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In Louisiana, you have the option to seek out a Patient Care Technician certificate.
The CNA Level II training provides you with similar skills for working alongside patients, doctors, and nurses.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Louisiana
Louisiana Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) don’t need a state license.
However, medical employers will require national certification, such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Another credentialing body, also known as the NCCT, provides another PCT certificate.
It provides the Patient Care Technician (NRCPCT) certificate through the National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP).
Otherwise, you could try the National Performance Specialist (NPS), which provides the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) certification.
When trying to decide what certificate to take, it is best to find a school that partners with the association that provides it.
You will often see this in a learning program’s coursework description.
If it is not, you will want to speak with academic advice or admission.
The NHA makes educational recommendations on their website, by the way.
5 Patient Care Technician Schools in Louisiana
The training you receive usually covers what medical centers need to teach you about infection control.
Your classes will also cover patient privacy, medical ethics, and legal issues.
In addition, most certificate and associate degree programs cover core courses, such as anatomy, physiology, or psychology.
Medical terminology is another one you will learn.
1. Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College
The Patient Care Technician program at this school covers lab, clinic, and hospital experience training.
You will also learn how to run and interpret EKG machine tests, and you will develop stress testing skills.
In addition, these instructions will teach you how to perform phlebotomy (blood drawing) for evaluation.
The most important training of all is the practice you receive in communicating with patients.
2. Baton Rouge Community College
This school’s PCT program provides training that prepares students for a direct hire at Ochsner Health.
It includes core classes, such as anatomy or physiology, and places you in a real-world setting where you apply all the skills you learn.
You can prepare to become either a PCT or nursing assistant.
Your employment will most likely begin while still enrolled in classes.
3. Learning Bridge Career Institute
The Nursing Assisting training prepares you for PCT duties.
You can start working as a CNA in about three weeks, and you will perform some of the bathing, dressing, bedding changes, and other duties.
Much of your time is spent learning how to interact with real patients.
4. Northshore Technical Community College
This school has a variety of technical diplomas, certificates, and degree offerings.
Some of them relate to health learning, where you would develop bedside, waiting room, and lab patient care skills.
Seek out continuing education solutions too, which this training center provides.
It is ideal for certification renewals.
5. Delgado Community College
Delgado has a Nurse Assistant certificate program.
It prepares you for home health and long-term care facility work.
Additionally, it can develop skills you need to work in a nursing home, hospital, or doctor’s office.
In addition, to practicing vital sign reads and learning about the way the body functions, you will also receive infection control training.
Patient Care Technician Schools in Louisiana – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College | 943 Oxford Rd, Mansfield, LA 71052 |
| Baton Rouge Community College | 201 Community College Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 |
| Learning Bridge Career Institute | 1340 W Tunnel Blvd #110, Houma, LA 70360 |
| Northshore Technical Community College | 1710 Sullivan Dr, Bogalusa, LA 70427 |
| Delgado Community College | 615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 |
Salary
The yearly income in Louisiana is $33,079. Salaries range from $28,817 to $36,990.
You have plenty of options to raise your earnings as you advance through different patient care and nursing levels.
You could make more than $40,000 per year.
Cities, where you might find jobs in Louisiana, include Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Marrero, or Covington.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $34,262 |
| Baton Rouge | $32,203 |
| Shreveport | $31,842 |
| Lafayette | $31,821 |
| Lake Charles | $31,385 |
| Kenner | $34,243 |
| Bossier City | $31,842 |
| Monroe | $31,676 |
| Alexandria | $30,686 |
| New Iberia | $31,636 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 840 | $30,000 | $14.42 | $36,690 | $26,380 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 3,000 | $31,790 | $15.28 | $37,080 | $27,530 |
| Hammond, LA | 580 | $29,990 | $14.42 | $35,640 | $26,690 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 500 | $28,090 | $13.51 | $33,450 | $23,550 |
| Lafayette, LA | 1,650 | $28,470 | $13.69 | $34,320 | $23,270 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 570 | $29,470 | $14.17 | $35,960 | $22,090 |
| Monroe, LA | 910 | $28,850 | $13.87 | $38,070 | $22,580 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 3,960 | $33,130 | $15.93 | $42,400 | $26,960 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 2,180 | $31,790 | $15.28 | $44,870 | $25,920 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of training does a Louisiana PCT need?
You can start out with certificate training, which usually takes a year or less.
During this time, you would receive simulated, on-the-job training.
After about a year, you will take a national certification exam.
One of the most popular is the NHA one.
What does a Louisiana PCT do all day?
A PCT usually performs basic CNA duties plus assists with lab testing, EKG readings, or blood draws.
They spend time comforting people seeking diagnosis or treatment.
In addition, they will often have to interpret exam results.
Then, communicate them to doctors, nurses, and other staff.
How much does Louisiana PCT training cost?
It usually costs about $3,000-$10,000 per year.
Some schools might cover the exam cost in their tuition.
If not, the study materials for them could cost you anywhere from $200-$600.
Some health care centers also pay for their job candidates to learn before they become hired.
Do PCTs in Louisiana need a degree?
No, they do not.
However, it would not hurt for you to seek an associate degree if you want to transition into a Level II assistant or nursing career.
Usually, the most training for an entry-level position and for passing your first certification exam is about six to 12 months.
Does a Patient Care Assistant administer IVs?
If they have received the certification component that trains them for this skill, yes.
If not, they might learn on the job and receive upper-level medical supervision.
If you have not received the training and certificate, you may still at least prepare for a patient who is about to receive an IV.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Care Technician
PCT Schools by City
PCT Schools by State