- Known as X-ray technicians, radiographers or radiologic technologists (RT) produce diagnostic pictures (X-rays) by positioning a patient’s body and recording an image(1).
- If students want their license and transfer credits to another university, students need to enroll in a recognized radiography technology program(2). Additionally, doing this may help students in obtaining certification in a new field.
- As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 3,030 radiologic technologists and technicians in Louisiana with a mean annual pay of $52,090 in 2019(3). Technicians often earn less than RTs due to lower educational requirements and fewer work responsibilities.
What Is an X-ray Technician?
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers and sometimes referred to as X-ray technicians, make diagnostic X-rays by positioning a patient’s body and capturing an image(4).
These images identify bone fractures, tumors, specific traumas, foreign objects, and other anomalies.
List of X-ray Tech Schools
The chart below can be used by students so that they may compare all of Louisiana‘s non-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs on a range of criteria(5).
Still, students should verify with the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (Metairie) if the program they are considering meets licensing standards.
Abbreviations:
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
- Joint Review Committee on Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCMNT)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
| School Name | Bachelor’s Imaging Program | Associate’s Imaging Program | National Accreditation | Graduate Imaging Program | Completion Rate 2 | Credential Exam Pass Rate2 | Job Placement Rate 2 | Net Price |
| Baton Rouge Community College | — | Yes | CAAHEP | — | — | — | — | $9,279 |
| Delgado Community College | — | Yes | JRCERT, JRCMNT, CAAHEP | — | 85% | 95% | 99% | $9,795 |
| Baton Rouge General Medical Center School of Nursing and School of Radiologic Technology | — | — | JRCERT | — | 88% | 97% | 100% | N.Av. |
| Louisiana State University-Eunice | — | Yes | JRCERT, CAAHEP | — | 92% | 92% | 99% | $9,716 |
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | — | Yes | JRCERT | — | 70% | 90% | 100% | $15,073 |
| Louisiana State University–Alexandria | Yes | Yes | JRCERT | — | 94% | 67% | 100% | $7,838 |
| Southern University Shreveport | — | Yes | JRCERT | — | 52% | 94% | 99% | $8,691 |
| McNeese State University | Yes | — | JRCERT | — | 79% | 98% | 100% | $11,974 |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Yes | — | JRCERT | Yes | 75% | 89% | 100% | $12,336 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Yes | — | JRCERT | — | 83% | 90% | 94% | $9,710 |
| University of Holy Cross | Yes | Yes | JRCERT | — | 63% | 100% | 100% | $14.234 |
**Data retrieved on May 17, 2022 . Changes can occur when new information comes in.
List of Programs
Students should see the list of select schools in Louisiana with radiologic technologist degree programs, such as(6):
1. Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA)
The seven-semester curriculum qualifies graduates to take the ARRT certification test. In addition to completing general education requirements, students majoring in radiologic technology will complete a comprehensive array of radiology technology courses and clinical rotations.
Clinical rotations are given to students in one of the affiliated medical facilities of the university, such as LaSalle General Hospital, Avoyelles Hospital, and Winn Parish Medical Center.
Before students apply to the program, prospective students must get a grade of “C” or above in preparatory coursework in psychology, mathematics, radiologic technology, and human anatomy.
There is no set limit on the number of new students that are welcomed each academic year. However, the process of applying for admission is challenging. Those who have already earned a degree may be interested in the Bachelor of Science in Health Science program at LSUA, which offers a medical imaging specialization.
2. Delgado Community College
The 24-month radiography curriculum at Delgado Community College (DCC) leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology program.
The 69-credit-hour program qualifies graduates to appear for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination.
Students typically finish their general education prerequisites before commencing the radiology tech program’s curriculum and clinical training. In addition to clinical rotations, students in radiologic technology will take courses in pathology and terminology, radiologic positioning, and radiation biology and protection.
The New Orleans metropolitan region, including its surrounding suburbs, will serve as the location for clinical rotations. Applications must be submitted by the 15th of February each year, and classes for accepted students begin in the fall semester.
Graduates should be prepared to pursue entry-level employment as radiographers. These graduates may be interested in transferring their associate’s degree program credits toward a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.
3. University of Holy Cross
Students may receive an Associate of Science (AS) in Radiologic Technology that qualifies them to take the ARRT certification test and prepares them for entry-level radiologic technology careers.
Students are required to attend class and participate in clinical rotations for a total of 40 hours per week throughout the course of the 21-month program. Classes that are considered part of general education make up the first component of the curriculum.
After completing the general education requirements, students are eligible to apply for the professional training element of the program. In the curriculum for professional training, topics such as medical ethics, radiation protection, and contrast media are covered.
Professional training component admission requires completing all required courses with a grade of “C” or above and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Successful program candidates begin in the autumn semester.
4. Southern University Shreveport
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology offered by Southern University Shreveport (SUSLA) prepares students for various roles in hospitals, clinics, and other imaging facilities.
Beginning the 72-credit program requires general education courses. Students who complete the requirements with a minimum 2.5 GPA and 24 hours of professional observation are eligible to apply for the clinical phase of the program.
The clinical curriculum consists of courses including equipment operations and maintenance, radiographic exposure, radiologic physics, and five semesters of clinical rotations.
Students must complete the courses with a grade of “C” or above to be retained in the program; students who do not reach this condition must ask for readmission and retake the course.
Only one course may be repeated before removal from the program permanently. Students in the clinical program must fulfill the physical requirements for clinical experience, get the required vaccines, and pass a drug test.
X-ray Technician Program vs. Radiology Technologist Program
Radiologic technologists are also known as radiographers, rad techs, and X-ray techs. With regard to job areas, “radiography degrees” can be hard to understand(7). Note that a radiologic technologist is not just another name for a radiologic technician.
“Technologist” is a much broader term that includes experienced professionals with a wide range of imaging technologies and equipment and a deep understanding of how diagnostic imaging works.
These individuals know how to use the equipment, but they also know how to solve problems when imaging situations are complex.
A radiologic technologist, unlike a technician, is a medical professional with a wide range of skills who are certified and registered to do diagnostic imaging exams, such as X-rays, for doctors to help them figure out what’s wrong with patients who are sick or traumatized.
Note that an associate degree in radiologic technology requires two years of full-time study. In contrast, a bachelor’s degree requires around four years.
Those who are already certified in radiologic technology may be able to get other certificates more quickly. Those seeking advanced work with a master’s degree should anticipate at least five years of study (four for a bachelor’s degree and one to two for a master’s).
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Louisiana
Louisiana mandates that all radiologic science practitioners pass the relevant national board examination(8). The ARRT or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists administers the national board exam for radiologic technologists in the following core disciplines:
- Radiography
- Sonography
- Radiation therapy
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Nuclear medicine technology
The ARRT also provides eleven certificates for post-primary. For post-primary certification eligibility, candidates must be registered with ARRT in the relevant supporting discipline:
- Mammography
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Bone densitometry
- Cardiac interventional technology
- Vascular interventional technology
- Sonography
- Vascular sonography
- Breast sonography
- Radiologist assistants
In addition, the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTB) offers exams in:
- Nuclear medicine technology
- Nuclear cardiology technology
- Positron emission tomography for nuclear medicine technicians
Meanwhile, the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) provides certification in three areas for qualifying sonographers and vascular technologists: registered diagnostic medical sonography, registered diagnostic cardiac sonography, and registered vascular technology.
The Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (LSRT-BE) mandates that all radiologic technicians with credentials in radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and fusion studies have valid licensure to practice.
To practice in this state, both the ARRT and LSRT-BE need 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
Program Goals and Outcomes
Here are some examples of program goals and learning outcomes of one school(9):
Program Goals
To sustain the purpose, the following objectives have been established to prepare graduates for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification test in radiography.
- Students will demonstrate clinical competence.
- Students will improve their abilities in critical thinking.
- Students will exhibit communication abilities.
- Students will exhibit professional behavior.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates who complete all program requirements will:
- Master the abilities required to perform the duties of an entry-level radiographer.
- Master the theoretical and clinical abilities necessary to pass the radiography certification test administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
- Effectively and appropriately communicate vocally and nonverbally with the patient, health care staff, and others.
- Prioritize critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to generate high-quality diagnostic pictures and improve patient care.
- As a radiographer, facilitate the adoption of suitable radiation safety and protection procedures in everyday tasks.
- As a member of radiographer, uphold legal, ethical, and professional conduct.
Financial Aid
Some schools offer educational opportunities, not job offers or employment guarantees. Students should meet with a school representative to learn more about job options in their chosen sector.
According to each institution’s program curriculum, program results differ. Those that qualify may be eligible to receive financial aid.
Accreditation
It is essential to enroll in a recognized radiography technology program to earn a license and transfer credits to another institution(10). Additionally, it might assist students in getting certification in a new area.
There are two forms of accreditation: regional and programmatic. The former is a designation conferred to a school by the United States Department of Education. States often need this form of accreditation as part of the licensing procedure for tech students.
Programmatic accreditation is usually offered to schools as a second type of acknowledgment. A program receives this form of acknowledgment from a specialized organization.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology may review programs in this subject (JRCNMT).
The JRCERT is the only body approved by the Department of Education to certify specific radiography technology programs. This body may assess programs in various categories, including medical dosimetry, imaging treatment, and magnetic resonance.
Candidates may access their site at www.jrcert.org.
As students prepare to join the area of medical imaging and radiologic technology, they must verify with their state’s licensing boards to ensure they meet the essential standards. In addition, students need to check the program effectiveness statistics. This information is defined and published by the programmatic accrediting organization, the JRCERT.
Applicants may visit the JRCERT website for further details.
Career Opportunities and Salary
The most current data for Louisiana from Projections Central indicates a moderate 8.5% employment growth rate for rad technicians in Louisiana through 2026, compared to a nationwide job growth prediction of 12% for rad techs over the same period(11).
According to BLS or Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 3,030 radiologic technologists (RT) and technicians in Louisiana in 2019 had a mean annual salary of $52,090(12).
Although the BLS does not collect occupational statistics for x-ray technicians, technicians often earn less than RTs due to lesser educational requirements and job duties.
Hospitals, physician offices, medical institutions, and imaging centers employ radiologic technologists and technicians.
Medical imaging positions are available at North Oaks Health System, Baton Rouge General Hospital, Diagnostic Imaging Services, St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Imaging Center of Louisiana, and Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center in Louisiana.
Meanwhile, most radiologic science experts in Louisiana are employed by the radiology departments of big hospitals and medical facilities(13).
Several reputable hospitals in Louisiana, including one rated nationally by US News & World Report and many others recognized for high-performing specialty care.
- Ochsner Medical Center
1514 Jefferson Highway
New Orleans, LA 70121-2429
(504) 842-3000 - Willis-Knighton Medical Center
2600 Greenwood Road
Shreveport, LA 71103-2600
(318) 212-4600 - WK Bossier Health Center
2400 Hospital Drive
Bossier City, LA 71111
(318) 212-7000 - Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner
180 West Esplanade Avenue
Kenner, LA 70065-6001
(504) 468-8600 - Our Lady of Lake Regional Medical Center
5000 Hennessy Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4375
(225) 765-6565 - Rapides Regional Medical Center
211 Fourth Street
Alexandria, LA 71301
(318) 473-3000 - St. Francis Medical Center
309 Jackson Street
Monroe, LA 71201-7407
(318) 966-4000 - Tulane Medical Center
1415 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112-2600
(504) 988-5263 - Lafayette General Medical Center
1214 Coolidge St,
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 289-7991 - Lake Area Hospital
4200 Nelson Rd,
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 474-6370
13 Sources
- X-ray Technicians: Learn Their History and Training Requirements
https://carrington.edu/blog/x-ray-technicians-learn-their-history-and-training-requirements/ - Radiology Degrees
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/degrees/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Louisiana
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/louisiana/ - X-ray Technicians: Learn Their History and Training Requirements
https://carrington.edu/blog/x-ray-technicians-learn-their-history-and-training-requirements/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Louisiana
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/louisiana/ - Ibid.
- What to Know About X-ray Tech Programs and Radiography Degrees
https://www.cleveland.edu/blog-post/~post/what-to-know-about-x-ray-tech-programs-and-radiography-degrees-20180419/ - Become a Radiologic Technologist in Louisiana
https://radiologyed.org/schools/louisiana/ - Radiologic Technology
https://www.dcc.edu/academics/allied-health/programs/radiologic-technology/default.aspx - Radiology Degrees
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/degrees/ - Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Louisiana
https://www.radiologyschools411.com/louisiana/ - Ibid.
- Become a Radiologic Technologist in Louisiana
https://radiologyed.org/schools/louisiana/