MRI Technician Schools in Louisiana
Louisiana is southern state that is attractive to many retirees looking to relocate, which results in more residents seeking healthcare services. As the state’s healthcare systems continue to try and meet the demands on the industry, a more diverse and highly trained workforce is needed. MRI technicians are just one type of medical professional that can help meet these demands. At UltrasoundTechnicianSchools.com, we can help you learn how to become an MRI tech, as well as help you find MRI tech schools in Louisiana.
Select those schools you are interested in from the listings below, and submit your request for information to learn more. You will want to get information from several different schools so that you can compare features such as admissions criteria, tuition costs and curriculum.
MRI Education in Louisiana
As of January 1, 2015, The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which is the major certifying organization for MRI technologists in the country, is raising its eligibility requirements for certification in MRI technology. What this will mean, is that it will be necessary for new students like yourself, who wish to become MRI technologists, to obtain an associate’s (2 year) degree or higher in order to be eligible for certification. While it is also possible to earn a certificate, which requires less training than an associate’s degree, employers in Louisiana often have a preference towards graduates holding an associate’s degree or higher. There are fourteen accredited radiologic tech schools in Louisiana, offering a wide variety of educational opportunities in many locations. Both online and campus-based programs are available. Some of the courses you may take in Louisiana include:
- Trends and issues in healthcare
- Human anatomy and disease processes
- Patient care in medical imaging
- Healthcare regulations
In addition to classroom and/or online coursework, you will also need to participate in a clinical experience at a hospital or medical clinic. Such “hands-on” experiences are invaluable for learning the ins and outs of MRI technology practice from established professionals. You will be able to apply what you have learned in your coursework to real-life patients. It is also a way of making useful connections with potential future employers.
MRI Technician Careers in Louisiana
Many MRI technicians in Louisiana belong to the Louisiana Society for Radiologic Technologists (LSRT). This professional organization has as its mission to advance the profession and set standards for education and training, as well as to enhance the lives of its members. The society also offers opportunities for professionals who want to take leadership roles in the profession, and functions as a spokesperson for the technologists of Louisiana on issues related to national credentialing.
MRI technologists in the state of Louisiana are not yet required to have a state license in order to practice, but employers do look favorably upon MRI certification by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the major certifying organization in the United States.
Typically, MRI technologists work in imaging departments of hospitals and diagnostic centers and also, increasingly, in physicians’ offices. median wage for an MRI technologist in Louisiana was $57,260 in 2013, somewhat lower than the national median salary of $65,960 (BLS 2013). However, the cost of living in Louisiana is lower than in many other states, making a middle class lifestyle possible on a technologist’s salary.
MRI technology jobs can be physically demanding, as you may be lifting and positioning patients throughout your shift. Most MRI techs work full time and may have to work shifts that span 24 hours, which is typical of healthcare professionals who provide round-the-clock care. MRI technologists also need to be able to pay careful attention to detail, both during procedures and in documenting results. The ability to empathize and communicate with patients is another important skill, because many patients may be in pain or fearful of MRI procedures.
To learn more about the MRI programs available in Louisiana contact the schools on this site and request program details.