NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

8/29/2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Radiologic technologists looking to add to their knowledge or increase their opportunities for career advancement have a new way to accomplish those objectives.

Northwestern State University has placed it's RT (radiologic technologist) to BSRT (Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology) program online. The program is one of eight online degree programs offered by Northwestern's eNSU program (www.nsula.edu/ensu).

"Those who have a certification in radiologic technology or an associate degree can get a bachelor's degree in a manner that is convenient for them," said James Murrell, director of radiologic technology at Northwestern. "Having a bachelor's degree can be a great help in career advancement or can assist those who may be looking to move into other fields. The next wave in the field is moving toward the discontinuation of associate degree programs and requiring a bachelor's degree at the entry level."

In the RT to BSRT program, all courses in radiologic technology are online as are the majority of the other courses required for a degree.

"The program has been very popular so far," said Murrell. "We have students enrolled from Japan, the Middle East and from throughout the United States."

Northwestern has one of only 27 bachelors in radiologic technology programs in the United States. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

A recent study by the American Hospital Association said that vacancy rates for those in radiologic technology were more than 15 percent. More than half of the hospitals surveyed said filling vacancies has become more difficult over the last three years.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the demand for radiologic technologists will continue to grow because of the need for more diagnostic procedures by an aging population. Projections indicate that hospitals will remain the primary employer of radiologic technologists, but a greater number of new jobs will be found in offices and clinics of physicians, including diagnostic imaging centers.

For more information on the program, call (318) 677-3015 or go to http://www.nsula.edu/nursing/rtbsrt.

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