Avera McKennan School of Radiologic Technology

View these program resources to see how to apply and what to expect:

• Curriculum and class descriptions
• Student handbook

If you’re interested in applying for the program, please submit all application materials by January 15 to be considered for the class starting in September. Here are a few key items you need to apply. Be sure to review all application instructions.

• Complete and submit the application form.
• Pay a $30 nonrefundable processing fee.
• Submit your official high school or college transcripts.
• Submit three reference forms. Our program director will review all submitted materials and determine if academic admission requirements have been met. An interview will follow for applicants who meet admission requirements. If you do not meet requirements, you will receive a written explanation.

All Application Details

As a student, your day-to-day schedule varies and sometimes includes weekend and evening clinical experience (10% of total clinical hours). The curriculum consists of lectures, demonstrations and supervised experiences.

Students spend 40 hours each week in the hospital and radiology department. Keep in mind, the program involves study and class preparation beyond your full-time schedule. Clinical rotations take place at Avera facilities in Sioux Falls, SD, including:

• Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
• Avera Medical Group McGreevy — 7th Ave
• Avera Heart Hospital
• Avera Orthopedic Hospital
• Avera Medical Group Family Health Center — Marion Road
• Avera Medical Group Family Health Center — Dawley Farm
• Sioux Falls Veterans Administration Medical Center

Acceptance Fee

$200 (paid at the time of acceptance into the program and applied to the first year of tuition)

Tuition & Fees

Refund Policy

In the event a student officially withdraws or is dismissed from the school, they are entitled to a tuition refund according to these guidelines (which refer to the enrollment and re-enrollment periods). After these dates, no tuition refund is given.

If tuition is paid in full (per year) and the student:

• Withdraws after 1-3 months: 75% tuition refund
• Withdraws after 4-6 months: 50% tuition refund
• Withdraws after 7-9 months: 25% tuition refund
• Withdraws after 10-12 months: No tuition refund

If tuition is paid by semester and the student:

• Withdraws after 1-3 months: 50% tuition refund
• Withdraws after 4-6 months: No tuition refund

Avera McKennan School of Radiologic Technology is eligible to participate and works with our affiliates to provide federal student financial aid.

Graduates of the program must earn a minimum of an associate’s degree to take the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT). This degree does not need to be in radiologic sciences. Our articulation agreements include these colleges and universities:

• Associate’s degree option:
  • South Dakota State University (Coursework may be completed online or on campus.)
  • Southeast Technical College
• Bachelor’s degree options:
  • Briar Cliff University
  • Minot State University
  • Mount Marty College
  • North Dakota State University
  • South Dakota State University
  • St. Cloud State
  • University of Sioux Falls
  • University of South Dakota

The program is designed to prepare health care professionals who are skilled in the use of ionizing radiation for diagnostic purposes. Our course of study helps students develop the skills for working with patients and imaging equipment.

Program Timelines

• This 24-month program accepts up to 14 students each year.
• Classes begin the Tuesday after Labor Day each year.
• Graduation of successful second year students is on the third Friday in August.

Student Schedules

Throughout the program, students spend 40 hours (or less) each week in the hospital and radiology department. The curriculum consists of lectures, demonstrations and supervised experience.

The student’s day-to-day schedule varies depending on the time frame of the program. It includes weekend and evening clinical experience. All students are full-time students, and the program involves study and class preparation beyond the 40-hour week.

Program Completion

Following successful completion of the program and after meeting all degree requirements from their affiliated university (if applicable), graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Exam prepared by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The student, upon passing the certification exam, becomes a Registered Radiologic Technologist and is entitled to enjoy all the rights, honor, and privileges pertaining to that title/profession.

The mission of Avera McKennan’s School of Radiologic Technology is to educate and empower future radiologic technologists through high-quality academic and clinical experiences, guided by Christian values. We are committed to developing compassionate, skilled professionals who provide responsible, patient-centered care and positively impact the health of individuals and communities.

Fulfillment of the program’s mission will be assessed by the following goals:

• Students will demonstrate critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Students will communicate effectively.
• Students will demonstrate clinical competency.
• Students will demonstrate professional growth and development.

• Students will perform non-routine procedures.
• Students will evaluate images for image quality.
• Students will be self-confident and use good judgment in decision-making.
• Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.
• Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
• Students will demonstrate patient communication skills.
• Students will demonstrate proper radiographic positioning skills.
• Students will demonstrate radiation protection.
• Students will demonstrate selection of proper technical factors.
• Students will develop and demonstrate professionalism.
• Students will demonstrate dependable performance.
• Students will demonstrate ethical decision-making.