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The healthcare system in Louisiana is on the rise, with many job openings foreseen.
As far as ultrasound technicians go, they earn a median wage similar to the national average.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $75,812 |
| Baton Rouge | $71,006 |
| Shreveport | $70,212 |
| Metairie | $75,812 |
| Lafayette | $70,164 |
| Lake Charles | $69,202 |
| Bossier City | $70,212 |
| Kenner | $75,771 |
| Monroe | $69,845 |
| Alexandria | $67,661 |
Article Table of Contents
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 40 | $72,340 | $34.78 | $85,980 | $54,330 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 200 | $72,030 | $34.63 | $92,290 | $52,420 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 30 | $71,200 | $34.23 | $87,170 | $55,940 |
| Lafayette, LA | 50 | $72,450 | $34.83 | $85,410 | $55,360 |
| Monroe, LA | 50 | $70,730 | $34 | $86,470 | $47,950 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 290 | $69,540 | $33.43 | $84,170 | $55,280 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 90 | $69,390 | $33.36 | $90,280 | $35,450 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
It’s also expected that the demand for these professionals will grow by about 23%, thus now being the right time to consider a new career.
Certification Requirements
In Louisiana, like in most other states, having a certification is still not mandatory for ultrasound technicians, though the rules might change.
Additionally, those in search of employment might have a better chance if they have a diploma.
Currently, the only way of getting certified in this field is passing the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) test.
To be able to take the exam, the candidates have to first finish a training program.
These programs need accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
The ultrasound field has quite a few specializations, and the training programs available can prepare the students for any of them.
Across the specializations, there are common classes as well as specific subjects to each field.
Students can earn an Associate’s degree after 70 credits, or a Bachelor’s degree after 120 credits.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Baton Rouge Community College | 201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 |
| Blue Cliff College | 1505 Metro Drive, Suite I, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301 |
| Blue Cliff College | 1505 Metro Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301 |
| Blue Cliff College | 3200 Cleary Ave, Metairie, LA 70002 |
| Blue Cliff College | 803 Barrow St #4722, Houma, LA 70360 |
| Delgado Community College | 615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 |
| Fortis College | 14111 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70817 |
| Louisiana State University-Eunice | 2048 Johnson Hwy, Eunice, Louisiana 70535 |
| McCann School of Business & Technology | 2319 Louisville Ave, Monroe, LA 71201, |
| Our Lady of Holy Cross College | 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70131 |
| Remington College | 303 Rue Louis XIV, Lafayette, LA 70508, |
Ultrasound Tech Classes in Louisiana
This technique is needed by many doctors from many specialties, and practice can be done in various settings.
Some of the specific subjects include:
- Concepts in Physics
- Medical Terminology
- Superficial Structures
- Physics and Instrumentation
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Classes
The ultrasound and sonography fields are closely related, and some people even confuse the two.
Sonography is used more for diagnostic purposes, whereas the ultrasound can also be used for monitoring purposes.
The students will learn more about:
- Essentials in Patient Care
- Abdominal Sonography Principles
- Small Parts Sonography
- Anatomy and Physiology
MRI Technician Classes
Having 3D pictures of inner body structures is now easier than before, and they help doctors better understand what ails their patients.
Some of the subjects include:
- Introduction to MRI and Patient Care
- Radiographic Imaging
- MRI Procedures
- MRI Clinical Education
Vascular Sonography Courses
Blood vessels come in several sizes, and vascular sonography technician must be able to locate them and take accurate pictures, no matter how small these are.
The coursework for this field include:
- Clinical Foundations of Ultrasound
- Medical Ethics
- Medical Sonography
- Scanning Techniques
Echocardiography Tech Classes
The heart endlessly pumps blood through the body, and most people take it for granted.
Echocardiography technicians help doctors better understand what is wrong with the heart, and cure it.
These technicians must learn more about:
- Echocardiography Instrumentation
- Echocardiography Clinical Procedures
- Ultrasound Principles and Physics
- Echocardiography Fundamentals
Radiology Tech Coursework
Xrays are usually taken when there is something wrong with the patient’s bones.
The field has a few other uses as well, but all of them are dangerous.
The classes should stress the importance of safety while also covering the following topics:
- Introduction to Radiologic Technology
- Positioning and Related Anatomy
- Patient Care in Radiology
- Sectional Anatomy
Extra Info
All those who enroll in these programs might be able to obtain a scholarship, to help them with the tuition.
The programs also include at least 500 and up to 1800 hours of clinical training.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians by State