How much does it cost to become a phlebotomist in Louisiana?

The NHA CPT exam fee is commonly reported around $117 (verify current pricing at nhanow.com). Louisiana's Clinical laboratory personnel certificate (phlebotomist) adds a $40 fee. Training program costs vary by school.

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How to Become a Phlebotomist in Louisiana (2026 Guide)

Q: Does Louisiana require a separate phlebotomy license?

Yes. Louisiana is one of only 4 states (with California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington) that requires phlebotomists to hold a separate state license — the Clinical laboratory personnel certificate (phlebotomist) — on top of national NHA certification.

Q: What happens if I fail the NHA CPT exam?

NHA requires a 30-day wait before your 2nd attempt and another 30-day wait before your 3rd attempt. After a 3rd failed attempt, you must wait 1 year before retaking. This policy is set nationally by NHA and does not vary by state.

Becoming a phlebotomist in Louisianarequires a national certification exam (NHA CPT) that's the same everywhere in the country. Louisiana is one of only 4 states that also requires a separate state license — the Clinical laboratory personnel certificate (phlebotomist). Average pay is $17.36/hr.

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Louisiana Phlebotomy — At a Glance

~$117

NHA exam fee

390/500

Passing score

Yes

State license required

$17.36/hr

Avg pay

Louisiana licensing board →

How to Become a Phlebotomist in Louisiana: Step by Step

1
Meet NHA CPT eligibility
Complete a phlebotomy training program within the last 5 years, OR complete 1-2 years of supervised phlebotomy work experience. Either way, you must document at least 30 successful venipunctures and 10 successful capillary sticks performed under supervision.
2
Pass the national NHA CPT exam
120 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 20 unscored pretest), 2-hour time limit, passing score of 390 out of 500 (scaled). The fee is commonly reported around $117 — verify current pricing at nhanow.com. This exam and its content are identical in every state.
3
Complete the Clinical laboratory personnel certificate (phlebotomist)
Issued by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME). Accepts NHA, ASCP, AMT, and NCCT certifications as part of the licensure application, per LAC 46:XLV.3529. $40 fee for obtaining or renewing. Renewal: Calendar year (expires Dec 31 of year issued); 12 CE hours/year.
4
Apply for your first phlebotomy position
With your NHA certification and Clinical laboratory personnel certificate (phlebotomist) in hand, you can apply to hospitals, reference labs (Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp), blood donation centers (American Red Cross), and outpatient draw stations. Average pay in Louisiana is $17.36/hr.

Louisiana's State Licensure Requirement

Issued by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME). Accepts NHA, ASCP, AMT, and NCCT certifications as part of the licensure application, per LAC 46:XLV.3529. $40 fee for obtaining or renewing.

Phlebotomist Salary in Louisiana

Full salary breakdown →

$17.36/hr

Average hourly

$36K

Average annual

-3.69/hr

vs national avg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a phlebotomist in Louisiana?

Complete a training program or supervised work experience (documenting 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks), then pass the national NHA CPT exam. Louisiana also requires the Clinical laboratory personnel certificate (phlebotomist).

Does Louisiana require a separate phlebotomy license?

Yes — Louisiana is one of only 4 states that does.

What happens if I fail the NHA CPT exam?

NHA requires a 30-day wait before your 2nd and 3rd attempts, then a 1-year wait after a 3rd failure. This is the same nationwide.