Title: Louisiana Radiologic Technologist License — Requirements and Application
- Radiologic technologists applying for initial Louisiana licensure for the first time
- Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting a Louisiana assignment
- Out-of-state RTs relocating to Louisiana who need to understand the endorsement process
Louisiana Radiologic Technologist License — At a Glance
| State License Required? | Yes — Louisiana requires a license for each modality category practiced per R.S. 37:3200 et seq. |
| Credential Name | Radiologic Technologist License — category-specific: Radiographer (R), Nuclear Medicine Technologist (N), Radiation Therapist (T), Fusion Technologist (Advanced); separate LXMO permit also issued |
| Governing Body | Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (LSRTBE) — one of few states with a dedicated standalone RT board |
| Licensing Pathway | Endorsement for ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP credential holders — no separate state exam required; exam pathway for applicants without national credentials |
| Application Fee | $100 per category per LSRTBE sources reviewed May 2026; $10 Temporary Work Permit — verify current fees with LSRTBE before submitting |
| Payment Methods | Check or money order only — LSRTBE does NOT accept cash or credit cards; your canceled check or money order stub serves as receipt |
| ARRT Certification | Accepted — ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP certification accepted for endorsement pathway; no separate Louisiana state exam required for national credential holders; must submit photocopy of current certification verification |
| Processing Time | 60–90 days for permanent license; Temporary Work Permit issued within 3 business days of complete application for Board-certified technologists |
| Interstate Compact | No interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists identified in Louisiana sources reviewed May 2026 |
| Governing Authority | R.S. 37:3200–37:3221 (Louisiana Medical Radiation Health and Safety Act); LAC Title 46 Part LXVI |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial — licensing year runs June 1 through May 31; all Louisiana RT licenses expire May 31 of the renewal year; see the Louisiana renewal page for full details |
Louisiana requires radiologic technologists to hold an active license for each modality category they practice. Technologists practicing in multiple modalities must hold a Louisiana license for each applicable category. Each license costs $100 per LSRTBE sources reviewed May 2026. ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP credential holders apply by endorsement — no separate Louisiana state exam is required. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fees and pathways.
Louisiana’s licensing framework has two operationally significant features that distinguish it from most states. First, the payment structure is unusual — LSRTBE accepts only checks or money orders, with no cash and no credit cards accepted under any circumstances. Second, processing takes 60–90 days for a permanent license, but a Temporary Work Permit is available within 3 business days for Board-certified technologists who need to begin practicing while their permanent license is processed.
What Makes Louisiana Different
Louisiana is one of the few states in the country with a dedicated standalone board — the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners — specifically for radiologic technologists. Most states regulate RTs through a combined health professions board or department of health. LSRTBE’s standalone structure means the board has deep subject-matter focus, but it also means you must engage directly with LSRTBE for all licensing matters — the Louisiana LLR or Department of Health will not handle RT licensing questions.
Louisiana also licenses by modality category rather than issuing a single umbrella license. A radiographer license does not authorize nuclear medicine or radiation therapy practice — each category requires a separate $100 license. Travel RTs with multi-modality scopes must confirm which category licenses are required for their specific assignment before applying.
Two Separate Louisiana RT Regulatory Structures
Louisiana has two parallel regulatory structures for radiologic technologists:
- Standard radiologic technologists — licensed through LSRTBE under R.S. 37:3200–37:3221; this page covers this pathway
- Private Radiological Technologists — regulated through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) for limited physician-office practice categories; these are different credentials with different requirements
If your Louisiana practice setting is a physician’s private office rather than a hospital or imaging center, verify with both LSRTBE and LSBME which regulatory pathway applies to your situation before applying.
Louisiana Radiologic Technologist Licensing Requirements
Per LSRTBE sources reviewed May 2026:
- Category-specific licensing: A separate license is required for each modality category practiced (Radiographer, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapist, Fusion Technologist); $100 per category
- Certification: Must hold active ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP certification in the applicable category; submit photocopy of current certification verification from the certifying board; applicants on CE probation with ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP are not eligible for licensure
- Certification currency: A “current” certification is defined as one that fully complies with ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP CE requirements
- Criminal history disclosure: Required — applicants must disclose criminal history and sign character/legal disclosure statements
- Payment: Check or money order payable to LSRTBE — no cash, no credit cards; canceled check or money order stub serves as receipt
- Application: Submitted by mail — complete Application for License by Endorsement; download from lsrtbe.org
Temporary Work Permit
Louisiana offers a Temporary Work Permit for Board-certified technologists who need to practice while their permanent license application is being processed:
- Fee: $10 additional — no extra charge for multiple categories under one permit
- Processing: Issued within 3 business days of a properly completed application
- Eligibility: Available to Board-certified technologists only (active ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP certification required)
- Purpose: Allows practice while the permanent license is processed through the 60–90 day review period
Documents Typically Required
- Completed Application for License by Endorsement (download from lsrtbe.org)
- Photocopy of current ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP certification verification from the certifying board
- Criminal history disclosure documentation if applicable
- Check or money order payable to LSRTBE — $100 per category; $10 for Temporary Work Permit if requested
How to Apply for a Louisiana Radiologic Technologist License
- Download the Application for License by Endorsement from lsrtbe.org
- Complete the application — select all applicable modality categories and include the required fee per category
- Attach photocopy of current ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP certification verification
- Include criminal history disclosure and character statements as required
- Write a check or money order payable to LSRTBE for $100 per category (plus $10 for Temporary Work Permit if needed) — no cash or credit cards accepted
- Mail complete application to LSRTBE — 3108 Cleary Ave., Ste. 207, Metairie, LA 70002
- Allow 60–90 days for permanent license processing; Temporary Work Permit issued within 3 business days if requested
Practical Notes for Louisiana Licensure Applicants
- Check or money order only — prepare before you apply. LSRTBE does not accept cash or credit cards under any circumstances. Have your check or money order ready before assembling your application package. Your canceled check or money order stub is your only receipt.
- 60–90 day processing — apply early or request a Temporary Work Permit. Louisiana’s permanent license processing takes 60–90 days — among the longer timelines we have documented. Travel RTs with near-term assignment dates should apply well in advance or request a Temporary Work Permit ($10) to begin practicing while the permanent license processes.
- Each modality requires a separate license. If your assignment covers both radiography and another modality, you need a separate Louisiana license for each category. Confirm your specific modality scope with your employer before applying.
- ARRT CE probation disqualifies you. Louisiana explicitly states that applicants currently on CE probation with ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP are not eligible for licensure. Resolve any CE compliance issues with ARRT before applying.
- No interstate compact identified. Louisiana does not participate in a radiologic technologist compact based on sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a full Louisiana license.
- Private office practice: verify your regulatory pathway. If your Louisiana assignment is in a physician’s private office setting, confirm whether LSRTBE or LSBME governs your specific practice category before applying.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- R.S. 37:3200–37:3221 — Louisiana Medical Radiation Health and Safety Act
- LAC Title 46 Part LXVI — Louisiana Administrative Code governing radiologic technologists
Related Pages
- Louisiana Radiologic Technologist License Renewal
- Tennessee Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Texas Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana require a state license to practice as a radiologic technologist?
Yes. Louisiana requires a license for each modality category practiced per R.S. 37:3200 et seq. A separate license is required for Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, and other modality categories. Source: LSRTBE
Does my ARRT certification qualify me for a Louisiana license?
Yes. ARRT, NMTCB, or ASCP certification is accepted for the endorsement pathway — no separate Louisiana state exam is required. You must submit a photocopy of current certification verification and must not be on CE probation with your certifying body. Source: LSRTBE
What is the Louisiana radiologic technologist license fee?
$100 per modality category per LSRTBE sources reviewed May 2026. A Temporary Work Permit costs an additional $10 with no extra charge for multiple categories. Payment by check or money order only — LSRTBE does not accept cash or credit cards. Verify current fees with LSRTBE before submitting. Source: LSRTBE
How long does it take to get a Louisiana radiologic technologist license?
The minimum processing time for a permanent license is 60–90 days per LSRTBE sources reviewed May 2026. A Temporary Work Permit can be issued within 3 business days of a properly completed application for Board-certified technologists who need to practice during the processing period. Source: LSRTBE
Is Louisiana part of a radiologic technologist interstate compact?
No interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists was identified in Louisiana sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a Louisiana license through LSRTBE. Source: LSRTBE