Your Guide to Top Radiologic Technology Schools in Louisiana

Are you considering a career in radiologic technology in Louisiana? Identifying accredited radiologic technology schools in Louisiana is your first step toward a successful career in medical imaging. Our no-nonsense guide cuts through the clutter to show you the top programs, guide you through licensing, and forecast the job landscape waiting for you post-graduation.

Exploring Radiologic Technology Programs in Louisiana

Louisiana, known for its rich culture and diverse history, is also a hub for quality education in radiologic technology. With a variety of degree and certificate programs available, the state offers aspiring technologists a plethora of options to kickstart their careers. These programs, accredited by recognized bodies, ensure a comprehensive and standardized education, laying a solid foundation for a successful career in radiologic technology.

Delgado Community College Radiologic Technology Program

The 24-month Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program in Radiologic Technology at Delgado Community College is a standout option. It offers a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training. The program’s curriculum, rich in courses like Pathology and Terminology, Radiologic Positioning, and Radiation Biology and Protection, ensures a thorough understanding of the field. What’s more, students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, which reinforces their learning and familiarizes them with state-of-the-art equipment.

LSUA’s Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology

Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) offers a seven-semester Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology program that aims to equip students with both foundational knowledge and practical skills. The program’s curriculum covers crucial topics like:

Radiation protection
Imaging procedures
Patient care
Radiographic equipment

This provides a comprehensive education in the field through various educational programs.

The program is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is recognized by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Southern University Shreveport Radiologic Technology Degree

Southern University Shreveport (SUSLA) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology, a 72-credit hour curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including:

Anatomy and physiology
Radiation protection
Patient care
Equipment operations and maintenance
Radiologic physics

The program also includes five semesters of clinical rotations, providing a blend of clinical education through theoretical knowledge and practical exposure.

To support its students, SUSLA provides a range of support services, including tutoring, counselling, and career placement assistance.

Licensing Requirements for Radiologic Technologists in Louisiana

Once you’ve completed an accredited radiologic technologist program, the next step is to obtain your certification and license, which are crucial for legal practice in Louisiana. The licensing process includes the following steps:

Pass the ARRT examination – a requirement for certification.
Apply for licensure with the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (LSRTBE).
Pay the required renewal fee to maintain your license.

Maintaining your license requires adherence to ongoing education requirements. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Submit documentation of your continuing education, with a requirement of 24 credit hours every two years.
The LSRTBE updates license expiration dates within three business days of approving the continuing education documents.
The LSRTBE conducts audits to ensure adherence to the License Auditing Policy.
This rigorous process ensures that licensed radiologic technologists in Louisiana stay up-to-date with advancements in the field.

Job Prospects and Salaries for Radiologic Technologists in Louisiana

While the journey to becoming a radiologic technologist is filled with rigorous academic and licensing requirements, the reward is a promising job market. As of May 2022, Louisiana employed 3,770 radiologic technologists and technicians, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this number to grow due to an ageing population requiring more medical imaging for diagnosis.

Radiologic technologists in Louisiana also earn a respectable average annual mean wage of $52,090.

Comparing Certificate, Associate’s, and Bachelor’s Degree Programs

When it comes to radiologic technology education in Louisiana, students can choose from a range of programs, from certificate to bachelor’s degrees, each with varying lengths and focuses. Certificate programs, which usually take between 6 and 16 months, focus on a single imaging procedure and cover fundamental topics like anatomy and radiation protection. These programs serve as a stepping stone to entry-level positions in the field.

For those seeking a more comprehensive education, associate’s degree programs offer a broader curriculum over about two years, including clinical externships. On the other hand, bachelor’s degree programs provide advanced training over four years, enabling career progression into managerial or educational roles within the radiologic sciences.

Accreditation and Program Effectiveness

Accreditation serves as a benchmark of academic quality and is essential for student access to federal and state financial aid. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the primary accrediting body for radiologic technology programs, ensuring the maintenance of quality and integrity in these academic programs.

Program effectiveness data, including pass rates for credentialing exams and job placement rates, are critical metrics assessed by JRCERT to guarantee educational standards for student success.

The Path to Becoming a Radiologic Technologist in Louisiana

To become a radiologic technologist in Louisiana, you need to follow a specific path, which includes the following steps:

Complete an accredited educational program in a chosen modality, such as radiography, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine technology.
Upon graduation, pass the ARRT certification exam to become certified.
Take the state licensing exam administered by the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners to legally work as a radiologic technologist in the state.

Maintaining your license requires compliance with ongoing education requirements. You’ll need to complete at least 24 hours of continuing education within each renewal period to maintain your licensure. This continuous learning ensures that practising radiologic technologists stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Radiologic Technology Students

Pursuing higher education can be a significant financial undertaking. Fortunately, radiologic technology students in Louisiana have access to a variety of scholarship opportunities. Scholarships like the Mae & Mary Scholarship Fund, Advocate for STEM Education Funding Scholarship, and Go Red For Women Healthcare and Science Scholarship are just a few of the many opportunities available.

One particularly noteworthy scholarship for radiologic technology students in Louisiana is the Joe Schwartz Memorial Scholarship. Offered by the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists, this scholarship awards between $250 to $1000 based on factors such as:

GPA
Financial need
Professional/community involvement
Louisiana residency

The application deadline is April 15th, and recipients are announced yearly at the LSRT Annual Meeting.

Summary

Louisiana offers a wide array of accredited radiologic technology programs, equipping aspiring technologists to excel in their careers. Whether it’s the hands-on experience at Delgado Community College, the comprehensive curriculum of Southern University Shreveport, or the dual degree offerings at the University of Holy Cross, each institution provides unique opportunities for learning and professional growth. Coupled with a promising job market and a variety of financial aid options, Louisiana is a promising destination for those pursuing a career in radiologic technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Louisiana’s coastal regions impact imaging needs?

Coastal regions see injuries from water activities, requiring technologists skilled in trauma imaging to manage cases related to boating and fishing accidents.

What are the continuing education requirements for radiologic technologists in Louisiana?

Technologists must complete approved continuing education every two years, covering topics like radiation safety and patient positioning, to meet state renewal standards.