$34K median salary • Top employers hiring now
Louisiana's healthcare industry employs approximately 270,000 workers in a state with unique cultural heritage and significant health challenges. Louisiana ranks 50th in health outcomes—facing the nation's highest rates of several chronic conditions. Ochsner Health dominates the market as the Gulf South's largest health system. New Orleans provides unique healthcare environment while Baton Rouge and Shreveport serve as regional hubs. The state's Cajun, Creole, and diverse cultural communities create distinctive healthcare needs.
Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Louisiana employers.
New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.
Understanding the LA healthcare job market:
Louisiana's healthcare industry employs approximately 270,000 workers in a state with unique cultural heritage and significant health challenges. Louisiana ranks 50th in health outcomes—facing the nation's highest rates of several chronic conditions. Ochsner Health dominates the market as the Gulf South's largest health system. New Orleans provides unique healthcare environment while Baton Rouge and Shreveport serve as regional hubs. The state's Cajun, Creole, and diverse cultural communities create distinctive healthcare needs.
LA salary ranges by experience level:
New Orleans pays highest with Ochsner and LCMC competition. Baton Rouge offers solid wages with state capital stability. Ochsner positions provide best overall compensation packages. Rural Louisiana pays less but cost of living is very low. Bilingual French/Cajun valuable in Acadiana. Spanish increasingly important in New Orleans.
Louisiana's healthcare market features Ochsner dominance with regional competitors:
250 hires/yr
New Orleans, Baton Rouge, statewide (40+ hospitals)
Louisiana's largest employer (any industry) and Gulf South's largest health system. CMAs essential across massive clinic network. Named among best places to work. Exceptional benefits and career mobility.
85 hires/yr
New Orleans
New Orleans' nonprofit community health system. CMAs serve diverse NOLA communities. Children's Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center, and more. Strong local mission.
70 hires/yr
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge's largest hospital with Franciscan mission. CMAs serve state capital community. Part of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.
40 hires/yr
Shreveport
LSU's academic medical center in North Louisiana. CMAs work in academic environment. State employee benefits. Serving Ark-La-Tex region.
45 hires/yr
Shreveport/Bossier
Northwest Louisiana's community health system competing with LSU. CMAs benefit from employer competition in Shreveport market. Strong regional presence.
45 hires/yr
Lafayette, Acadiana
Acadiana's regional health system (now Ochsner Lafayette General). CMAs serve Cajun country communities. Unique cultural healthcare environment.
Where the jobs are in Louisiana:
| Region | Annual Openings | % of State |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Metro | 595+ | 34% |
| Baton Rouge | 350+ | 20% |
| Shreveport/Bossier | 210+ | 12% |
| Lafayette/Acadiana | 185+ | 11% |
| Lake Charles | 105+ | 6% |
| Monroe/Northeast LA | 125+ | 7% |
“Ochsner is THE employer in Louisiana—they're everywhere. I do vitals, injections, EKGs, and chronic disease management daily. Louisiana's health challenges mean our work really matters. The benefits are excellent and I can transfer anywhere in the system. NOLA culture makes life interesting.”
Monique L.
Clinical Medical Assistant
Ochsner Primary Care
Started at $32K at Ochsner. Louisiana's largest employer with career mobility.
“Growing up speaking Cajun French helps me connect with older patients in Acadiana. Lafayette is unique—the food, music, and culture. Healthcare here addresses real community needs. I do clinical work while honoring my heritage. It's not just a job; it's serving my people.”
Etienne D.
Bilingual CMA
Ochsner Lafayette General
Earning $34K in Acadiana. Cultural connection enhances patient care.
Louisiana's healthcare industry employs approximately 270,000 workers in a state with unique cultural heritage and significant health challenges. Louisiana ranks 50th in health outcomes—facing the nation's highest rates of several chronic conditions. Ochsner Health dominates the market as the Gulf South's largest health system. New Orleans provides unique healthcare environment while Baton Rouge and Shreveport serve as regional hubs. The state's Cajun, Creole, and diverse cultural communities create distinctive healthcare needs.
Enroll Free TodayFree to enroll • Free to learn • No loans required