Dr. Joel Hicks has been named director of Northwestern State University’s School of Allied Health. The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System approved the appointment which takes effect at the end of the spring 2017 semester.

The School of Allied Health includes the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, Radiologic Technologist to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (RT to BSRS), Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health and the Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences.

“I am extremely honored to be selected as the Director of the School of Allied Health,” said Hicks. “My objective is to continue the tradition of excellence that has already been established in our school. By expanding existing programs and offering new programs for allied health professionals, we seek to become the premier allied health program in the nation.”

Hicks joined Northwestern State’s faculty in 2010 after 16 years in the health care field. He is an associate professor of radiologic science, honors coordinator and clinical coordinator for the radiologic sciences program.

He is responsible for clinical education and teaching of didactic courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level, including: information management, operations and resource management, quality management, health care informatics, research in healthcare, radiographic positioning, medical terminology, First Aid and CPR and introduction to radiology. Other responsibilities include the development and implementation of courses, including health care informatics and foundations of patient care. His clinical coordinator responsibilities included the scheduling, supervision and evaluation of students in the clinical setting. As honors coordinator, Hicks encouraged and facilitated student scholarly work outside the normal parameters of the radiologic science program.

Hicks also works as a technologist in the Heart Cath Lab at Christus Highland Health System. He previously held positions at Willis-Knighton Health System, LSU Health Sciences Center and Mobile X-Ray Services of Shreveport-Bossier.

Hicks earned a certificate in radiologic technology from LSU Health Sciences Center, a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science from Northwestern State, a Master of Science in Radiologic Technology from Midwestern State University and a Doctor of Education in Developmental Education from Grambling State University.

As a member of Northwestern State’s faculty, he was the recipient of the Carolyn Cole Saunders Endowed Professorship and was principal investigator for a Louisiana Board of Regents grant of $78,894, “Enhancing Student Competencies in Radiologic Science Using Virtual Radiography. He was represented the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health on NSU’s Faculty Senate since 2010, serving as secretary and vice president.

Hicks makes frequent presentations to statewide and regional groups and has had research and book reviews published in national professional journals.
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