South Dakota Radiologic Technologist Schools
South Dakota does not license radiology technologists or technicians. You will still need to follow most of the same steps, though, to get a good position. Employers frequently ask that you be registered with the ARRT or, in the case of entry-level positions, that you be working toward certification. You may need to achieve certification within six months on the job.
Radiologic Technologist Resources – Oregon
In order to be certified, you’ll need to enroll in an ARRT-approved school. You can do a search on the site of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT is the programmatic accrediting agency.
Currently, South Dakota has programs at the certificate, associate, and baccalaureate level. Certificates are offered by health care centers, degree programs by academic institutions.
AART Certification Requirements Changes
Beginning in January of 2015, candidates for ARRT certification will need an academic degree at the associate level or higher. The degree does not have to be granted by the same institution where you do your radiography training, and it may be earned before or after. In many states, partnerships have been forged between academic institutions and health care institutions. Regional Health notes that a number of the state’s colleges and universities offer academic credit for the radiologic certificate.
As 2015 looms closer, you may see more concrete information about articulation. In the meantime, it’s something that you may want to ask prospective schools.
You can prepare for program admission in advance by getting your CPR certification and making sure you are current on your vaccinations. You may need to do some prerequisite classes beforehand. These will vary from institution to institution, but may include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and basic academic coursework like algebra and English. Some academic coursework may be completed at a distance.
Your program will take you out into the field, performing x-rays and related procedures under supervision. As your program is winding down, you’ll have your program director sign the required paperwork. Then you’ll apply to the ARRT for candidate status. The ARRT will need to confirm that you meet the ethics standards. When you receive your candidate status report, you will schedule an exam at a computerized testing center.
Advancement Opportunities for Radiologic Technologists in SD
You can pursue specialty certifications later to make yourself more competitive. You may opt to complete your baccalaureate. This is something you can do online.
You don’t necessarily have to have a baccalaureate to get certification in a specialty area, but you do need to meet additional clinical requirements. Your professional organization can be a good resource.
Radiology Technology Career Outlook – South Dakota
Nationwide, jobs for radiology technologists and technicians are on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job prospects are greatest for technologists with multiple certifications.
Hospitals employ the most workers though you will find some positions at doctor’s offices as well. In South Dakota, the greatest concentration of workers is in the Sioux Falls area. South Dakota’s radiology technologists and technicians have a mean salary of $46,620.
South Dakota Radiology Technology Licensing and Professional Organizations Contact Information
- Credentialing Agency: The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Click Here to visit their website.
- Professional Organization: South Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists
Click Here to visit the website