Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists apply their knowledge of imaging technology, equipment and patient positioning to produce images used to diagnose patient injury or illness.

Radiologic technologists use various imaging technologies such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography to help diagnose injury or illness.

Students will learn to prepare patients for imaging procedures by explaining the process, positioning them correctly, and ensuring their safety and comfort during the procedure.

Minnesota Requirements to Become a Radiologic Technologist

In order to become a radiologic technologist in Minnesota, you will need to graduate from an approved/accredited program. Once you have graduated, you will need to take additional licensing exams before applying for your radiologic technologist license. Licensing exams are set by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Your license will allow you to work as a radiologic technologist in Minnesota however you will need to maintain your license regularly and fulfill continuing education requirements.

Application Process

• Apply to Ridgewater College, be admitted, and have “Pre-Radiologic Technologist” as one of your majors.
• Have 6+ months patient-care experience OR 4+ hours of shadowing at a medical imaging facility.
• Have all prerequisite courses complete or in-progress (must complete with cumulative GPA of 2.5+):
  • PRNU 1617 – Medical Terminology
  • BIOL 2100 – Human Anatomy (minimum C grade)
  • ENGL 1209 or ENGL 1210 – College Composition I
  • CMST 1210 – Intro to Communication or CMST 2260 – Interpersonal Communication
  • MATH 1120 or MATH 1125 – College Algebra
• Ask two (2) references to complete a survey (Download Form)
• Have healthcare experience and/or partake in a job shadow at a medical imaging facility (Download Form)
• Complete the Radiologic Technology Summer 2026 Intake Application
• Complete an interview with CentraCare

Pre-Radiologic Tech Checklist [PDF]

Program Timeline

Application: Jan. 25 – Feb. 12** Interviews:** March 1 – 2** Offer Letters (sent via email):** March 15** Orientation:** May 17 (in-person at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, mandatory)** Classes Start:** May 24

* Tuition/fees and additional costs are approximate and based on 2025-26 school year.

• 68 credit degree
• Based on Willmar campus
• In-person at CentraCare
• Start in summer

The initial accreditation status of the program was considered at the October 24, 2025 meeting of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The program was evaluated according to the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography (2021). The program documents compliance with all relevant Standards; therefore, the JRCERT awards: Initial Accreditation for a period of Three Years.

2025 JRCERT Accreditation [PDF]

Program Cost*

Tuition/Fees

• AAS – $15,187 (includes costs of prerequisite courses)

Additional Costs

• Book costs vary
• Uniforms and shoes: $300
• Special course fees: $400

Students who receive an offer letter must accept their offer letter by March 29 and pay a non-refundable $300 matriculation fee. If the student begins the program, this fee will be applied towards textbooks.

Careers & Jobs

• Radiologic Technologist