Ultrasound technician (ultrasound tech) and diagnostic medical sonographer (sonographer) are very similar careers and are typically used to describe the same or very similar programs of study in Louisiana (LA).
For the purpose of this guide we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in Louisiana and sonography schools in Louisiana interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in Louisiana as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Louisiana
Ultrasound techs in Louisiana will typically have earned either a 2-year associate’s degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, followed by certification from a recognized certifying body.
Accredited Ultrasound Tech Schools in Louisiana
Ultrasound tech schools in Louisiana are accredited by the CAAHEP.
Accreditation confirms that a school delivers a high level of quality education ensuring that students are well prepared for certification and entry into the healthcare field as an ultrasound technician.
There are currently 3 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Louisiana.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge Community College | Baton Rouge | General | Associates Degree |
| Delgado Community College | New Orleans | General | Certificate |
| Louisiana State University -Eunice | Eunice | General | Associates Degree |
Most schools offer either an associate’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 2 years. Some schools will also offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree or even a 1-year certificate program.
Certification and Licensing in Louisiana
Certification and licensing is not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Louisiana however most employers will have a preference for candidates who have obtained certification.
In order to become certified, you will need to successfully pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams.
An associate’s degree from an accredited school is a necessary prerequisite to taking these exams.
Other certification options are available to those wishing to specialize in a particular area such as cardiac and ophthalmic including the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Opthalmology (JCAHPO).
If you have any further questions about certification or licensing for ultrasound techs in Louisiana you can contact;
State Board: Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners
Website: www.lsrtbe.org
Phone: (504) 838-5231
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Louisiana
| Average Salary | $63,520 |
| Hourly Wage | $30.54 |
| Top 10% | $83,290 |
| Bottom 10% | $44,440 |
| Employed | 1,230 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Louisiana is $63,520 and is 18% lower than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $30.54.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Louisiana has increased significantly by 13%, or $7,390, since 2016.
The above data is taken from studies released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2021.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Louisiana make an average salary of $83,290 whilst the bottom 10% or entry level ultrasound techs make just $44,440 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in New Orleans-Metairie earn the highest average salaries in Louisiana at $66,220 per annum. Those working in Lafayette earn the lowest average salaries at $50,950 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | $62,030 | $29.82 | 40 |
| Baton Rouge | $65,390 | $31.44 | 210 |
| Hammond | $65,160 | $31.33 | 30 |
| Houma-Thibodaux | $62,190 | $29.90 | 40 |
| Lafayette | $50,950 | $24.49 | 120 |
| Lake Charles | $60,550 | $29.11 | 50 |
| Monroe | $56,670 | $27.25 | 90 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | $66,220 | $31.84 | 490 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $65,610 | $31.54 | 60 |
Employment
There are currently 1,230 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Louisiana (2021). This represents an increase of 31%, or 290 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Louisiana are based in New Orleans-Metairie.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Louisiana
Average salaries have experienced an increase of 13% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Louisiana have experienced an increase of 31% over the same period.
Going forward the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 12% between 2019 and 2029. This is much faster than the average for all other professions.
The table below compares salary and employment for ultrasound techs with similar or related healthcare careers in Louisiana.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $63,520 | 1,230 |
| X Ray Tech | $53,610 | 3,010 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $46,490 | 820 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $70,450 | 380 |
| MRI Tech | $61,970 | 800 |