Become a Radiologic Technologist in Louisiana

This is a great time to pursue your career in the state of Louisiana. Radiologic technology is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country, with an expected growth rate of 13 percent by 2026.

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In addition, Louisiana is experiencing a relatively rapid rate of job growth compared to the rest of the United States, currently ranking first in the nation. Above-average salaries and the low cost of living in most parts of the state help to make this state and career appealing to young professionals.

Professional Requirements

Louisiana requires that all practicing radiologic science professionals pass the appropriate national board exam. The national board exam for radiologic technologists offers examinations in the primary disciplines of radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology, sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT also offers eleven post-primary certifications.

Candidates for post-primary certification must be registered by ARRT in the appropriate supporting discipline to be eligible. These post-primary disciplines include mammography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, quality management, bone densitometry, cardiac interventional technology, vascular interventional technology, sonography, vascular sonography, breast sonography, and radiologist assistant. Additionally, examinations are provided for nuclear medicine technologists by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTB) for disciplines in nuclear medicine technology, nuclear cardiology technology, and positron emission tomography. The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) offers certification to eligible sonographers and vascular technologists in three disciplines; registered diagnostic medical sonography, registered diagnostic cardiac sonography and registered vascular technology.

The Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (LSRT-BE) requires that all radiologic technologists credentialed in radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and fusion studies be licensed to practice. Both the ARRT and LSRT-BE require 24 hours of continuing education every two years to practice in this state.

Radiologic Technology Schools in Louisiana

University of Louisiana Monroe: The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiologic Technology. Students in this program must first complete the pre-radiologic technology curriculum, which takes approximately two years, before applying for the professional radiologic technology program. During the program, ULM students will gain hands-on clinic at both on-campus and off-campus clinic locations.

Southern University at Shreveport: Southern University at Shreveport has a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program. To enter the clinical program, students must first complete 12 units at Shreveport and apply for admission. Students must also complete 24 hours of observation in Radiology before they may apply to the program. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to sit for the ARRT exam and earn their licenses.

Other Schools to Consider Radiologic Technology Programs

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University: Our Lady University is a small Catholic institution with an Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Technology. Students will learn both computed tomography and digital radiography during the completion of the program. The college is affiliated with one of the highest-rated hospitals in Louisiana, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

Further options exist out-of-state in Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Allied Health Education Programs

Several community colleges in Louisiana offer allied health education programs for radiologic technologists. These may include certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Programs may require students to complete prerequisite courses and gain clinical experience before enrollment in the program. Many students choose to complete an internship or externship at a nearby hospital or clinic as part of their program.

Once all of the requirements are met, students will be eligible to sit for board examinations to become registered radiologic technologists. After obtaining their licensure, they will be able to pursue careers in imaging centers and hospitals throughout the state.

Large Employers in Radiology

The radiology departments at large hospitals and medical centers in Louisiana are the main employers of radiologic science professionals in the state. Louisiana has several well-respected hospitals, including one that has been nationally ranked by the US News & World Report, and several others that have been recognized for high-performing specialty areas.

Salaries for Radiologists

The average annual wage in Louisiana is $60,480, which is lower than the national average of $73,410. Salaries in Louisiana range from $47,400 at the 10th percentile to $80,040 at the 90th percentile. Regional variations show differences across various areas, from Alexandria to New Orleans-Metairie. Below are two tables comparing national and Louisiana salaries, as well as detailing salaries by region within Louisiana.

National vs. Louisiana Salaries

Salaries by Region in Louisiana

Radiologic technologist Trends in Louisiana

Louisiana employment trends for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians indicates that in 2020, there were 3,110 individuals employed in this occupation in Louisiana. By 2030, the number is projected to remain the same, indicating no growth. There are expected to be 220 annual job openings in Louisiana from 2020 to 2030. Nationally, the employment is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, with 13,100 annual job openings.

Employment Trends

Source of the data:

• Louisiana: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
• U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics

Professional Organizations

The Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists is the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This society provides information about licensure, continuing education opportunities, and a forum for resumes and job postings. Joint review committee meetings and educational seminars are also offered by the organization.

Finally, other options for learning about radiology include joining local or state professional associations or networking groups, attending conferences, and participating in research opportunities. Many universities offer online courses in radiologic technology to supplement traditional classroom instruction. By exploring these resources and gaining experience as a student or volunteer, individuals can explore the field of radiology and decide if it is the right career for them.

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Louisiana

Baton Rouge General Medical Center – Radiography

3616 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge LA 70806

Tel: (225) 387-7157

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Certificate

Duration: 32 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 60%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 82.5%  Job Placement Rate: 94.5%

Tuition Fees: $10,395 Resident, $10,395 Non-resident

Delgado Community College – Radiography

615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans LA 70119-4399

Tel: (504) 671-6210

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 112 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 80%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98.6%  Job Placement Rate: 94.2%

Tuition Fees: $3,557 Resident, $8,590 Non-resident

Delgado Community College – Radiation Therapy

615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans LA 70119

Tel: (504) 671-6230

Program Name: Radiation Therapy

Program Type: Certificate

Duration: 12 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94%  Job Placement Rate: 94%

Tuition Fees: $3,500 Resident, $7,300 Non-resident

Fortis College – Baton Rouge – Radiography

14111 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge LA 70817

Tel: (225) 663-1955

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 56 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 68%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 68%  Job Placement Rate: 97%

Tuition Fees: $15,264 Resident, $15,264 Non-resident

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University – Radiography

5414 Brittany Drive, Baton Rouge LA 70808

Tel: (225) 214-1952

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate in Radiologic Technology

Duration: 56 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 82%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87.1%  Job Placement Rate: 99%

Tuition Fees: $12,157 Resident, $12,157 Non-resident

Louisiana State University Alexandria – Radiography

8100 Highway 71 South, Alexandria LA 71302

Tel: (318) 427-4423

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Science

Duration: 32 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 86%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 83%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $5,337 Resident, $11,068 Non-resident

Louisiana State University at Eunice – Radiography

P.O. Box 1129, Eunice LA 70535

Tel: (337) 550-1340

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 52 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 81%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92.7%  Job Placement Rate: 98.8%

Tuition Fees: $3,864 Resident, $10,259 Non-resident

McNeese State University – Radiography

4205 Ryan Street, Lake Charles LA 70609-2000

Tel: (337) 475-5657

Program Name: Radiologic Sciences

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 52 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $5,688 Resident, $12,028 Non-resident

North Oaks Medical Center – Radiography

42161 Veterans Ave, Hammond LA 70403

Tel: (985) 230-7805

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Certificate

Duration: 35 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 60%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $4,500 Resident, $4,500 Non-resident

Northwestern State University – Radiography

1800 Line Avenue, Shreveport LA 71101-4653

Tel: (318) 677-3071

Program Name: Radiologic Sciences

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 76 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 80%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $5,600 Resident, $15,000 Non-resident

Southern University at Shreveport – Radiography

610 Texas Street, Suite 212, Shreveport LA 71101

Tel: (318) 670-9646

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 58 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 62%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 84%  Job Placement Rate: 96%

Tuition Fees: $3,200 Resident, $4,618 Non-resident

University of Holy Cross – Radiography

Ochsner Center for Academic Excellence, New Orleans LA 70121

Tel: (504) 842-9208

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 24 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 84.6%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $22,200

University of Louisiana Monroe – Radiography

700 University Avenue, Monroe LA 71209-0450

Tel: (318) 342-3270

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 84 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 93%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89%  Job Placement Rate: 92%

Tuition Fees: $5,611 Resident, $14,431 Non-resident