Program Calendar and Course Descriptions

View the program course of study, descriptions of specific classes and our current program calendar with important schedule information.

Program Calendar

2022-2023

Fall 2022: August 22 – December 10, 2022

  • Program Orientation: August 22 – 26, 2022
  • Clinical Orientation: August 29 – September 2, 2022
  • Hospital Orientation: September 12, 2022

Winter Intersession:

  • Didactic Courses: December 11, 2022 – January 7, 2023
  • Clinical: No break. Rotations continue as scheduled

Spring 2023: January 8, 2023 – June 3, 2023

Summer Intersession:

  • Didactic Courses: June 11, 2023 – July 8, 2023
  • Clinical: No break. Rotations continue as scheduled

Summer 2023: July 9, 2023 – August 4, 2023

Graduation: August 4, 2023

  • 2023 Program Orientation: August 21 – 25, 2023
  • 2023 Clinical Orientation: August 28 – September 1, 2023

2023-2024

Fall 2023: August 21 – December 9, 2023

  • Program Orientation: August 21 – 25, 2023
  • Clinical Orientation: August 28 – September 1, 2023
  • Choosing to Serve: September 11, 2023

Winter Intersession:

  • Didactic Courses: December 10, 2023 – January 6, 2024
  • Clinical: No break. Rotations continue as scheduled

Spring 2024: January 7, 2024 – June 1, 2024

Summer Intersession:

  • Didactic Courses: June 2, 2024 – June 29, 2024
  • Clinical: No break. Rotations continue as scheduled

Summer 2024: June 30, 2024 – August 2, 2024

Graduation: August 2, 2024

  • 2024 Program Orientation: August 19 – 23, 2024
  • 2024 Clinical Orientation: August 26 – 30, 2024

2024-2025

Fall 2024: August 19 – December 7, 2024

  • Program Orientation: August 19 – 23, 2024
  • Clinical Orientation: August 26 – 30, 2024
  • Choosing to Serve: September 9, 2024

Winter Intersession:

  • Didactic Courses: December 8, 2024 – January 4, 2025
  • Clinical: No break.  Rotations continue as scheduled 

Spring 2025: January 5, 2025 – May 31, 2025

Summer Intersession:

  • Didactic Courses: June 1, 2025 – June 28, 2025
  • Clinical: No break. Rotations continue as scheduled

Summer 2025: June 29, 2025 – August 1, 2025

Graduation: August 1, 2025

  • 2025 Program Orientation: August 18 – 22, 2025
  • 2025 Clinical Orientation: August 25 – 29, 2025

Observed Holidays:

  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • Christmas Day after
  • New Year's Day
  • Easter Sunday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day

Course of Study

Students are required to successfully complete all first and second year program coursework. The student must maintain a minimum grade of 80% in each didactic course of the program or they will be subject to disciplinary action. Each final didactic course grade must not be lower than an 80%.The student must maintain a minimum grade of 85% in each clinical course of the program or they will be subject to disciplinary action. Each final clinical grade must not be lower than an 85%.

First Year

  • Orientation to Radiologic Technology
  • Basic Radiation Protection
  • Professional Ethics
  • Nursing Procedures
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Radiographic Physics
  • Routine Radiographic Procedures
  • Image Critique
  • Medical Terminology
  • Radiation Biology & Protection
  • Radiographic Exposure
  • Introduction to Computerized Tomography
  • Clinical Education

Second Year

  • Radiographic Anatomy and Pathology
  • Non-Routine Radiographic Procedures
  • Image Critique
  • Special Radiographic Procedures and Equipment
  • Digital Radiography & PACS
  • Introduction to Mammography
  • Introduction to Ultrasound
  • Senior Seminar & Review
  • Clinical Education

Course Descriptions

Basic Radiation Protection

Units of radiation measurement are defined. The types of radiation injuries and methods of protection are discussed. The various types of radiation monitoring equipment are presented.

Clinical Education

Each semester the clinical application of patient care, radiographic procedures, radiographic principles and radiation protection is attained through specific clinical assignments and completion of specific clinical objectives. Clinical assignments include routine radiography, fluoroscopy, mobile radiography, surgical procedures, CT, mammography, ultrasound, MRI, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy and special procedures.

Digital Radiography & PACS

The basic concepts, historical development and types of computers are discussed. Computer terminology and radiology applications are presented. Picture archiving and communications systems, computed radiography and digital radiography are also discussed. Basic quality assurance and quality control practices for digital radiography are discussed.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomical parts and physiological functions of the various systems of the body are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the framework support, metabolism, nourishment, reproduction and control of the body.

Image Critique

Instruction will include the presentation of images with an analysis of the technical factors, anatomy demonstrated, positioning factors and central ray alignment. The student will learn to distinguish between diagnostic and poor quality images.

Introduction to Computerized Tomography

Students are provided with the basics of computerized tomography, how it is utilized and how it compares with conventional radiography. Various examinations and scanning techniques are demonstrated.

Introduction to Mammography

The student is introduced to the basic principles of mammography equipment and procedures. Various patient conditions and pathologies are discussed.

Introduction to Ultrasound

The basic principles and imaging modalities of ultrasound are presented. Patient preparation, scanning technique and simple pathologies for various ultrasound examinations are discussed.

Medical Terminology

The terminology used in the radiology profession is presented. The building of medical terms using word roots, suffixes and prefixes will be presented. Abbreviations and symbols commonly used in patient charting and exam requisitions are discussed.

Non-Routine Radiographic Procedures

The student studies the positions and procedures for radiographic examinations not performed on a regular basis. Emphasis is placed on part position and anatomical demonstration with simulation and laboratory practice.

Nursing Procedures

Provides the student with concepts of patient care. Routine and emergency care procedures are described. Topics include vital signs, body mechanics, isolation, IV and oxygen administration, sterile techniques, venipuncture and NG therapies.

Orientation to Radiologic Technology

A brief history and overview of radiography and its role in the field of health care is discussed. Academic, clinical, hospital, departmental and program administrative policies are presented.

Professional Ethics

The study of medical and legal ethics and their applications to the technologist are presented. Emphasis is placed on professional practices and communication

Radiation Biology and Protection

The production of X-rays and their interactions with matter are presented and methods of radiation measurement are discussed. The signs, symptoms, effects and results of exposure to acute and chronic radiation are identified. The biological effects of radiation on cells and radiosensitivity of various tissues are discussed.

Radiographic Anatomy and Pathology

Radiographic anatomy and common pathologies of the different body systems are discussed. Associated radiographic findings for disease processes are presented.

Radiographic Exposure

With the use of instruction, laboratory materials, observation and practice, the student will learn and apply the effects of radiation. Primary and secondary exposure factors are presented and analyzed as to their effect on image quality.

Radiographic Physics

The basic fundamentals of physics are discussed including mathematics, units of measurement, physical concepts of energy and atomic structure. The production and physical characteristics of X-rays and the electrical principles of X-ray equipment are presented.

Routine Radiographic Procedures

Detailed information on the various positions and procedures routinely performed in the radiology department are discussed. The fundamental principles of position will be followed by a demonstration and simulation in laboratory exercises.

Senior Seminar and Review

The student is required to prepare a scientific paper or exhibit on a pertinent topic in radiology. A review of the five main areas of the ARRT registry examination for radiography is presented.

Special Radiographic Procedures and Equipment

Students are exposed to various types of specialized radiographic procedures with emphasis on anatomy, technique and specialized equipment. Procedures related to angiography, myelography and urography are discussed.

Contact Our Team and Find Application Details

If you have questions about our program or need assistance, please call us at 605-668-8158.

Interested in applying to our program?

Application instructions

Resources

Location and Correspondence

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital
School of Radiologic Technology
501 Summit
Yankton, SD 57078
Phone: 605-668-8158
Fax: 605-668-8153
Email: anessa.vanosdel@avera.org