# South Dakota

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> Publisher: radiologyed.org · Last checked: 2026-08-19

South Dakota is a relatively small state population-wise and offers limited programs for education in radiologic technology. Nevertheless, the programs that do exist offer a variety of environments and degrees from which students can choose.

([Leer esta información en español](https://radiologyed.org/es/south-dakota/))

With a low cost of living, the state of South Dakota is also a good place to pursue a career such as radiologic technology, in which salaries and benefits are both strong.

## Requirements in South Dakota

South Dakota requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license to practice. Almost all employers will also require ARRT certification. The only regular exception is for limited-scope X-ray technicians, who may only need to complete an accredited course to practice. See the full licensing section below for details on the South Dakota Department of Health licensure process.

## Allied Health Education Programs in South Dakota

The South Dakota Office of Rural Health and Primary Care offers an array of programs in allied health, including radiology tech. These programs can help you become certified as a radiologic technician or X-ray technician through the ARRT certification process. Additionally, the state has several other educational opportunities for those interested in medical imaging and diagnostic technology, such as the South Dakota Health Careers Academy and the South Dakota Primary Care Scholars Program. Both of these programs offer hands-on training in a variety of medical imaging techniques, including radiologic technology.

## Large Employers in Radiology

Employment opportunities in radiologic technology are largely concentrated in the small urban areas of South Dakota, particularly the city of Sioux Falls. Hospitals and medical centers with radiology departments are the primary employers of radiologic science professionals.

[Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center](https://www.avera.org/locations/mckennan/)
 1325 S. Cliff Avenue
 Sioux Falls, SD 57105-1096
 (605) 322-8000

[Sanford USD Medical Center](//www.sanfordhealth.org)
 1305 West 18th Street
 Sioux Falls, SD 57105-0496
 (605) 333-1000

[Black Hills Surgical Hospital LLP](http://bhsh.com/)
 1868 Lombardy Drive
 Rapid City, SD 57703
 (605) 721-4900

[Dakota Plains Surgical Center LLP](https://www.avera.org/locations/profile/avera-dakota-plains-surgical-center-aberdeen/)
 701 8th Avenue NW Suite C
 Aberdeen, SD 57401
 (605) 225-3300

[Lewis and Clark Specialty Hospital](http://www.lewisandclarkspecialty.com/)
 2601 Fox Run Parkway
 Yankton, SD 57078
 (605) 665-5100

[Regional Health – Lead Deadwood Hospital](https://regionalhealth.com/location/regional-health-lead-deadwood-hospital)
 61 Charles Street
 Deadwood, SD 57732
 (605) 722-6101

## Accredited Radiology Tech Programs in South Dakota

South Dakota has exactly four JRCERT-accredited radiography programs – a small number relative to most states, which means seats are competitive and the programs that exist carry real weight with regional employers. All four are hospital-based or technical college programs, and three of the four carry full 8-year JRCERT accreditation terms, the longest available. If you are planning a career in radiologic technology in this state, your choices are clear and the data behind each program is worth studying closely before you apply.

Median pay for radiologic technologists in South Dakota sits at $65,240 according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, with roughly 980 people employed in the occupation statewide. That figure requires some context: South Dakota’s cost of living runs noticeably below the national average, particularly in smaller cities like Mitchell, Yankton, and Aberdeen, so a salary that looks modest on paper tends to stretch further here than the same number would in a coastal market.

## JRCERT-Accredited Radiography Programs in South Dakota

The four programs below are the only JRCERT-accredited radiography programs operating in South Dakota at the time of publication. Tuition figures, pass rates, completion rates, and placement rates come directly from JRCERT program data. Program length is expressed in months of full-time enrollment.

### Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center – Sioux Falls

**Address:** 1325 S. Cliff Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
 **Program Type:** Radiography
 **Program Length:** 24 months
 **Tuition:** $3,250 (resident and non-resident)
 **Total Program Capacity:** 28 students
 **JRCERT Accreditation Term:** 8 years
 **Completion Rate:** 100%
 **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 98%
 **Job Placement Rate:** 100%
 **Distance Education:** Not available

This hospital-based program sits inside one of Sioux Falls’ largest health systems. Clinical rotations span six facilities, including Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota, the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Sioux Falls, and several Avera outpatient family health centers. That breadth of clinical exposure covers cardiac, outpatient, and inpatient imaging settings within a single program. The 98% ARRT first-attempt pass rate places it among the top performers in the state.

### Avera Sacred Heart Hospital – Yankton

**Address:** 501 Summit Street, Yankton, SD 57078
 **Program Type:** Radiography
 **Program Length:** 24 months
 **Tuition:** $3,000 (resident and non-resident)
 **Total Program Capacity:** 14 students
 **JRCERT Accreditation Term:** 5 years
 **Completion Rate:** 100%
 **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 81%
 **Job Placement Rate:** 100%
 **Distance Education:** Not available

Yankton’s program is the smallest of the four, accepting 14 students per cohort. The lower cohort size often translates into more direct mentorship and hands-on time per student. Clinical sites include St. Michael’s Hospital Avera in Tyndall, Wagner Memorial Community Hospital Avera, Vermillion Medical Clinic, and Yankton Medical Clinic – a mix that emphasizes rural and community hospital settings. Graduates who want to work in smaller South Dakota communities will find this clinical mix highly relevant. The ARRT pass rate of 81% is the lowest among the four programs; prospective students should ask the program about ARRT preparation resources and recent cohort outcomes before enrolling.

### [Mitchell Technical College](https://www.mitchelltech.edu/programs/radiologic-technology/) – Mitchell

**Address:** 1800 East Spruce Street, Mitchell, SD 57301
 **Program Type:** Radiography
 **Program Length:** 21 months
 **Tuition:** $11,230 (resident and non-resident)
 **Total Program Capacity:** 56 students
 **JRCERT Accreditation Term:** 8 years
 **Completion Rate:** 89%
 **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 99%
 **Job Placement Rate:** 100%
 **Distance Education:** Available

Mitchell Technical College runs the largest radiography program in the state by capacity and achieves the highest ARRT exam pass rate at 99%. The program finishes in 21 months, three months faster than the hospital-based programs. Tuition is higher at $11,230, but that figure reflects a full technical college program rather than a hospital-sponsored model. Clinical placements are distributed across South Dakota from Aberdeen to Rapid City and Spearfish, giving students exposure to both urban referral centers like Monument Health Rapid City Hospital and smaller regional systems like Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in Watertown. The availability of distance education components makes this program accessible to students who cannot relocate to Mitchell full-time for didactic coursework.

### [Sanford Medical Center](https://www.sanfordhealth.org/student-programs/radiography-program) – Sioux Falls

**Address:** 1305 West 18th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57117
 **Program Type:** Radiography
 **Program Length:** 24 months
 **Tuition:** $3,250 (resident and non-resident)
 **Total Program Capacity:** 28 students
 **JRCERT Accreditation Term:** 8 years
 **Completion Rate:** 100%
 **ARRT Exam Pass Rate:** 97%
 **Job Placement Rate:** 100%
 **Distance Education:** Not available

Sanford Medical Center’s program is hospital-sponsored and keeps tuition at $3,250, matching Avera McKennan’s rate. All four clinical training sites are Sanford-affiliated Sioux Falls locations, which gives the program a cohesive clinical environment with consistent supervision and equipment standards. The 97% ARRT pass rate and 100% completion and placement rates reflect a program that selects candidates carefully and supports them through to graduation and licensure. Students who plan to build a long-term career within the Sanford Health system will benefit from the employer familiarity this training environment creates.

## Program Comparison Table

| Institution | Length | Resident Tuition | Completion Rate | ARRT Pass Rate | Placement Rate | Accreditation | Evening/Weekend |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center | 24 mo. | $3,250 | 100% | 98% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Avera Sacred Heart Hospital | 24 mo. | $3,000 | 100% | 81% | 100% | 5 Years | No |
| Mitchell Tech | 12 mo. | $11,585 | 100% | 94% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Mitchell Tech | 21 mo. | $11,230 | 89% | 99% | 100% | 8 Years | No |
| Sanford Medical Center | 24 mo. | $3,250 | 100% | 97% | 100% | 8 Years | No |

*Data source: JRCERT program records. Tuition figures reflect total program tuition as reported; individual programs may charge additional fees. Verify current figures directly with each program before applying.*

Out of state, if you don’t mind traveling, you’ll find more options in [Des Moines](https://radiologyed.org/schools/iowa/), [Minneapolis](https://radiologyed.org/schools/minnesota/), and [Lincoln](https://radiologyed.org/schools/nebraska/).

## South Dakota Salary Data for Radiologic Technologists

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, there are approximately 980 radiologic technologists and technicians employed in South Dakota. The median annual wage is $65,240, with a mean of $69,740. The spread across the earnings distribution looks like this:

- **10th percentile:** $48,730
- **25th percentile:** $61,490
- **Median (50th percentile):** $65,240
- **75th percentile:** $79,770
- **90th percentile:** $89,710

The gap between the 10th and 90th percentile is roughly $41,000, which reflects the difference between entry-level positions in rural outpatient clinics and experienced technologists working in specialty or supervisory roles in larger health systems. Sioux Falls, as the state’s largest city and home to both Sanford and Avera health systems, tends to concentrate the higher-paying positions.

### Cost-of-Living Context

South Dakota’s cost of living consistently falls below the national average, with housing costs in cities like Mitchell, Yankton, and Aberdeen significantly lower than in comparable-sized cities in neighboring Minnesota or Colorado. A median salary of $65,240 in Sioux Falls, for example, carries more purchasing power than that figure would in Minneapolis or Denver. For graduates considering where to practice, this matters. The state also has no individual income tax, which increases take-home pay relative to states with comparable gross wages.

### Career Progression: MRI Technologists

Radiographers who advance into MRI technology see a meaningful pay increase. BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows MRI technologists in South Dakota earn a median of $77,010, roughly $12,000 more than the radiography median. The mean sits at $77,670, with a 90th percentile of $97,660. There are approximately 210 MRI technologists employed in the state. Obtaining ARRT MRI certification after your initial R (Radiography) credential is the standard path to these roles, and most employers in South Dakota’s larger health systems treat MRI cross-training as a valued specialization.

## South Dakota Licensing Requirements for Radiologic Technologists

South Dakota requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license to practice. The South Dakota Department of Health administers licensure for radiologic technologists under South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 36-14 and its associated administrative rules.

Key requirements include:

- **Education:** Completion of a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (or equivalent accredited program) is required for licensure.
- **Certification:** Applicants must hold current ARRT certification in Radiography (R) or demonstrate eligibility and pass the ARRT examination within a specified period of provisional licensing.
- **Application:** Submit a completed application to the South Dakota Department of Health Radiologic Technology Program, along with documentation of education, ARRT credentials, and applicable fees.
- **Continuing Education:** License renewal requires ongoing continuing education. The standard ARRT Continuing Qualification Requirements (CQR) framework satisfies the continuing education component for most South Dakota licensees, but confirm current CE hour requirements directly with the Department of Health, as these can be updated.
- **Background Check:** South Dakota requires a criminal background check as part of the initial licensure process.

Graduates of the four programs listed on this page are positioned to meet the education requirement directly, since all four hold active JRCERT accreditation and the state recognizes JRCERT-accredited programs for licensure purposes. After passing the ARRT board exam, the typical processing time for a South Dakota license is [VERIFY: current processing time from SD Department of Health].

If you trained in another state and are relocating to South Dakota, the Department of Health processes endorsement applications on a case-by-case basis. Holding a current, unrestricted ARRT credential and an active license in good standing from your home state generally satisfies the substantive requirements for endorsement.

## What to Look for in a South Dakota Radiography Program

With only four JRCERT-accredited programs in the state, you do not have the luxury of extensive comparison shopping. That makes evaluating each program on the right criteria more important. Here is what to examine before you apply.

### ARRT Exam Pass Rate

The ARRT exam is the gateway to licensure. Programs in South Dakota report pass rates ranging from 81% to 99%. The difference matters: a program with a 99% pass rate means that nearly every graduate earns their credential on the first attempt, while an 81% rate means roughly one in five graduates will need to retake the exam, delaying licensure and employment. Ask any program how they structure ARRT preparation, what review resources they provide, and what their first-attempt pass rate has been over the past three cohorts.

### Clinical Site Diversity

South Dakota’s healthcare landscape spans large regional medical centers, community hospitals, and rural critical access facilities. A program with clinical rotations across multiple site types prepares you for the actual job market in the state. Mitchell Technical College, for example, places students in facilities from Rapid City to Watertown to Aberdeen, giving graduates familiarity with different equipment, patient populations, and workflows. If you plan to work in a rural area after graduation, confirm that your program includes rural clinical hours, not just rotations at urban flagship hospitals.

### Program Format and Distance Education

Among the four programs, only Mitchell Technical College offers any distance education component. If you live in a part of South Dakota that is distant from Sioux Falls, Yankton, or Mitchell, or if you have work and family commitments that limit your ability to be on campus daily for didactic coursework, the availability of online or hybrid instruction matters. Note that clinical hours are always completed in person regardless of program format.

### Tuition and Total Cost of Attendance

The hospital-based programs at Avera McKennan, Avera Sacred Heart, and Sanford charge between $3,000 and $3,250 in total program tuition – some of the lowest figures you will find anywhere in the country for a JRCERT-accredited program. Mitchell Technical College’s $11,230 tuition is higher, but still well below many radiography programs nationally. Factor in living expenses, equipment, and fees when comparing total cost of attendance, and ask each program what is included in the stated tuition figure and what costs come on top of it.

### Cohort Size and Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Program capacity ranges from 14 students at Avera Sacred Heart to 56 at Mitchell Technical College. Smaller cohorts can mean more individualized attention during both classroom and clinical instruction. Larger programs may offer more peer collaboration and a wider alumni network. Neither model is universally better; what matters is how each program uses its structure to support student learning and board exam preparation.

### Job Placement and Employer Relationships

All four programs report 100% job placement rates. Given that South Dakota’s healthcare employers are concentrated in a relatively small number of large systems (Avera, Sanford, Monument Health), the hospital-based programs have an obvious built-in advantage: you train in the facility that may hire you. Mitchell Technical College’s broad clinical network gives its graduates connections across the state’s major systems. Ask each program where recent graduates are working and whether they primarily place graduates in-state or out of state.

## Program Length and Clinical Hours in South Dakota

Three of the four South Dakota programs run 24 months in length. Mitchell Technical College completes the program in 21 months. Both timelines are typical for JRCERT-accredited radiography programs nationally, which generally fall in the 21- to 24-month range for associate degree and certificate programs.

JRCERT standards require a minimum number of clinical competencies and clinical hours rather than setting a fixed hour total. Each program structures its clinical component differently across its affiliated sites. The JRCERT minimum standards require students to demonstrate competency across a defined set of radiographic procedures before graduation. In practice, South Dakota programs place students in clinical settings from the early months of the program, and clinical hours typically represent roughly half of total program time.

When you speak with admissions at any of these programs, ask specifically:

- How many total clinical hours are required for graduation?
- How soon after starting the program do students begin clinical rotations?
- How are clinical sites assigned, and do students have any input into placement?
- What procedures and imaging modalities are students expected to demonstrate competency in before graduation?

## Related Imaging and Therapy Programs in South Dakota

Radiographers who want to specialize further have at least one accredited pathway available in South Dakota. The program below is distinct from the radiography listings above and is best understood as a career-progression option for working radiographers or graduates who want to specialize in oncology imaging and treatment delivery.

### Mitchell Technical College – Radiation Therapy

**Address:** 1800 E. Spruce Street, Mitchell, SD 57301
 **Program Type:** Radiation Therapy
 **Program Length:** 12 months
 **Tuition:** $11,585 (resident and non-resident)
 **Total Program Capacity:** 10 students
 **JRCERT Accreditation Term:** 8 years
 **Completion Rate:** 100%
 **ARRT Exam Pass Rate (Radiation Therapy):** 94%
 **Job Placement Rate:** 100%
 **Distance Education:** Available

This 12-month program is designed for students who already hold a radiography credential or equivalent preparation. Radiation therapists work in oncology settings, administering prescribed radiation treatments under the direction of radiation oncologists. Clinical placements span a wide geography, including Avera Cancer Institute locations across South Dakota, Monument Health Cancer Care Institute in Rapid City, and sites in neighboring states including North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. The broad placement network reflects the reality that radiation therapy positions are concentrated in cancer centers, which are less uniformly distributed than general radiology positions. According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, MRI technologists – another advanced imaging specialization – earn a median of $77,010 in South Dakota; radiation therapy salary data specific to South Dakota is [VERIFY: SD-specific radiation therapist BLS wage data]. Nationally, radiation therapists typically out-earn general radiographers.

Visit [Mitchell Technical College’s program page](https://www.mitchelltech.edu/programs/radiologic-technology/) for current admission requirements for both the radiography and radiation therapy programs.

## Frequently Asked Questions About Radiology Tech Programs in South Dakota

### How many JRCERT-accredited radiography programs are in South Dakota?

There are four JRCERT-accredited radiography programs in South Dakota: Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, [Mitchell Technical College](https://www.mitchelltech.edu/programs/radiologic-technology/) in Mitchell, and [Sanford Medical Center](https://www.sanfordhealth.org/student-programs/radiography-program) in Sioux Falls.

### What does a radiology tech program in South Dakota cost?

Total program tuition ranges from $3,000 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital to $11,230 at Mitchell Technical College. The hospital-based programs in Sioux Falls charge $3,250. These figures cover program tuition only; additional fees, equipment, and living expenses will add to your total cost of attendance.

### How long does it take to become a radiology tech in South Dakota?

Most programs take 21 to 24 months to complete. Mitchell Technical College runs 21 months; the three hospital-based programs run 24 months. After completing the program, you must pass the ARRT examination and obtain a South Dakota state license before practicing.

### What do radiology techs earn in South Dakota?

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians in South Dakota is $65,240. The 25th percentile is $61,490 and the 75th percentile is $79,770. South Dakota’s below-average cost of living means these wages support a stronger standard of living than the nominal figures suggest compared to higher-cost states.

### Do I need a license to work as a radiology tech in South Dakota?

Yes. South Dakota requires radiologic technologists to hold a state license issued by the South Dakota Department of Health. Licensure requires completing an accredited program and holding current ARRT certification in Radiography.

### Which South Dakota radiology program has the best ARRT pass rate?

Mitchell Technical College reports a 99% ARRT exam pass rate, the highest among the four programs. Avera McKennan follows at 98%, Sanford Medical Center at 97%, and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital at 81%.

### Can I complete a radiology tech program online in South Dakota?

Mitchell Technical College offers distance education components for its radiography program, making it the only South Dakota program with any online instruction. Clinical rotations are completed in person regardless of didactic format. The other three programs do not offer distance education options.

### What is the difference between a radiologic technologist and an MRI technologist in South Dakota?

Radiologic technologists primarily perform X-ray and general diagnostic imaging procedures. MRI technologists specialize in magnetic resonance imaging, a separate modality that requires additional ARRT certification. In South Dakota, MRI technologists earn a median of $77,010 compared to $65,240 for general radiologic technologists, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. Most MRI technologists start as radiographers and add the MRI credential after gaining initial work experience.

### Are the clinical hours in South Dakota radiology programs sufficient for real-world preparation?

All four programs meet JRCERT clinical competency standards, which means graduates have demonstrated proficiency across the required range of radiographic procedures before earning their credential. Programs with more diverse clinical site networks – like Mitchell Technical College, which places students across urban and rural South Dakota – provide broader exposure to different facility types and patient populations. Ask any program you are considering to detail their clinical competency requirements and how many total clinical hours are scheduled across the program.

### How competitive is admission to South Dakota radiology programs?

With only four programs and total annual capacity below 130 seats statewide, admission is selective. The hospital-based programs in Sioux Falls each accept 28 students; Avera Sacred Heart accepts 14. Mitchell Technical College has the largest capacity at 56. Admission requirements typically include prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, along with minimum GPA thresholds. Contact each program directly for current application deadlines and prerequisite lists.

## Next Steps

Each of the four programs on this page has a track record of placing graduates in jobs across South Dakota’s healthcare system. The decision between them comes down to location, cost, program format, and the clinical environment that best matches where you want to work after graduation. Start by contacting the programs that are geographically practical for you, ask about the next application cycle, and request a list of current admission requirements. The seat count is limited statewide, so the earlier you start preparing your application, the better your position.

For the technical college option, visit the [Mitchell Technical College radiologic technology program page](https://www.mitchelltech.edu/programs/radiologic-technology/). For the Sanford hospital-based program in Sioux Falls, visit the [Sanford Health radiography program page](https://www.sanfordhealth.org/student-programs/radiography-program). Contact Avera McKennan and Avera Sacred Heart directly through their respective hospital admissions or education departments for application information.

## Professional Organizations

The leading professional organization for radiologic technologists in South Dakota is the [South Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists (SDSRT)](http://www.sdsrt.org/). This society is the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. The SDSRT provides job postings, educates its members about relevant legislative issues, and educated potential radiologic science professionals about education and certification requirements.

## 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/
- Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center — https://www.avera.org/locations/mckennan/
- Mitchell Technical College — https://www.mitchelltech.edu/programs/radiologic-technology/
- Sanford Medical Center — https://www.sanfordhealth.org/student-programs/radiography-program
- South Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists (SDSRT) — http://www.sdsrt.org/

Canonical: https://radiologyed.org/schools/south-dakota/
Last checked: 2026-08-19