Radiation Therapy Programs in Louisiana

Radiation Therapy in Louisiana – Training Programs for Radiation Therapy in Louisiana

Radiation treatments are one of the main ways to fight cancer. Radiation therapists make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients by administering the radiation treatments that can lead to a remission. When you want to know how to become a radiation therapy technician in Louisiana, the first step is to be informed about the training required. To practice radiation therapy in Louisiana, you must be licensed by the state Radiologic Board of Examiners. To meet license qualifications, the applicant must be at least 18 year old, have graduated high school, and have completed an approved and accredited training program in radiation therapy. Prospective radiation therapy technologists have to submit an application, pay the application fee, and pass the Board’s licensing examination.

Radiation therapy programs in Louisiana are presented in several different formats. There are one-year basic training programs, two year associate degrees, and four year bachelor degrees in radiation technology. Technically, you can be a radiation therapy technician in Louisiana after completion of the one year training, but most employers only consider applicants who have completed either an associate or bachelor degree. Hence, it can be beneficial to go ahead and get a degree. In addition to educational and licensing preparation, national certification can make radiation therapy technicians more marketable.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the national certification agency for the industry. To receive ARRT certification, there are three requirements: complete an accredited training program, follow ethical standards outlined by ARRT, and pass the certification exam. The ARRT certification exam is a computer-based, multiple choice exam which covers safe administration of radiation techniques, standard procedures, treatment planning and delivery, patient care, and concepts in radiation oncology. Once licensed and certified, you can practice radiation therapy in Louisiana.

The future looks bright for those going into radiation therapy in Louisiana. The 2020 job outlook is promising, with a twenty-six percent increase in radiation therapy job openings, which is well over the national average for all occupations (fourteen percent). Jobs are available at hospitals, outpatient care centers, physician offices, specialty hospitals, and in education (colleges, universities, and professional schools). The national mean annual wage for a radiation therapist is $79,340, while a radiation therapy technologist in Louisiana makes an average annual wage of $64,940. Louisiana is hurting for medical personnel and jobs are more readily available than in higher paying parts of the country. Also, the cost of living is lower in Louisiana.