Avera Sacred Heart Hospital 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 605-668-8158

Part science and part art, radiologic technology is an integral part of modern medicine. Radiographers, or radiologic technologists, create detailed images for diagnosing patients. They use sophisticated equipment to produce radiographic images, like X-rays, at the request of a physician. This role is highly technical and requires specialized training, licensure and hands-on experience.

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital School of Radiologic Technology began in 1948 and is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program’s current award is eight years. See general program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter on JRCERT.org. If you have any questions about our accredited program, please reach out.

If you have any questions about our accredited program, contact us.

Program Details & Resources

If you’re interested in applying to our 24-month radiologic technology program, please call 605-668-8158. There is no online application, so calling is the best place to start.

  • 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:

Graduation Requirements

As a student, you are expected to fulfill all didactic and clinical requirements you are assigned by course instructors. Failure to do so will result in a reduction in grade, a delay in graduation, being placed on probation or being dismissed from the program. If students have any questions concerning proper completion of specific requirements, they should consult with the program director or clinical preceptor.

View Requirements

School Schedule

As a student, your day-to-day schedule varies and sometimes includes weekend and evening clinical experience. The curriculum consists of lectures, demonstrations and supervised experiences. Students spend 9-12 hours per week in formal classes, and 28-31 hours in clinical assignments that take place at facilities in and around Yankton, SD.

You will have 14 hours of paid time off (PTO) per year for illness and/or vacation.

Affiliation Agreements

Graduates of the program must achieve a baccalaureate degree to take the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT). Our affiliation agreements with colleges and universities include the following.

Affiliation Agreements

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital School of Radiologic Technology has affiliation agreements with the following universities:

  • Mount Marty University – Yankton, SD – 605-668-1545
  • St. Cloud State University – St. Cloud, MN –320-308-0121
  • University of Mary – Bismark, ND – 701-355-8030
  • University of Nebraska at Kearney – Kearney, NE – 308-865-8441
  • University of South Dakota – Vermillion, SD – 605-677-5011

Have Questions?

If you need application assistance, please call 605-668-8158 or email anessa.vanosdel@avera.org.

Overview, Goals, Outcomes & Costs

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. As a student, you are expected to:

  • Complete all coursework
  • Meet all clinical objectives
  • Pass written examinations
  • Maintain a minimum grade of 80% in didactic courses
  • Maintain grade of 85% in clinical courses

Program Overview

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

  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Fluoroscopy
  • General diagnostic radiography
  • Interventional radiology
  • Mammography
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Surgery
  • Trauma

Limited rotations include:

  • Nuclear medicine
  • PET CT
  • Radiation therapy
  • Ultrasound

Program Codes

  • OPEID: 00598700
  • CIP: 51.0911
  • Credential: 01
  • SOC: 29.2034

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.

Tuition, Fees & Costs

Students can expect to incur the following expenses during their course of study. Some costs are estimated and subject to change.

  • Tuition: $3,000 annually
  • Fees: $500 annually
  • Textbooks: Approximately $1,200 (first year) and $400 (second year)
  • Memberships: $190 for full 24 months. The cost for membership is as follows and subject to change for the 2026-2027 academic year.
    • ASRT: $70
    • SDSRT: $40
    • BLS: $80
  • Accident Policy: $100
  • Markers: $35
  • Uniforms: Students are required to wear surgical scrubs. Scrubs can be worn in hunter green, dark gray or black. The costs vary considerably, depending on individual preference. Uniforms are the responsibility of the student.
  • Personal laptop computer: Highly recommended and provided by student
  • Housing: Avera Sacred Heart Hospital has no dormitory facilities. Housing is the responsibility of the student.
  • Transportation: Transportation is required to all clinical sites, and it is the student’s responsibility.
  • Meals: Meals are available on the hospital campus at the Northern Lights Cafe. Meals are the responsibility of the student. The radiology department has a break room that includes a refrigerator and a microwave.

Financial Aid

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital School of Radiologic Technology – OPEID 00598700 – no longer participates in Title IV Programs.  We are now an “eligible only institution.”

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 smiling at a patient using a CT machine.

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 Sacred Heart Hospital School of Radiologic Technology
501 Summit St
Yankton, SD 57078

Ready to Apply?

Our radiology technology program includes two years of study while working with advanced imaging equipment. If you’re interested in applying, open application begins October 1 and ends the following July 1.

Application Instructions Class Descriptions