Radiography (X-Ray) Apply

How to Apply to the Radiography Program

Students must be admitted to Riverland Community College before they can submit a Radiography Program application.

Fall 2026 -  Program Application

Program Application Status: OPEN - click to download (PDF)

  • Apply: January 12, 2026 - May 22, 2026
  • Program begins: Fall Semester 2026
  • Application for admission to the Radiography Program is a separate process in addition to being admitted to the College.

Application Criteria

Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT)

  • Applicants must complete the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT).
  • The test must be taken in person at a Riverland campus site.
  • Online testing is not accepted.
  • A minimum score of 75 is required.
  • HSRT information and testing dates are available on the Riverland Customized Training website: Riverland Customized Training HSRT information and testing dates

Prerequisite Course Requirements

  • All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • HCNA1100 Nursing Assistant is required to apply; however, it does not count toward your prerequisite GPA.
  • A combined minimum GPA of 2.75 across all prerequisite courses is required.
  • Refer to the “Course List” tab above for a complete list of required courses.

Official Transcripts for Non-MinnState Institutions

  • If you completed prerequisite courses at a non-MinnState institution, you must submit an official transcript.
  • Request that the institution send the official transcript directly to Riverland’s Registration Department.
  • The transcript must include final grades.
  • All transcripts must be received by May 22.

Application Scoring

The Radiography Program Applications are scored by adding the following items together:

  • Cumulative GPA of the pre-requisite courses listed below (must have a 2.75 or higher to apply to the Radiography program).  See the “Course List” tab above for a list of these courses.
  • HSRT (in-person) score (percentage divided by 10) 

Your pre-requisite GPA is located on your pre-Radiography Degree Audit Report located in your Eservices under the Academic Record tab. 
So for example, if your average GPA for the pre-requisite courses is 3.20 and you got a 75% on your HSRT Test; you first divide the 75% by 10 and then add your pre-requisite  GPA (7.50+3.20=10.70).
Your score for the Radiography Program application would be 10.70. The maximum possible points is 14.

Radiography Program Details

Additional Program Details

Program Length and Start

  • The Radiography Program begins every Fall.
  • The program is 21 months long and includes 5 consecutive semesters.
  • Prerequisite courses are not included in the 21-month program length.

Application Requirements

  • You must have all 9 prerequisite courses completed or in progress by the Spring semester.
  • Submit your Radiography Application by May 22 to be considered for admission.
  • Earning A grades in all 9 prerequisite courses gives you the best chance of acceptance.

Application Updates and Communication

  • Check your email regularly for application updates.
  • All applicants will be notified of their admission status within 2 weeks of the application deadline.
  • Admitted students will receive additional information by email, including:
  • Acceptance or denial contract and required documents
  • Mandatory orientation date and other program requirements
  • Permission to register for required Radiography courses for Fall and Spring semesters

Program Capacity

  • The program accepts 20 students per year.
  • Admission is competitive and based on the highest cumulative GPA across the 9 prerequisite courses.
What Happens After You Are Accepted

If you are offered a seat in the Radiography Program, you should expect the following:

Background Check

  • You must complete and pass a Department of Human Services (DHS) background check.

Program Structure

  • The program consists of 5 consecutive semesters.
  • Prerequisite courses are not included in the program length.
  • Semester sequence: Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring.
  • The program is not available part-time or online.

Class and Practicum Schedule

  • Classes and practicums run at the same time each semester.
  • All classes are held in person on the Austin campus (West building).
  • Practicum schedules vary by days, hours, and locations.

Practicum Requirements

  • CPR certification
  • Drug screening
  • Health insurance
  • Required immunizations, including a flu vaccination
  • Practicums are unpaid.

GPA Tie-Breaker Criteria

If applicants have the same GPA, the following criteria will be reviewed in this order:

  1. Grades earned in BIOL 1030 and RADT 1245
  2. Whether the student has earned an AA degree
  3. The highest cumulative GPA in the required MnTC general education courses:
    • ENGL
    • PHIL
    • PSYC