some of the beginning phlebotomy classes will cover basics such as medical terminology, anatomy, basic computer skills, labeling, storage, and other essentials necessary for success in the medical field. As the courses progress, a more in-depth understanding of the vein system will be covered, and the internship hours may begin to be earned. Make sure that the school you choose is accredited by the ASCP, which handles phlebotomy certification in Louisiana and the entire nation.
Certification Required
Regulations governing the certification of phlebotomists vary from state to state with some states not requiring certification at all, but Louisiana is not one of them. In fact, Louisiana is only one of 2 states in US that do require certification for anyone who wished to work as a phlebotomist.
So, for those wishing to practice phlebotomy (or venipuncture), it is highly recommended that one attain their certification as most healthcare facilities will not consider hiring anyone without it. For this reason it is important to make certain that any phlebotomy course one registers to is both professionally accredited and that it adequately prepares you for your certification exam.
When browsing through the list of phlebotomy/venipuncture courses, it is a good idea to receive as much information from the school as possible. Once you have done this you should also check with one of the recognized certification bodies to ensure the courses you are considering will prepare you for the certification exam. There are several certifying bodies that can help you with this information such as:
- The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) www.ascp.org/
- The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (APT) http://phlebotomycertificationguide.com/
- The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) http://www.nationalphlebotomy.org/
- American Certification Agency at (ACA) www.acacert.com
- American Medical Technologists at (AMT) www.amtl.com
- National Center for Competency Testing at (NCCT) www.ncctinc.com
- American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification at (ASCP) www.ascp.org
Another way of verify the validity of the school or phlebotomy course is by calling local healthcare facilities and simply asking them if they recognize the specific course or school you are considering. In most cases they will be only too happy to let you know which programs they are most likely to hire employees from.
Since phlebotomy involves both theoretical studies as well as hands-on training, it is imperative that any phlebotomy course you choose offers classroom training as well as practicum modules in a healthcare facility or laboratory. Subjects in classroom study should include such topics as:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- The circulatory system
- The lymphatic system
- The muscular and skeletal systems
- The urinary system
- The respiratory system
- Blood and cell composition
- Proper laboratory protocol
- Blood draw requisitions
- CPR
Phlebotomist Salary in Louisiana
Phlebotomist in Louisiana can expect a starting wage around $26,000 annually, but this figure can drastically vary depending on the area within the state that one plans to work. Payment for those in urban cities tends to be somewhat higher.
Top Phlebotomy Institutions in Louisiana
Phlebotomy Training in Shreveport, Louisiana
Southern University at Shreveport
3050 Martin L. King Dr.
Shreveport, LA 71107
(318) 670-6350
Phlebotomy Courses in Houma, Louisiana
L. E. Fletcher Technical Community College
310 Saint Charles Street
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 858-5855
Phlebotomy Training in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
MedVance Institute
9255 Interline Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(443) 848-7911
Our Lady of the Lake College
7443 Picardy Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 768-1727
Phlebotomy Education in Lafayette, Louisiana
Acadiana Technical College
1101 Bertrand Drive
Lafayette, LA 70502
(337) 262-5962
Phlebotomy Classes in New Orleans, Louisiana
Delgado Community College
615 City Park Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 483-4487
Phlebotomy Education in Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier Parish Community College
2719 Airline Drive North
Bossier City, LA 71111
(318) 678-6355
Phlebotomy Programs in Lake Charles, Louisiana
McNeese State University
Clinical Laboratory Science Program
4205 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70609
(337) 475-5670
Phlebotomy Training in Mansfield, Louisiana
Louisiana Technical College – Mansfield Campus
943 Oxford Rd
Mansfield, Louisiana 71052
(318) 872-2243