# North Dakota > Markdown rendering of https://radiologyed.org/schools/north-dakota/ for AI agents and researchers. > Same facts as the HTML page, with navigation and sponsored units removed and sources listed. The HTML page is canonical. > Publisher: radiologyed.org · Last checked: 2026-08-19 The field of radiologic technology is [growing rapidly throughout the United States](https://radiologyed.org/prospects/). ([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/north-dakota/)) Sparsely populated states like North Dakota can be great choices for new professionals in this field because the competition for jobs is less intense. North Dakota also has a lower-than-average cost of housing and overall cost of living, along with an average starting salary for radiologic technologists that is slightly above the nationwide average. ## Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologist Radiologic technologists are responsible for preparing patients for radiologic procedures, taking images as instructed by a physician, and analyzing the images. They must also be knowledgeable about regulations governing radiation safety, use of imaging equipment and diagnostic medical sonography. Diagnostic imaging is used to detect, diagnose, and treat medical conditions. Radiologic technologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician offices, clinics, nursing homes, imaging centers, and research facilities. ## Radiology Requirements in North Dakota Radiographers in North Dakota must pass the state certification exam or the national exam overseen by the [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists](https://www.arrt.org/) (ARRT). Limited license X-ray technicians may practice as long as they receive a passing grade in an approved course – they do not need to take the ARRT exam. There are no mandatory continuing education requirements in North Dakota to retain a license, although individual employers may require a certain number of credits every few years. ## Radiologic Technology Schools in North Dakota North Dakota has exactly three JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in the entire state, all of them hospital-based and none affiliated with a traditional community college radiography track. That fact shapes everything about how you plan your education here: seats are limited, competition is real, and the programs tend to produce graduates who are already embedded in major regional health systems before they even sit for the ARRT exam. All three programs reported 100% job placement rates in the most recent JRCERT data cycle, which tells you something about both the quality of training and the demand for credentialed technologists in this region. Several universities in North Dakota offer health science and pre-clinical programs that may complement a radiography career path or prepare students for application to the accredited hospital-based programs. [North Dakota State University](https://www.ndsu.edu/alliedsciences/programs/rad_sci/) offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences through its Allied Sciences department. [University of Mary](https://www.umary.edu/academics/programs/radiologic-technology.php) in Bismarck has a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology program. [Jamestown College](https://www.uj.edu/) has a Radiological Technology program, and [Minot State University](https://www.minotstateu.edu/) offers a pre-radiologic technology program to prepare students for admission to an accredited degree program at another school. None of these institutions currently operate JRCERT-accredited radiography programs, but they may be relevant for prerequisite coursework or degree completion paths. Continuing education credits may be available through professional organizations like the North Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists, as well as through local hospitals and clinics. ## Large Employers in Radiology Major hospitals and medical centers in North Dakota are the leading employers of radiologic technologists. Radiologic technologists can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, private imaging centers, nursing homes, and research facilities. In this sparsely populated state, these centers tend to be located in the major town centers. [Sanford Health-MeritCare Hospital](//www.sanfordhealth.org) 801 Broadway North Fargo, ND 58122 (701) 234-2000 [St. Alexius Medical Center](https://www.chistalexiushealth.org/locations/bismarck) 900 East Broadway Bismarck, ND 58501-4586 (701) 530-7000 [Altru Hospital](//www.altru.org) 1200 South Columbia Road Grand Forks, ND 58201-4032 (701) 780-5000 [Essentia Health](https://www.essentiahealth.org/find-facility/profile/essentia-health-fargo/) 3000 32nd Avenue South Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 364-8000 [Heart of America Medical Center](https://www.hamc.com/) 800 S Main Avenue Rugby, ND 58368 (701) 776-5261 [St. Alexius Health Williston](https://www.chistalexiushealth.org/locations/williston?gclid=Cj0KCQiAlKmeBhCkARIsAHy7WVu0JmyZZ9PBQuPxFaE-6JZVQvw4uMmHP554GGAEDc79hVvk89Ots60aAn3tEALw_wcB) 1301 15th Avenue W Williston, ND 58801 (701) 774-7400 [Sanford Medical Center](https://www.sanfordhealth.org/locations/sanford-medical-center-bismarck) 300 North 7th Street Bismarck, ND 58506 (701) 323-6000 [Jamestown Hospital](https://jrmcnd.com/) 419 5th Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 (701) 952-1050 [St. Alexius Health Dickinson](https://www.chistalexiushealth.org/locations/dickinson) 2500 Fairway Street Dickinson, ND 58601 (701) 456-4000 ## Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in North Dakota This page covers every JRCERT-accredited radiography program currently operating in North Dakota, along with salary benchmarks from BLS May 2025 OEWS data, state licensing requirements, and a breakdown of what separates a solid program from a mediocre one in this specific market. ## JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Programs The three programs below represent the complete list of JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in North Dakota as of July 2026. All three hold 8-year accreditation terms, which is the maximum length JRCERT awards and reflects sustained program quality. Program length ranges from 21 to 24 months. Tuition figures are taken directly from JRCERT program data. ### Sanford Bismarck Medical Center – Bismarck **Address:** 300 North 7th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 - **Program Length:** 22 months - **Tuition (Resident/Non-Resident):** $2,300 - **Total Capacity:** 20 students per cohort - **Completion Rate:** 88% - **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 100% - **Job Placement Rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** JRCERT, 8-year term **Clinical Settings:** Sanford Bismarck Medical Center (Bismarck), Sanford Children’s North Clinic (Bismarck), Sanford North Mandan Clinic (Mandan), Sanford Northern Sky Clinic (Bismarck), Sanford South Clinic (Bismarck), Sanford Southridge Clinic (Bismarck), State Street Clinic (Bismarck) This program gives students clinical exposure across seven distinct Sanford Health facilities in the Bismarck-Mandan area. That breadth matters: you graduate having worked in a large acute care hospital, pediatric settings, and multiple outpatient clinics, which translates directly into flexibility on the job market. At $2,300 total tuition, the cost is remarkably low for a hospital-based program. The 88% completion rate is the only figure in this group below 100%, worth understanding before you apply – some attrition is common in clinically intensive programs, and that number still reflects strong outcomes by national standards. ### Sanford Medical Center / Sanford Health – Fargo **Address:** 801 N. Broadway, Rt. 2751, Fargo, ND 58122 - **Program Length:** 21 months - **Tuition (Resident/Non-Resident):** $1,000 - **Total Capacity:** 16 students per cohort - **Completion Rate:** 100% - **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 100% - **Job Placement Rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** JRCERT, 8-year term **Clinical Settings:** Sanford Brain and Spine Clinic (Fargo), Sanford Clinic – Southpointe (Fargo), Sanford Hospital South University (Fargo), Sanford Medical Center Fargo (Fargo), Sanford Medical Center/Sanford Health (Fargo), Sanford Moorhead Clinic (Moorhead, MN) The Fargo program is the shortest of the three at 21 months and carries the lowest tuition in the state at $1,000. It also maintains perfect rates across completion, exam passage, and job placement. Clinical training extends across the Minnesota border into Moorhead, adding cross-state exposure that some employers in the region view favorably. With only 16 seats per cohort, this is a competitive program to enter. Fargo is North Dakota’s largest city, so graduates have access to the state’s most concentrated healthcare employment market. ### Trinity Hospital / Trinity Health – Minot **Address:** 400 Burdick Expy E., P.O. Box 5020, Minot, ND 58702 - **Program Length:** 24 months - **Tuition (Resident/Non-Resident):** $3,500 - **Total Capacity:** 14 students per cohort - **Completion Rate:** 100% - **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 100% - **Job Placement Rate:** 100% - **Accreditation:** JRCERT, 8-year term **Clinical Settings:** Trinity Health (Minot), Trinity Hospital/Health Center – Medical Arts (Minot), Trinity Hospital/Health Center – South Ridge (Minot), Trinity Hospital/Health Center – Town and Country (Minot) The Trinity Health program in Minot runs the full 24 months and concentrates all clinical training within the Trinity Health system. For students who want depth at a single integrated health system rather than breadth across multiple facilities, this structure works well. At $3,500, tuition is still well below what most associate degree programs at community colleges cost nationally. Minot is home to Minot Air Force Base, and the surrounding regional healthcare market consistently needs imaging professionals. The 14-seat capacity makes this the smallest cohort of the three programs. ## Program Comparison Table | Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sanford Bismarck Medical Center | 22 mo. | $2,300 | 88% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No | | Sanford Medical Center/Sanford Health | 21 mo. | $1,000 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No | | Trinity Hospital/Trinity Health | 24 mo. | $3,500 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 8 Years | No | ## Radiologic Technologist Salaries in North Dakota According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, North Dakota employs approximately 740 radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034). The median annual wage is $67,790, with a mean of $72,690. Entry-level positions start around $60,600 at the 10th percentile, while experienced technologists in the 75th percentile earn $80,970 and those at the 90th percentile reach $93,870. Those figures sit in a meaningful context. North Dakota’s cost of living runs below the national average in most categories, particularly housing. A $67,790 median salary buys more here than the same number would in a coastal metro. For comparison, median home prices in Bismarck and Minot remain well below national figures as of mid-2026, which affects how far a technologist’s salary stretches day to day. ### Career Progression: Moving into MRI Radiography is frequently the entry point, not the ceiling. North Dakota employs approximately 70 MRI technologists (SOC 29-2035), and the pay difference is significant. According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, MRI techs in the state earn a median of $80,610 annually, compared to $67,790 for general radiologic technologists – a gap of roughly $12,800 per year at the median. At the 90th percentile, MRI technologists earn $95,800. Most MRI positions require ARRT certification in radiography first, followed by additional MRI training or a post-primary pathway certification. Completing one of North Dakota’s hospital-based programs and earning your R designation is the standard first step toward that higher-paying specialty role. ## North Dakota Licensing Requirements for Radiologic Technologists North Dakota requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued by the North Dakota Department of Health. Key requirements include: - **Education:** Completion of an accredited radiologic technology program (JRCERT accreditation satisfies this requirement) - **Certification:** Current ARRT certification in radiography (R) is required for licensure - **Application:** Submit a completed application, official transcripts, and proof of ARRT certification to the North Dakota Department of Health - **Background Check:** A criminal background check is required as part of the application process - **Renewal:** Licenses must be renewed, and continuing education requirements apply; [VERIFY-STALE: There are no mandatory continuing education requirements in North Dakota to retain a license, although individual employers may require a certain number of credits every few years.] - **Reciprocity:** North Dakota may accept licensure from other states for applicants who hold current ARRT certification; verify directly with the licensing board Because all three North Dakota programs are hospital-based and JRCERT-accredited, graduates are already positioned to meet the educational requirement at the point of program completion. The path from graduation to licensure is direct: pass the ARRT exam, submit your application, and you are ready to practice. ## What to Look for in a North Dakota Radiography Program With only three programs in the state, the comparison is straightforward. Even so, there are specific factors worth weighing before you apply. ### JRCERT Accreditation Status and Length All three North Dakota programs hold JRCERT accreditation with 8-year terms, the maximum available. Do not apply to a program that lacks JRCERT accreditation – it affects your ability to sit for the ARRT exam and your eligibility for state licensure. In North Dakota, this is a simple filter because all active programs are accredited. ### Cohort Size and Clinical Access Small cohorts mean more time with clinical instructors and more hands on equipment. Trinity Health in Minot has 14 seats; Sanford Fargo has 16. These are genuinely small programs. That intimacy can accelerate skill development, but it also means fewer chances for admission. Apply to more than one program if geography allows. ### Clinical Site Diversity Sanford Bismarck rotates students through seven clinical sites, including pediatric and outpatient settings. Sanford Fargo includes cross-border training in Minnesota. Trinity Minot keeps training within one system. Think about what kind of graduate you want to be: a generalist who has seen many environments, or a specialist deeply trained in one system’s workflows and equipment. Both approaches produce competitive graduates in North Dakota, but your preference should influence where you apply. ### Program Length and Tuition Value The range across these three programs is 21 to 24 months and $1,000 to $3,500 in total tuition. These numbers are unusually low. The national average tuition for a hospital-based radiography certificate is typically several times higher. If you are comparing North Dakota programs to out-of-state options, factor in the full cost including relocation and living expenses, not just tuition. ### ARRT Exam Preparation All three programs post 100% first-time ARRT pass rates in the current JRCERT data. Ask each program directly how they prepare students for the exam – what review resources they use, whether they conduct mock exams, and what the support structure looks like in the final weeks before graduation. A 100% pass rate sustained across multiple cohorts reflects consistent exam prep, but understanding the method helps you evaluate whether the program’s approach matches your learning style. ### Post-Graduation Employment Connections Hospital-based programs in North Dakota are run by the same health systems that will likely hire their graduates. That employer-to-program pipeline is valuable. Ask each program what percentage of recent graduates are still working within the sponsoring health system one year after graduation, and whether placement extends to other regional employers. ## Program Length, Clinical Hours, and What to Expect All three programs in North Dakota require full-time commitment. These are not part-time or fully online options – radiography requires supervised clinical practice in actual imaging facilities, and there is no shortcut around that. Programs run between 21 and 24 months. Coursework covers radiographic anatomy, imaging procedures, patient care, radiation physics, radiation protection, and image analysis. Clinical rotations expose students to plain film radiography, fluoroscopy, computed radiography, and digital imaging systems. The number of clinical hours required follows JRCERT standards [VERIFY-STALE: current JRCERT minimum clinical hour requirement for radiography programs], which set a floor that all accredited programs must meet or exceed. Most hospital-based programs in this format do not offer alternative learning options. All three North Dakota programs list N/A for alternative learning, confirming that attendance is required on-site for both didactic and clinical components. Plan accordingly if you are relocating to Bismarck, Fargo, or Minot for training. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many radiography programs are in North Dakota? There are three JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in North Dakota as of July 2026: Sanford Bismarck Medical Center in Bismarck, Sanford Medical Center/Sanford Health in Fargo, and Trinity Hospital/Trinity Health in Minot. No other programs currently hold JRCERT accreditation in the state. ### What does it cost to become a radiology tech in North Dakota? Tuition across North Dakota’s three accredited programs ranges from $1,000 (Sanford Fargo) to $3,500 (Trinity Minot), making these among the most affordable radiography programs in the country. Note that these figures reflect program tuition only and do not include living expenses, textbooks, uniforms, or exam fees. ### Do I need a license to work as a radiology tech in North Dakota? Yes. North Dakota requires state licensure for practicing radiologic technologists. Licensure requires completion of an accredited program and current ARRT certification. Applications are processed through the North Dakota Department of Health. ### What is the ARRT exam, and how do I prepare for it? The ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) examination in radiography is the national credentialing exam that most states, including North Dakota, require for licensure. It tests knowledge in radiation protection, equipment operation, image production, procedures, and patient care. All three North Dakota programs have maintained 100% first-time pass rates on this exam, which reflects strong built-in exam preparation. Graduates typically take the exam within a few months of completing their program. ### How long does it take to complete a radiography program in North Dakota? Program lengths range from 21 months (Sanford Fargo) to 24 months (Trinity Minot), with the Bismarck program at 22 months. All programs are full-time and do not offer part-time scheduling. ### What do radiology techs earn in North Dakota? According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists in North Dakota is $67,790. Earnings range from approximately $60,600 at the entry level to $93,870 for those in the top 10% of earners. MRI technologists, a common specialization after initial certification, earn a median of $80,610 annually in the state. ### Can I work in another state after completing a North Dakota radiography program? ARRT certification is recognized nationally. If you hold current ARRT credentials and meet the licensing requirements of another state, you can typically apply for licensure there. Many states have reciprocity provisions. Check the specific requirements of any state where you plan to work. ### Are there online radiology tech programs in North Dakota? None of the three JRCERT-accredited programs in North Dakota currently offer alternative learning formats. Radiography requires hands-on clinical training, so fully online programs do not exist for the core credential. Some schools offer online coursework for the didactic portions of related health programs, but clinical hours must be completed in person. ### What other colleges in North Dakota offer health-related programs? Several universities in North Dakota offer health science and pre-clinical programs that may complement a radiography career path or prepare students for application. [Minot State University](https://www.minotstateu.edu/) in Minot, [North Dakota State University](https://www.ndsu.edu/) in Fargo, and the [University of Mary](https://catalog.umary.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=8&poid=2411) in Bismarck offer programs in health sciences and related fields. None currently operate JRCERT-accredited radiography programs, but they may be relevant for prerequisite coursework or graduate-level health administration paths. ## Next Steps North Dakota’s three hospital-based radiography programs offer a clear, affordable path to a credentialed career in diagnostic imaging. Tuition is low, pass rates are strong, and employment connections are built directly into the program structures. The median salary of $67,790 for radiologic technologists in the state – paired with a cost of living below the national average – makes this a financially practical career choice in this region. Review each program’s admission requirements directly, since application cycles, prerequisite coursework, and selection criteria vary by institution. Contact the program coordinators at Sanford Bismarck, Sanford Fargo, and Trinity Minot to ask about the next application deadline and what your candidacy looks like. Seats are limited across all three programs, and early preparation gives you a real advantage. ## Professional Organizations The leading professional organization for radiologic technologists in [North Dakota is the North Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists](https://ndsrt.org/) (NDSRT). This organization is the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). The NDSRT organizes annual state conferences and assists members who want to attend national ASRT conferences. It also provides information about education and licensing, as well as resources for job seekers. Any hospital school of radiologic technology seeking accreditation must obtain approval from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT is responsible for evaluating and approving schools that offer medical imaging programs, including radiography. Any student who wants to enroll in a program recognized by the JRCERT should make sure that the school is accredited by this organization. ### Programas Acreditados por JRCERT en North Dakota #### Sanford Bismarck Medical Center – Radiography 300 North 7th Street, Bismarck ND 58501 **Tlf:**(701) 323-5470 **Nombre del Programa:** [Radiography](https://www.sanfordhealth.org/student-programs/radiography-program) **Tipo de Programa:**Certificate **Duració:**17 meses **Efectividad del Programa:**Tasa de Finalización: 75% Tasa de Aprobación del examen de credencial: 95% Tasa de Colocación: 100% #### Sanford Medical Center/Sanford Health – Radiography 801 N. Broadway Rt. 2751, Fargo ND 58122 **Tlf:**(701) 234-4949 **Nombre del Programa:** [Radiography](https://www.sanfordhealth.org/student-programs/radiography-program) **Tipo de Programa:**Certificate **Duració:**16 meses **Efectividad del Programa:**Tasa de Finalización: 100% Tasa de Aprobación del examen de credencial: 100% Tasa de Colocación: 100% **Gastos de Matrícula:**$750 #### Trinity Hospital/Trinity Health – Radiography 420 3rd Street, SE P.O. Box 5020, Minot ND 58702-5020 **Tlf:**(701) 857-5620 **Nombre del Programa:** [Radiologic Technology](https://www.trinityhealth.org/trinity-health-careers/school-of-radiologic-technology/) **Tipo de Programa:**Certificate **Duració:**12 meses **Efectividad del Programa:**Tasa de Finalización: 80% Tasa de Aprobación del examen de credencial: 95% Tasa de Colocación: 100% **Gastos de Matrícula:**$3,500 Residente, $3,500 No Residente ## Sources - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) — wage and employment figures. https://www.bls.gov/oes/ - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — job outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) — accredited programme directory (720 programmes). https://www.jrcert.org/programs/ - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) — certification requirements. https://www.arrt.org/ - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — https://www.arrt.org/ - North Dakota State University — https://www.ndsu.edu/alliedsciences/programs/rad_sci/ - University of Mary — https://www.umary.edu/academics/programs/radiologic-technology.php - Jamestown College — https://www.uj.edu/ - Minot State University — https://www.minotstateu.edu/ - St. Alexius Medical Center — https://www.chistalexiushealth.org/locations/bismarck - Essentia Health — https://www.essentiahealth.org/find-facility/profile/essentia-health-fargo/ - Sanford Medical Center — https://www.sanfordhealth.org/locations/sanford-medical-center-bismarck - University of Mary — https://catalog.umary.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=8&poid=2411 - North Dakota is the North Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists — https://ndsrt.org/ - Radiologic Technology — https://www.trinityhealth.org/trinity-health-careers/school-of-radiologic-technology/ Canonical: https://radiologyed.org/schools/north-dakota/ Last checked: 2026-08-19