Radiographers in Louisiana (LA) are also commonly referred to as radiology technologists/technicians, rad techs and x ray technicians/techs. In this guide we will mostly use the terms radiology tech schools in Louisiana and/or x ray tech schools in Louisiana to mean the same thing.
3,500 people are working as radiology technologists / x ray technologists in Louisiana, earning approximately $54,350 per year.
Below you will find information on the top schools in your area offering radiology tech programs, information on how to become a radiology tech in Louisiana, as well as up-to-date careers information.
Top Radiology Tech Schools in Louisiana
The table below lists all schools in Louisiana offering programs in radiography which have been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) as well as any American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) recognised programs in Louisiana.
There are currently 13 radiology tech schools in Louisiana accredited or approved by the JRCERT and ARRT.
| College | City | Degree | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University Alexandria | Alexandria | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Baton Rouge General Medical Center | Baton Rouge | Certificate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Fortis College | Baton Rouge | ARRT | |
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | Baton Rouge | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Louisiana State University at Eunice | Eunice | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| North Oaks Medical Center | Hammond | Certificate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| McNeese State University | Lake Charles | Bachelor | JRCERT, ARRT |
| University of Louisiana Monroe | Monroe | Bachelor | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Delgado Community College | New Orleans | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| University of Holy Cross | New Orleans | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Northwestern State University | Shreveport | Bachelor | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Northwestern State University | Shreveport | Bachelor | JRCERT |
| Southern University at Shreveport | Shreveport | Associate | JRCERT, ARRT |
Steps to Become a Radiology Tech in Louisiana
To begin your career as a radiology tech in Louisiana, you must graduate from an accredited or approved program and fulfil licensing requirements before obtaining employment.
- Obtain an Associate’s Degree in Radiology: To become a radiology tech in Louisiana, you will need to have completed a recognised radiology program at an accredited school. Employers will usually have a preference for an associate’s degree at a minimum.
- Sit and Pass the ARRT Exams: An associate’s degree is also a minimum requirement to apply to sit the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams which are required for licensing in most states. The ARRT exams are computer-based and are administered at Pearson VUE testing centres throughout Louisiana.
- Nuclear Medicine Techs: If you wish to specialise in nuclear medicine technology, you will need to sit and pass the specialist exams set by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
- Licensing Requirements: To work as a radiology tech in Louisiana requires licensing. Once you have successfully passed the ARRT (or NMTCB) exams you can apply for a license in your state.
- Limited License Options: Candidates can also apply for a limited license. A limited license allows the holder to take x-rays of select parts of the anatomy while under supervision. Examples of limited license include chest, dental, orthopaedic, podiatric, etc.
- Continuing Education Requirements: You will need to renew your license regularly. License renewal typically requires the completion of continuing education hours.
For more information on licensing, certification, and continuing education requirements, you can contact the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners.
State Board: Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners
Website: https://lsrtbe.org
Phone: (504) 838-5231
Salaries for Radiology Techs in Louisiana
At $54,350, or $26.13 per hour, the average annual salary for radiologic techs in Louisiana is over 18% less than the national average of $66,490 (2022) for the profession.
Average annual salaries for radiology techs in Louisiana have experienced an increase of 10.1%, or $4,990, in the 5 years since 2016.
Salary levels vary depending on years of experience, employer and location. For example;
- The bottom 10% of earners (entry-level) made just $42,210 whilst the top 10% made $74,970 per annum.
- Those located in New Orleans-Metairie earned some of the highest salaries in the state at $56,920 per annum, whilst those in Alexandria earned some of the lowest average salaries at $50,670 per annum.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | $50,670 | 190 |
| Baton Rouge | $55,980 | 680 |
| Hammond | $54,000 | 60 |
| Houma-Thibodaux | $54,680 | 160 |
| Lafayette | $51,300 | 350 |
| Lake Charles | $52,170 | 200 |
| Monroe | $50,820 | 170 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | $56,920 | 980 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $54,190 | 380 |
Employment of Radiology Techs in Louisiana
There are currently 3,500 people employed as radiology techs in Louisiana. This represents a growth of 30.6%, or 820 jobs, since 2016.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 6% increase in radiology tech positions across the country between 2021 and 2031.
Related careers in Louisiana
The table below compares radiology tech income and employment in Louisiana with other closely related careers.
| Salary | Employment | |
|---|---|---|
| Radiology Tech | $54,350 | 3,500 |
| MRI Tech | $59,740 | 760 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $64,890 | 1,220 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $49,790 | 850 |
| Nuclear Med Tech | $73,380 | 220 |