Medical Radiography Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a radiographer do?
A radiographer is an essential member of the health care team, knowledgeable about radiation and how to use it to help diagnose injury and disease. Medical radiography is the art and science of using x-radiation to obtain images of the tissues, organs, bones and vessels that comprise the human body. To produce a quality image, the body part must be accurately positioned and subjected to only the minimum amount of radiation necessary. This is the responsibility of the radiographer. Radiation, when used by someone uneducated about its potential hazards, can be dangerous to both the patient and the user. With this knowledge, radiography is a safe and satisfying career.
What will I earn upon completion of the Medical Radiography Program?
Rapid City Regional Hospital's Medical Radiography Program, graduates are eligible to apply to the American Registry of Radiological Technologists for the nationally recognized credentialing examination. Those who pass the ARRT test in radiography are awarded the RT(R) designation - for Registered Technologist (Radiography).
Candidates applying for certification beginning Jan. 1, 2015, must have earned an associate, baccalaureate or graduate degree from an institution accredited by a mechanism acceptable to the ARRT. The degree does not need to be in the radiological sciences. For more information, go to
www.arrt.org.
How many graduates of the Medical Radiography Program pass the ARRT exam?
For more than 20 years, 100% of our Medical Radiography Program graduates who have taken the exam have passed.
What schools will accept credits from this program?
Graduates may be awarded college-level academic credit for the Medical Radiography Program from several local colleges and universities. Area colleges that accept completion of the Medical Radiography Program for credit include:
How many credit hours can I get for completing the Medical Radiography Program?
Each school must be contacted individually to obtain credit hours awarded.
What are the admission requirements for the Medical Radiography Program?
You must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate or earned your GED or equivalent and completion of designated college pre-requisite courses.
When does the program start and end?
Application materials are due by Friday of the first full work week in January. Interviews are completed in January/February. New students begin in June. The Medical Radiography Program is a two-year program.
How much is tuition?
Tuition is $1,500 per year.
Do I need to buy a uniform?
All students in the Medical Radiography Program must purchase their uniforms at their own expense. Uniforms are available through a number of uniform companies. A copy of the dress code is available in the student handbook on our web site.
How much are books and materials?
Students purchase their own books and materials for the program. For the two years of the program, these items total about $1500.
What are the prerequisites for the program?
The prerequisites for the Medical Radiography Program are outlined
here.