South Dakota rad tech license: x-ray and sonographer rules

South Dakota rad tech license: an x-ray technologist needs no state license, a sonographer none; 4 programs.

The state rules apply where you take the images

Example: South Dakota· change any figure to see your own result

South Dakota: state license for an x-ray technologist

No

No state license · sonographer: no state license

Radiologic technologist (radiography)No state license
Sonographer (ultrasound)No state license
Limited x-ray operatorNo limited credential in the ASRT table
Other licensed modalitiesNone in the ASRT table
AgencySouth Dakota Department of Health
Programs reported to IPEDS (2023-24)3 radiography, 1 sonography

Rule from the ASRT state table, checked against the page of South Dakota Department of Health on November 13, 2026.

How this is computed

Compiled by Radif Partners · How the rules were read

South Dakota has no state license for radiographers, limited operators or sonographers. The ASRT table records only an equipment regulation, and the Department of Health handles x-ray facilities. Training is small and technical: Mitchell Technical College reported the largest radiography class in 2023-24 and Southeast Technical College the only sonography awards. Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls trains radiographers in a hospital certificate program, and Mount Marty University in Yankton offers the only bachelor’s degree in radiography that reported graduates. Out-of-state students pay the resident rate at both technical colleges. By awards in 2023-24, the largest programs were Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell (radiography, 16), Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls (sonography, 14), Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls (radiography, 13) and Mount Marty University in Yankton (radiography, 6).

How to get the South Dakota rad tech license

No personal state application. Complete an accredited program and pass the ARRT or ARDMS exams; the facility answers to the Department of Health for its equipment.

South Dakota: imaging modalities with a state rule (ASRT table, read November 13, 2026)
ModalityState credential
RadiographyNo license (equipment rule: regulation)
CTNo license (equipment rule: regulation)

South Dakota rad tech and sonography schools

South Dakota: the largest of 3 radiography and 1 sonography programs; public in-state median $7,524 and $7,650 a year (IPEDS 2023-24)
SchoolCityProgramAwards 2023-24In-state tuition and fees
Mitchell Technical CollegeMitchellRadiography16$7,524
Southeast Technical CollegeSioux FallsSonography14$7,650
Sanford Medical CenterSioux FallsRadiography13n/a
Mount Marty UniversityYanktonRadiography6$33,100

Tuition and exam: becoming a technologist in South Dakota

Example: sonography, 2 years in South Dakota· change any figure to see your own result

Sonography in South Dakota: tuition and exam

$15,875

$7,650 a year × 2 + ARDMS SPI and one specialty $575

Median public in-state tuition and fees in South Dakota$7,650 a year (2023-24)
Years of study2
Exam fees$575
State licenseNo state license
Full calculator: Sonographer: the job and the route →

Questions students and technologists ask

Tap a question to see the answer.

Do I need a license to be an x-ray tech in South Dakota?

No. The ASRT table lists no individual license for South Dakota, only an equipment regulation. Employers ask for ARRT certification and registration, and the Department of Health regulates the equipment and the facility. Nothing goes to the state in your own name.

Where can I study sonography in South Dakota?

Southeast Technical College is the only South Dakota school that reported sonography awards to IPEDS for 2023-24. Radiography is taught at Mitchell Technical College, Sanford Medical Center and others listed on this page. Out-of-state students pay the resident rate there.

How much does rad tech or sonography school cost in South Dakota?

Yearly tuition and required fees for residents in 2023-24, from the IPEDS charges file: Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, $7,524; Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, $7,650; Mount Marty University in Yankton, $33,100. Multiply by the length of the program, one to four years depending on the award.

Next steps

Rad tech license by state

39 jurisdictions issue a credential to radiographers; the word each uses, and the 12 that do not.

Sonographer license by state

Only 5 places license sonographers; the agency of each, and what the other states ask instead.

Moving to another state

Licensed in one state, moving to another: whether you need a new state credential, and where to apply.

Radiology tech schools

482 radiography programs with graduates in 2023-24: find those of your state with tuition and fees.

State tables, agency pages, fee pages and federal files behind this page (4)

Each form number, fee, length and signer list was read on these official documents on November 13, 2026.

Compiled by

Independent publisher of state-by-state licensing rules and exam cost calculators for sonographers and radiologic technologists. Paid by no one: no school lead, no affiliate link, no paid placement.

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The answers apply the ASRT state table and the agency pages read on November 13, 2026, and the IPEDS files for 2023-24. Rules change: your state agency decides.