Radiologic Sciences

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, accurately position patients, ensure quality diagnostic images are produced, and adhere to radiation protection regulations for themselves, their patients, and coworkers. They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images, to diagnose or rule out disease or injury. With experience and additional education, RTs may become specialists in CT, mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or advance into management or education. Radiation therapy, sonography, and nuclear medicine typically require additional specialized education in a dedicated training program.

Sonographers are highly skilled health care professionals who use special equipment and high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of internal body structures and organs. They have a high level of patient interaction and play a vital role in providing the physician with images to interpret, assess, and diagnose medical conditions or conduct surgical procedures.

Echocardiographers, also known as cardiac sonographers, evaluate the anatomy and hemodynamics (blood flow) of the heart, its chambers and valves, and related blood vessels. Diagnostic medical sonographers evaluate abdominal structures like the kidney, liver, and spleen, breast tissue, the reproductive system, blood vessels, fetal development, and musculoskeletal structures like tendons and joints.

To learn more about education and careers in radiologic technology visit:

Your journey toward a bachelor's of science degree with a major in Radiologic Sciences involves a combination of foundational sciences, math, and general education with applied imaging class, lab, and clinical experiences. You begin with two or more years of pre-radiologic sciences academic courses, and then a 21- to 24-month full-time professional program within a hospital-based site affiliated with NDSU.

The professional programs will focus on didactic and clinical education in one of three areas: Radiography, Echocardiography, or Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

A maximum of 60 credits from NDSU will be awarded for successful completion of the professional program, including didactic coursework and clinical experiences, while in the affiliated hospital's program.

During the professional program, students are enrolled at NDSU and pay tuition and student fees to NDSU at the student's regular resident rate. Students who qualify to receive financial aid through NDSU may continue to do so during the professional program.

In accordance with the agreement between NDSU and the affiliate hospitals, NDSU sends a designated portion of tuition collected from the student each semester to the respective hospital affiliate site to assist in covering hospital expenses associated with the professional program. A student enrolled in the professional program is exempt from tuition discounts that reduce tuition below the ND resident rate.

Outside of NDSU tuition and student fees, professional-level students may also pay fees directly to the hospital program to cover expenses like textbooks, activity or clinical fees, and mock board exams. Textbook costs range from approximately $800-$1,500 for the two-year period. Uniforms may be purchased through the hospital, a uniform specialty shop, or other provider. During the application process and once accepted into a professional program, the hospital will provide the student with more information about the non-NDSU-related program expenses. Students are responsible for providing their own living accommodations and transportation during the professional program.

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A 21- to 24-month, 60-credit, professional program offered through one of NDSU's affiliated schools of radiologic technology provides comprehensive classroom and clinical instruction in patient care, radiation physics and protection, principles of imaging, positioning, radiobiology, and pathology. This program prepares graduates to enter the profession with hands-on experience in diagnostic radiography. In addition to general radiography, students may also receive education in specialized areas such as mammography, CT, and MRI. It is a full-time, 40-hour a week, program and is unpaid. The affiliated hospital's radiologic technology education programs maintain accreditation with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Successful completion of the program and degree requirements qualifies the graduate to take the national certifying examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to earn the credential of registered technologist in radiography RT(R).

NDSU maintains affiliation with radiologic technology programs in the following locations:

A 21-month, 60 credit, professional program offered through Sanford Medical Center, Fargo. The professional program consists of instructional classes, scanning labs, and clinical education with a focus on abdomen, OB/GYN, small parts, and vascular sonography. It is a full-time, 40-hour a week, program and is unpaid. After successful completion of the program requirements, students receive a certificate of completion from Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, and a baccalaureate degree from NDSU.

Sanford Medical Center's sonography program maintains accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

A 21-month, 60 credit, professional program offered through Sanford Medical Center, Fargo. The professional program consists of instructional classes, scanning labs, and clinical education with a focus on adult echocardiography (sonography of the heart) including rotations in pediatric and stress echocardiography. It is a full-time, 40-hour a week, program and is unpaid. After successful completion of the program requirements, students receive a certificate of completion from Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, and a baccalaureate degree from NDSU.

Sanford Medical Center's sonography program maintains accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Students apply for the professional program during the year they will complete all pre-professional coursework. Students will work closely with the department and their academic advisor to prepare their professional program application(s). The professional program application process occurs annually during the fall semester, with interview and selection typically occurring early during the spring semester.

Admission into a professional program is selective and requires a separate application be made to each affiliated hospital program. NDSU and the Department of Allied Sciences does not guarantee any placements to the professional programs. Admitted professional-level students are determined by the hospital site's admission committee.

Professional-level students are selected based on academic performance, completed coursework, related experience, references, and personal interview. ACT scores and high school grades may be considered, depending on the hospital site. The department will provide information about deadlines, specific admission criteria, and application materials for the various hospitals. Students will work with their academic advisor to discuss helpful ways to create a competitive applicant profile. It is recommended for students to work with their academic advisor at least a year prior to applying to the professional program.

Pre-professional radiologic science students must meet the following admission requirements to be eligible to apply to affiliated hospital programs:

  • Declared pre-RS major at NDSU;
  • Earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.50-3.00 as required by the hospital program. GPA requirements vary by hospital and students must meet their GPA requirement by each site's application deadline.;
  • Earn a C or better in all courses to be used to fulfill major and degree requirements;
  • Meet the program-designated technical standards (mental and physical requirements) or request reasonable accommodations to meet these standards;
  • Comply with criminal background and student conduct requirements.

Students are routinely evaluated by on-site hospital faculty and clinical preceptors throughout their professional program. The professional-level of their programming consists of didactic coursework and clinical courses for which the hospital program awards letter grades on an official hospital transcript. Clinical performance is evaluated using a competency-based evaluation system.

For students enrolled in a radiography professional program, NDSU awards a "P" grade (Pass) for each semester signifying satisfactory progress toward completing the professional program requirements. The hospital program's final transcript is the official record of completion of the specific radiography requirements.

For students enrolled in one of the professional sonography specialization programs, the courses will be listed on their NDSU transcript along with the grades provided from Sanford Medical Center.

With an increased interest in radiologic science careers, admission into the hospital-based programs is highly competitive. To help prepare for the Radiologic Sciences program, consider the following steps:

  • Take (and do your best) on the ACT
    • Two hospitals we have affiliate agreements with require an ACT score in the admissions process for radiography
    • Two hospitals we have affiliate agreements with consider an ACT score in the admissions process for radiography
    • The hospital we have an affiliate agreement with for sonography and echocardiography require an ACT score of 20 or higher
  • Job shadow at your local hospital or clinic setting
    • Consider job shadowing in your area of interest to understand the profession better
    • Hospitals may require job shadow hours for their admission process
  • Stay engaged with current coursework, both in high school and college
    • Many hospital-based admission committees review both high school and college transcripts
  • Work on strengthening skills in areas of critical thinking, time management, professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to follow directions
  • Gain work experience in direct patient care

  • When can I apply to the professional (hospital-based) program?

    You can apply to the hospital-based program during the fall term of the academic year you will complete all pre-professional courses at NDSU. If accepted, you will begin the hospital-based program the following summer or fall term.

    For example, if you will have all pre-professional courses completed by May 2027, you will apply to the hospital-based programs in the fall 2026 semester. Pre-professional courses are all classes required for the academic major and degree with the exception of the RS 496 credits. Explore the curriculum here.

  • Can I complete the hospital-based program at any hospital?

    No. Students can apply to any hospital-based programs which NDSU has an affiliate agreement with. A list of current hospital affiliates are listed under each pathway tab.

  • What do the hospital-based programs consider when selecting candidates during their admission process?

    Academics:

    • Courses successfully completed with a 'C' or better
    • ACT score - Radiography
      • Required score at two hospital sites
      • Score considered at two hospital sites
    • ACT score - Sonography and Echocardiography
      • Score of 20 or higher is required
    • GPA - Radiography
      • Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.50-3.00
      • Average cumulative GPA of accepted students: 3.59
      • Average science GPA of accepted students: 3.25
    • GPA - Sonography and Echocardiography
      • Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.00
      • Must earn a "C" in core courses within 2 attempts
      • Average cumulative GPA of accepted students: 3.78
      • Average core GPA of accepted students: 3.63

    Experience:

    • Direct patient care experience
    • Volunteer experiences may be considered at some locations
    • Job Shadow
      • minimum of 2 hours
      • some locations require more
    • Other types of leadership and extracurricular activities may be considered

    Other:

    • Satisfactory criminal background check
    • References that can speak to your academic ability, work ethic, and/or personal qualities
    • Personal characteristics, skills and career interest/motivation as evidence in personal interview, essays, resume and/or cover letter
    • Skills/traits that are highly valued:
      • critical thinking,
      • attention to detail,
      • professionalism,
      • verbal and written communication,
      • ability to follow directions,
      • teamwork,

      • compassion

  • How competitive is the process of being accepted into a hospital-based program?

    The percentage of students who receive a hospital placement varies from year to year. Different factors can impact the total number of placements including the total number of eligible applicants and the number of hospital locations each applicant applies to. Many students apply to both radiography and sonography sites even if sonography is the preferred pathway.

    Hospitals determine placements each year, as well as the number of students they accept. Some hospitals work with other colleges/universities. NDSU cannot guarantee placements and do not participate in the hospital's admission process. Typically each year, 65-75% of applicants receive a placement in radiography and 25-30% of applicants receive a placement in sonography and echocardiography areas.

    Hospital admission committees are considering the following criteria:

    • academic performance which may include high school and college transcripts,
    • total number of pre-professional courses completed at the time of application,
    • frequency of course retakes [Ds, Fs, or Withdraws (W) from college courses]
    • related work experience (direct patient care),
    • references, and

    • personal interview

  • What are options for 'direct patient care' jobs?

    Excellent options for direct patient care experience are:

    • phlebotomist (must be 18 years old)
    • certified nursing assistant (CNA)
    • patient care technician (PCT)
    • aide or tech assistant in any specialty area (X-ray, CT, MRI, etc.)
    • patient transfer assistant

    It is recommended to have a minimum of 6 months part-time experience (or 3 months full-time experience). Though some hospital sites will consider volunteer experience, paid work experience is preferred.

  • What if I don't get accepted into a professional program the first time I apply?

    If a student does not receive a placement at a hospital, most hospitals will provide feedback to the student or the Department on reasons for not being selected. This information is helpful to assist in creating an action plan to become a better candidate should a student reapply. The acceptance rate for reapplicants who have improved their qualifications from the feedback are between 85-100%.

Allied Sciences

Email: NDSU-AlliedSciences@ndsu.edu Phone: (701) 231-8713 Page Manager