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Admission and Health Requirements

Equal Opportunity

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital School of Radiologic Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and financial assistance policies.

Admission Requirements

Applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent and at least 18 years of age at the start of the program. Applicants must submit the following materials:

  1. Completed application form
  2. Official high school transcripts
  3. Official college transcripts
  4. American College Test (ACT) scores
  5. Three reference forms (with letters if applicable)
  6. Documented shadow experience
  7. Documented health-related work/volunteer experience
  8. Copies of all post-secondary education certificates and diplomas
  9. Copies of all health related certificates (CNA, CPR, American Red Cross, etc.)

Required Courses

Educational programs in radiography are required through JRCERT to incorporate mathematical/logical reasoning and written/oral communication as general elements in their curricula. The applicant must have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours of postsecondary general education coursework. Categories and examples to fulfill the 15 credit hours of postsecondary general education coursework include:

  • Mathematical/logical reasoning (college algebra, statistics)
  • Written/oral communication (composition, speech)
  • Arts and humanities (art, music, theater)
  • Information systems (computers, computer science/solutions)
  • Social/behavioral sciences (sociology, psychology)
  • Natural sciences (physics, anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, biology)

Recommended Courses

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital School of Radiologic Technology recommends college courses in college algebra, physics, anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, and composition and/or speech.

Application Deadline

The admissions committee reviews all complete applications. Personal interviews are granted and arranged with eligible applicants.

Application materials must be submitted no later than February 28 of each year. If required materials are not submitted by February 28, the application will be considered incomplete and not considered for interview.

Health Requirements

All students admitted to the Radiologic Technology Program must be able to meet the following physical requirements:

  1. Must be able to reach and adjust the X-ray tube, which is at a height of 76-80” from the floor. (Can use a 6” step stool).
  2. Must be able to lift, transport, and carry patients and equipment.
  3. Must be able to give clear verbal commands.
  4. Must not be physically dependent on nonprescription drugs.
  5. Must have sight corrected to be able to reach and adjust equipment and to correctly position the patient.
  6. Hearing must be corrected to be able to hear the patient.
  7. Must be able to show proof of immunizations.

Upon acceptance into the program, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital conducts a criminal background check on the applicant. A health assessment, at no cost to the student, is also performed by a staff nurse to verify that the applicant’s health meets program and hospital requirements.

A health re-assessment will be performed prior to the start of the second year, at no cost. All students receive radiation-monitoring services at no charge. It is recommended that each student be enrolled in a health insurance program.

Infection Control Requirements

The Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Infection Control Committee requires the following student health screens and/or immunizations:

  1. A two-step Tuberculosis (TB) skin test is performed prior to clinical duties. A TB skin test done in the past year will be accepted. Second test must be done at ASHH.
  2. Proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella or 2 MMRs given after first birthday.
  3. History of having chicken pox. If there is no reported history of having chicken pox or varicella immunization, a titer is required. If negative, 2 varicella immunizations are required. If record of one immunization can be produced, just one vaccine will be needed.
  4. Immunization against hepatitis B or a signed waiver. Avera Sacred Heart Hospital highly encourages all students enrolled in the program to receive the hepatitis B vaccine.
  5. Infection control education on prevention of transmission of blood borne pathogens and tuberculosis.
  6. General infection control education. All students receive general infection control prior to clinical duties and yearly thereafter. Respirator fit testing is performed prior to entering clinical areas. If exposure occurs, the infection control nurse will provide post exposure counseling.
  7. The screen for TB and hepatitis immunization will be included in the health assessment at no charge to a student who is accepted into the program. General infection control education is covered during general hospital orientation.
  8. Tdap - Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine is required.
  9. Influenza vaccine - all students are expected to take the influenza vaccine annually to protect our patients. The student is not charged for this vaccine.