Avera McKennan School of Radiologic Technology

Explore the innovative field of medical imaging. Apply to our two-year radiology tech program to take steps in becoming a licensed professional.

How to Apply 605-322-1720

Radiographers, or radiologic technologists, are essential members of health care teams. They use sophisticated equipment to produce detailed radiographic images, like X-rays, at the request of a physician for diagnosing patients. This role is highly technical and requires specialized training, licensure and hands-on experience.

Avera McKennan School of Radiologic Technology began in 1947 and is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Contact us if you have any questions about our accredited program.

Contact us if you have any questions about our accredited program.

Program Details & Resources

Our 24-month radiologic technology program accepts up to 14 students each year. Classes typically begin the first day after Labor Day.

  • Get details about the application and interview process.
  • Not sure if the program is the right fit for you? We offer opportunities to shadow our team to learn more.

Student Resources

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

Application Summary

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

School Schedule

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:

Affiliation Agreements

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.)
  • 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 Jamestown
    • University of Sioux Falls
    • University of South Dakota

Tuition, Fees & Costs

Acceptance Fee

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

Tuition & Fees

Cost (approximate) First Year Second Year Two Year Total
Tuition $3,000 $3,000 $6,000
Uniforms/shoes $250 $250 $500
Total $3,250 $3,250 $6,500

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

Financial Aid

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

Have Questions?

If you need application assistance, please call 605-322-1720 or email susan.pritchard@Avera.org.

Overview, Goals & Outcomes

Students experience a mix of academic and practical experiences to best respond to the needs of patients, while knowing what to do to adjust to different situations. You’ll learn by working with the latest radiologic equipment that radiologic technologists work with today.

Program Overview

Students spend rotations doing a wide variety of things that most often include:

  • CT
  • Fluoroscopy
  • General diagnostic radiography
  • Interventional radiology
  • Mammography
  • MRI
  • Surgery
  • Trauma

Limited rotations include:

  • Nuclear medicine
  • PET CT
  • Radiation therapy
  • Ultrasound

Program Goals

After accomplishing what you set out to in this program, some goals you will achieve include:

  • Clinical competency
  • Critical thinking abilities
  • Effective communication
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Professional growth and development

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to better understand career paths to further their profession beyond graduation. They will also learn how to:

  • Communicate effectively with patients.
  • Demonstrate proper radiographic positioning skills.
  • Evaluate images for radiographic quality.
  • Gain confidence and use good judgement.
  • Participate in CE documentation.
  • Perform non-routine procedures.
  • Perform proper radiographic positioning skills.
  • Understand and apply radiation protection.

Prospective Students: Shadow Program

If you’re not sure if our radiology tech program is right for you, you can visit the radiology department and obtain first-hand experience through our shadow program.

  • During the visit, you will be assigned a technologist on our team to take you around the department.
  • The technologist will explain the various procedures and answer any questions you may have about the profession.
  • Shadow students should be neatly dressed in a scrub uniform or dress pants — and meet our other dress code requirements.
  • You must also agree to privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Learn more about job shadow requirements and how to apply.

Job Shadowing

Nurse helping a patient having a CT scan.

Accreditation & Correspondence

Our radiologic technology school is fully accredited by JRCERT, meeting all certification and licensure requirements for employment in all states, where applicable. Information for state licensure is available through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, including more details on states requiring licensure.

Location:
Avera McKennan School of Radiologic Technology
1325 S Cliff Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5045

Ready to Apply for Our Program?

Our radiology technology program includes two years of study while working with advanced imaging equipment. If you’re interested in applying, be sure to submit your application materials by January 15.

Application Instructions Class Descriptions