Radiography Programs in Louisiana

Radiography in Louisiana – Radiography Programs in Louisiana

Studying radiography in Louisiana is how you become an x-ray technician. X-ray technicians are responsible for maintaining and operating imaging equipment, followed detailed orders from the physician, assess the images to ascertain whether more images are needed, protect the patient from unsafe radiation exposure, take medical histories, prep patients for imaging, set patients at ease about imaging, and keep detailed and accurate records about patients. An x-ray technician can also be called a radiographer or radiologic technologist/technician. The first step in how to become a radiography technologist in Louisiana is training.

Training radiography programs in Louisiana are offered as certificate programs, lasting six months to a year. These are for the most basic licensing to become an x-ray tech. However, most medical employers want their radiographers to have at least an associate’s degree, and possibly a bachelor’s degree. The most important thing to consider when choosing from radiography programs in Louisiana is whether or not they are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education of Radiologic Technology. This accreditation makes the program valid as meeting requirements for state licensing and national certification. Schools offering training in radiography in Louisiana include Delgado Community College, L. E. Fletcher Technical Community College, McNeese State University, Louisiana State University, Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Our Lady of the Lake College, Southwestern University at Shreveport, and the University of Louisiana Monroe.

The most popular path to becoming a radiographer in Louisiana is an associate’s degree in radiologic technology. After the training, students need to pass either a licensing exam from the state of Louisiana. In addition, many employers require national certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The certifying exam for ARRT is a multiple choice test that is administered through computer testing facilities. In order to stay certified, there are continuing education requirements that must be met.

A radiologic technologist practicing radiography in Louisiana makes an average of close to $50,000 a year. This makes this a great opportunity to earn a good living in the medical field with minimal education. The need for radiographers is expected to grow twenty-eight percent by 2020. This is very promising, as it is double the amount that most occupations will grow in the same period (an estimated fourteen percent across all occupations). By performing x-ray imaging, a radiologic technologist can help to diagnose or monitor serious health conditions, improving the lives of patients.