North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology: Our Roots Run Deep

For more than 50 years, the North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology has had the privilege of fulfilling our mission of providing “qualified students with a comprehensive education that prepares them to be committed, competent, and professional entry-level radiographers who provide safe and compassionate care, improving lives every time with every touch.”

On average, our school accepts 16 students per year. When our numbers are compared to larger hospitals and schools that may seem small. However, do not be fooled by the numbers. Our history is long and our roots are deep. Our school has graduated more than 470 registered radiologic technologists and celebrated our 52nd graduating class in July 2021.

The credentials and accomplishments of our students and faculty are notable, and the awards and accolades they have received so far this school year are worthy of mention. Andrea Dileo placed 1st in the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists (LSRT) Scientific Essay for her essay entitled, Dr. Florence Stoney: A Pioneer in Radiology. Chelsea Johnson, Max Miller, and Kelsey Saldana successfully completed the LSRT Student Leadership Development Program. Kelsey was chosen as the recipient of the LSRT Joe Schwartz Memorial Scholarship; and was selected to participate in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Student Leadership Development Program.

Kelsey was among only 80 students chosen in the U.S. and one of only two students chosen in Louisiana to participate in the ASRT Student Leadership Development Program. The ASRT Student Leadership Development Program is a three-year program designed to expand opportunities for professional growth in radiologic sciences. In June, Kelsey will travel to the 2022 ASRT Educational Symposium and Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in Orlando, FL.

The school is led by program director, Heather C. Koepp, MA, R.T.(R)(ARRT), CHES and clinical coordinator, Stephanie A. McKenzie, BGS, R.T.(R)(ARRT). Heather has been a North Oaks employee for almost 26 years and has 23 years of teaching experience. Stephanie has been a North Oaks employee for almost 21 years and was a clinical preceptor for the school for 12 years. Both are North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology alumnae.

Last year, Heather was installed as the 2021-2022 LSRT Recording Secretary and graduated from the ASRT Leadership Academy for technologists, a program that only less than .5% of ASRT members have completed. Additionally, she has been an author for the ASRT Scanner.

Other faculty members are Ben Raney, BSEET and Ken Travis, R.T.(R) (ARRT). Ben has 14 years of teaching experience. Ken recently retired as Radiology Support Supervisor after 50 years of service at North Oaks. However, he continues to share his knowledge as the school’s Radiographic Positioning instructor. Last year, Ken was selected as 2021 LSRT Technologist of the Year.

If you are interested in a career in radiologic technology or know someone who is, please check us out at northoaks.org/radiologictechnology. You’ll find the application, school catalog and Program Effectiveness Data. Applications are now being accepted for the class of 2022 – 2024 with an application deadline of June 1.