Application and Admission to the Avera McKennan School of Radiologic Technology

The recruitment and admission practices of the School of Radiologic Technology are non-discriminatory on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, national origin, marital status, or disability.

Please use the following guidelines to apply to the School of Radiologic Technology:

1. Submit a completed application form.
   - Fill out the application form online and then print it.
   - If you require more space than allotted for the narrative questions, you can create a separate document to type and print your answers.
2. Submit a $30.00 nonrefundable processing fee along with the application form.
3. Submit official high school and college transcripts.
4. Submit American College Testing Program (ACT) scores (optional)
5. Submit three Avera McKennan School of Radiologic Technology reference forms. There are two options for submitting the reference forms:
   • Submit the forms in a sealed envelope with the reference's signature across the flap. Or,
   • Each person providing a reference can submit the form via email directly to the mckennanradtechschool@avera.org email address.
6. It is highly suggested that the reference forms be filled out by a former/current employer, faculty member, advisor, or an individual who can speak of your academic ability, work ethic, and character.
7. Upon receiving all the above materials, the Program Director will determine if academic admission requirements have been met. A personal interview will be arranged with those applicants meeting the admission requirements during the months of January through February. If you do not meet the requirements, you will receive a written explanation.
8. The Admissions Committee will review the data submitted by each applicant who qualified for an interview, and the top candidates will be selected for acceptance into the program. A written notice of acceptance or rejection will be sent to all applicants no later than March 15.

• Download the application form
• Download the recommendation

• Be in good health and meet the technical standards appropriate to radiologic technology as set forth by the school.
• Be a graduate of an accredited high school or equivalent (GED).
• Demonstrate a balanced curriculum, with emphasis in physics, chemistry, mathematics and general sciences.
• Have taken the ACT examination (optional).
• Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale.
• Have participated in a job shadow experience in a radiology department.
• Must have completed a college level anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, college algebra, and English composition and achieve a “C” or above.
• Effective January 1, 2015, graduates must have earned a minimum of an Associate’s Degree to be eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The degree does not have to be in the radiologic sciences. Students must provide proof they meet the academic requirements by one of the following:
  • Earned an Associate Degree by an accredited agency recognized by the ARRT. A list of these agencies is provided on the ARRT website, www.arrt.org.
  • Be enrolled in an affiliated college or university and complete all requirements prior to starting in the Avera McKennan program in September.
• Pass a background check.

Students will undergo a health assessment and tuberculin screening. A health history is mailed to the student during the summer prior to enrollment. Documentation of vaccinations must be provided prior to the start of the program, including:

• TB assessment or blood assay will be completed at Avera McKennan.
• Proof of the adult Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination.
• Proof of two complete MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunizations or proof of positive titers for measles, mumps and rubella. The student must provide official documentation.
• Proof of completed Hepatitis B series, or a signed declination form.
• A completed varicella questionnaire. Must have known history of disease, a positive titer, or documentation of two varicella vaccinations.
• Influenza Immunization is required for students from October 1st through April 1st.
• Physical examination within the past year prior to admittance and standard 10 panel urine screen drug must be completed within 60 days of program start.

Health care services, while the student is enrolled in the program, are the responsibility of the student. Students must show proof of medical coverage upon admittance into the program.

You will be an excellent candidate for this field if you like to be active and enjoy working with a variety of people. Good communication, problem-solving and analytical skills are also important for radiographers.

The profession is a physically demanding one. Tasks on a typical day include assisting with lifting patients, transporting patients on stretchers or in wheelchairs and moving heavy portable imaging equipment within the hospital.

The environment is fast paced and stressful and you will be on your feet for several hours at a time. The radiographer must also respond to audio signals and alarms and be able to differentiate subtle shades of gray on a diagnostic image.

Radiologic technologists should be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail and be able to work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity.

A prospective student should have:

• A desire to work with ill and disabled people, as well as with other health professionals
• An ability to do precise work accurately
• An interest in operating machinery and equipment
• An interest in science
• Good physical and mental health