Phlebotomy Recertification in Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the states that regulates phlebotomists at the state level, but the requirements depend on where and under whose direction the phlebotomist works. Under Louisiana law, a person generally may not perform the duties of a phlebotomist unless they hold a current state phlebotomist certificate or qualify for an exemption. The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) oversees clinical laboratory personnel, including phlebotomists.

However, Louisiana law specifically exempts certain phlebotomists from the state certification requirement. The exemption includes individuals performing phlebotomy under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician or working for a licensed healthcare facility, including clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and other licensed healthcare facilities. An exemption also applies to phlebotomists working for a CLIA-licensed or certified testing location or laboratory when the facility provides at least five calendar days of phlebotomy training and two weeks of on-the-job training.

This means Louisiana should not be described simply as a state where "all phlebotomists must be licensed." Louisiana has a state phlebotomist certification system, but certain employment settings are specifically exempt from the certification requirement. This page walks through what it takes to become a certified phlebotomist in Louisiana, when state certification is required, how to choose a training and certification pathway, and what is required to maintain an active Louisiana credential.

Do You Need a License to Be a Phlebotomist in Louisiana?

Louisiana requires a state phlebotomist certificate for individuals who are not covered by a statutory exemption. Louisiana Revised Statutes §37:1318 provides that an individual may not perform the duties of a phlebotomist unless they possess a current certificate issued under the Louisiana Clinical Laboratory Personnel Law or are exempt from the law's requirements.

The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners currently lists Phlebotomist as a clinical laboratory personnel licensure category and requires applicants for Louisiana phlebotomist licensure to successfully complete a national examination approved by the Board. The current application fee listed by LSBME is $40.

Who is exempt?

Louisiana law provides an important exemption for individuals performing phlebotomy who are:

• Working under the direction and supervision of a Louisiana-licensed physician;

• Employed by a clinic operated by a licensed healthcare provider;

• Employed by a hospital, nursing home, or other licensed healthcare facility; or

• Working at a CLIA-licensed or certified testing location or laboratory that provides at least five calendar days of phlebotomy training and two weeks of on-the-job training.

Therefore, whether an individual needs to obtain the Louisiana state phlebotomist certificate can depend on the setting and employer in which they practice.

How to Become a Certified Phlebotomist in Louisiana

1. Meet the eligibility requirements for a national phlebotomy certification examination.  Louisiana law allows applicants for phlebotomist certification to qualify by meeting the educational, clinical, and employment requirements necessary to become eligible for an approved nationally recognized certification examination.

2. Complete an appropriate phlebotomy training program. Choose a program that provides instruction in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection prevention, patient identification, venipuncture, capillary collection, specimen handling, safety, complications, and professional communication. Make sure the program satisfies the eligibility requirements of the national certification examination you plan to take.

3. Complete the required clinical or hands-on experience. Certification organizations may require documented venipunctures and capillary collections or other clinical experience. Requirements vary depending on the certification organization and eligibility pathway.

4. Pass a national phlebotomy certification examination approved by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. The current LSBME application instructions state that phlebotomist applicants must successfully complete a national examination approved by the Board and have the passing score report sent directly from the examination agency to LSBME.

5. Apply for Louisiana phlebotomist licensure/certification through LSBME. Submit the required application and documentation through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. The current application instructions list a $40 phlebotomist licensure fee.

6. Meet any employer-specific requirements. Employers may additionally require BLS/CPR certification, immunizations, background screening, drug testing, or other qualifications.

7. Maintain your Louisiana credential. Louisiana phlebotomist certificates are subject to annual renewal. Renewal requires the applicable renewal application and fee, along with evidence of satisfying the Board's continuing education requirements.

Phlebotomy Recertification in Louisiana

Louisiana phlebotomists who hold a state phlebotomist certificate must pay attention to annual state renewal requirements. Louisiana law provides that clinical laboratory personnel licenses and certificates are renewed annually before January 1, and renewal requires evidence of completion of the continuing education requirements established by the Board. The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners processes renewals through its online system. The Board states that licensees may renew beginning 56 days before their expiration date. Renewals submitted after expiration may be subject to a late fee; if a license has been expired for more than one year, a reinstatement or re-licensure application is required.

Louisiana also uses CE Broker to track continuing education compliance for its licensees. The Board states that licensees cannot renew when the CE tracking system does not show the required credits or required courses.

To stay compliant, Louisiana phlebotomists should:

• Maintain an active Louisiana phlebotomist certificate if they are not covered by a statutory exemption.

• Know their credential's expiration date.

• Complete the required continuing education before renewal.

• Make sure CE is properly documented in CE Broker.

• Renew annually through the LSBME's online system.

• Pay the applicable renewal fee.

• Keep copies of CE certificates and renewal documentation.

• If working in an exempt setting, confirm that the employer continues to meet the conditions of the exemption.

Important: Louisiana's exemption from individual phlebotomist certification does not necessarily eliminate an employer's responsibility to provide appropriate training and competency documentation. In particular, the statutory exemption for certain CLIA-certified testing locations/laboratories requires at least five calendar days of phlebotomy training and two weeks of on-the-job training.

Visit our Certification Requirements page to find the specific recertification and renewal requirements for your certifying body.

Our Certificate of Completion

When you complete continuing education through PhlebCE, your certificate includes:

• Recipient name

• CE credit hours awarded

• Course title

• Completion date

• License provider information

• Program director signature

This documentation is designed to satisfy the renewal requirements of the major phlebotomy certifying bodies operating in Louisiana, so you can submit it directly as proof of continuing education.

[Recertify with PhlebCE ]

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to work as a phlebotomist in Louisiana?

It depends on where you work. Louisiana has a state phlebotomist certification system. Generally, an individual performing the duties of a phlebotomist must hold a current Louisiana certificate unless an exemption applies. However, Louisiana law exempts certain phlebotomists, including individuals working under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician or employed by a licensed clinic, hospital, nursing home, or other licensed healthcare facility. A specific exemption also applies to certain CLIA-licensed or certified testing locations and laboratories that provide at least five calendar days of phlebotomy training and two weeks of on-the-job training.

Is national phlebotomy certification required in Louisiana?

For individuals applying for the Louisiana state phlebotomist certificate, yes, the current LSBME application instructions require successful completion of a national examination approved by the Board. The passing score report must be sent directly to LSBME by the examination agency. However, individuals who qualify for one of Louisiana's statutory exemptions may not be required to obtain the Louisiana state certificate.

How do I become a certified phlebotomist in Louisiana?

For the state certification pathway, candidates generally need to complete an education/training pathway that makes them eligible for an approved national certification examination, pass an approved national examination, and then apply to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. LSBME currently requires phlebotomist applicants to submit documentation from their professional school and have the national examination agency send the passing score report directly to the Board.

How long does it take to become a certified phlebotomist in Louisiana?

There is not one universal statewide training length for every person pursuing phlebotomy certification. The timeline depends on the training program and the national certification examination selected. Candidates should verify the national certification organization's eligibility requirements before enrolling in a program. For individuals working under Louisiana's facility exemption, the statute specifically requires a CLIA-licensed or certified testing location or laboratory to provide at least five calendar days of phlebotomy training and two weeks of on-the-job training for that particular exemption to apply.

How much does Louisiana phlebotomy certification cost?

The current Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners application instructions list a $40 licensure fee for phlebotomists. This is separate from the cost of obtaining national certification. Candidates should also budget for:

• Phlebotomy training

• National certification examination fees

• Study materials

• Background checks or health screening, if required

• CPR/BLS certification, if required by the employer

Do I need to renew my Louisiana phlebotomy certificate?

Yes. Louisiana phlebotomist certificates are renewed annually. Louisiana law requires licenses and certificates under the Clinical Laboratory Personnel Law to be renewed annually before January 1, with evidence of completion of the required continuing education.

How often do Louisiana phlebotomists renew their state certificate?

Annually. Louisiana's law states that clinical laboratory personnel licenses and certificates are renewed annually.

Does Louisiana require continuing education for phlebotomists?

Yes, for individuals maintaining a Louisiana clinical laboratory personnel credential. Louisiana law requires evidence of fulfillment of continuing education requirements when renewing a license or certificate. LSBME uses CE Broker to track CE compliance. The Board states that licensees cannot renew if the required credits or courses are not reflected in the CE tracking system.

How many CE hours does a Louisiana phlebotomist need?

Louisiana phlebotomists with a state credential should complete 12 hours of continuing education annually and ensure their CE is properly documented through CE Broker before renewing. Because CE requirements can be changed by the Board, it is still appropriate to direct readers to LSBME/CE Broker for the current renewal cycle.

Can I complete Louisiana phlebotomy CE online?

Yes, online CE is available for Louisiana phlebotomists, provided the course meets the applicable Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners requirements. LSBME recognizes electronic instruction as a method of structured continuing education, and CE Broker lists online courses specifically approved for Louisiana clinical laboratory personnel, including phlebotomists.

Does Louisiana use CE Broker?

Yes. The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners requires its licensees to use CE Broker to track CME/CE compliance. The Board states that renewal cannot be completed when the required credits are not reflected in the system.

What happens if my Louisiana phlebotomy certificate expires?

If your credential expires, the consequences depend on how long it has been expired. LSBME states that a license expired for less than one year may be renewed through the online renewal system with a late fee. If it has been expired for more than one year, the individual must submit a reinstatement or re-licensure application.

Can I work as a phlebotomist in Louisiana without state certification?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Louisiana law specifically exempts certain phlebotomists from the state certification requirement, including individuals working under a licensed physician or employed by a licensed clinic, hospital, nursing home, or other licensed healthcare facility. There is also an exemption for certain CLIA-licensed or certified testing locations and laboratories when the facility provides at least five calendar days of phlebotomy training and two weeks of on-the-job training.

If I work in a hospital in Louisiana, do I need a state phlebotomy certificate?

Not necessarily. Louisiana law specifically exempts individuals performing phlebotomy who are employed by a hospital, nursing home, or other licensed healthcare facility. However, the hospital may establish its own employment requirements and may require national certification, formal training, or other credentials.

If I work at an independent laboratory in Louisiana, do I need state certification?

It depends on the laboratory and whether the statutory exemption applies. Louisiana law provides an exemption for individuals working at a CLIA-licensed or certified testing location or laboratory when the facility provides at least five calendar days of phlebotomy training and two weeks of on-the-job training. If the individual or employment situation does not qualify for an exemption, the Louisiana phlebotomist certificate may be required.

Does Louisiana require a phlebotomist to pass a national certification exam?

For an individual applying for the Louisiana state phlebotomist credential, yes. LSBME's current instructions require successful completion of a national examination approved by the Board.

What national certification exams are accepted for Louisiana phlebotomist licensure?

LSBME maintains a list of national examinations approved for its clinical laboratory personnel categories. Candidates should verify the current LSBME-approved examination list before selecting a national certification organization. The Board specifically requires the examination agency to send the passing score report directly to LSBME.

Do I need a high school diploma or GED to become a phlebotomist in Louisiana?

Louisiana's state phlebotomist certification statute does not simply establish a universal "high school diploma + training program" pathway. Instead, the law allows applicants to qualify through the educational, clinical, and employment requirements necessary to become eligible for an approved national certification examination, or through an approved phlebotomy training program and approved examination pathway. Because national certification organizations have their own eligibility requirements, candidates should verify those requirements before enrolling.

Do I need clinical experience to become a phlebotomist in Louisiana?

Clinical requirements depend on the certification pathway used. Louisiana law recognizes an eligibility pathway based on the educational, clinical, and employment requirements necessary to qualify for an approved national certification examination. Individual national certification organizations may require documented venipunctures, capillary collections, clinical training, or work experience.

Do I need CPR or BLS certification to become a phlebotomist in Louisiana?

Louisiana's phlebotomist certification law does not establish a universal CPR/BLS requirement for every phlebotomist. However, an employer, training program, or clinical site may require CPR or BLS certification.

Who regulates phlebotomists in Louisiana?

The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) regulates clinical laboratory personnel, including phlebotomists. LSBME provides the application, licensing, renewal, and continuing education information for the profession.

Does Louisiana have a state phlebotomy license or certification?

Yes. Louisiana has a state phlebotomist certificate administered through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. The distinction between "license" and "certificate" matters here: Louisiana law refers specifically to a certificate for phlebotomists, while other clinical laboratory personnel categories may receive licenses.