Help doctors and patients find the answers they need. Radiographers provide an inside look. The Radiography associate degree program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College will prepare you for a career as a radiographer. Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, play a key role in many health care settings, producing medical images used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

  • Overview
  • Is This Program for You?

    Students who are successful in this field can:

    • Follow instructions carefully.
    • Work to prescribed standards.
    • Utilize good judgment in following procedures and handling problems.
    • Show interest in work of a technical or scientific nature.
    • Perform under pressure in emergency situations.

    Program Basics

    • Face-to-Face and Online courses
    • Fall program start date.
    • Students must achieve a grade of a C or better in each course of the program curriculum to be eligible to progress.
    • Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification must be maintained throughout the program (Courses must include CPR, and a hands-on exam must be taken).
    • Students who complete this program can pursue transfer to bachelor’s degree programs.
    • Wisconsin law requires background checks for persons who provide care for others or have access to people who receive care.
    • Classes are offered daytime with occasional evenings.

    Earning your associate degree in Radiography prepares you for professional work in a wide range of health care facilities as a radiographer.

  • Curriculum & Costs
  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 24-25

    Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

    Category Amount
    Tuition and Fees $4,820
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,148
    Books and Supplies $1,466
    Personal Expenses $3,608
    Transportation $4,018
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $600
    Loan Fees $84
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $23,744
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $11,872

    Based on Wisconsin Residents.

    Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

    Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

    These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

  • Requirements
  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Per Wis. Stat. § 462.03(1)(b), hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, as determined by the WI Radiography Board
    • Submit Application
    • Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech (email admissions@swtc.edu, or mail to Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809)
    • HESI Exam: schedule and pay for HESI by calling 608.822.2313 or by going to www.swtc.edu/community/testing-center/hesi​
    • Nursing Assistant: submit transcript showing successful completion of the Nursing Assistant course.
    • Chemistry Coursework: submit transcripts showing two semesters of High School Chemistry with a 'C' or higher * OR * one semester of College Chemistry with a 'C' or higher
    • Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with your advisor to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by clicking "Make an appointment" with your program advisor.
    • Admissions Preference Policy

      Priority for program acceptance will be given in this order:

      1. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Residents (permanent address is in one of Southwest Tech’s 30 school districts the College serves) Southwest Tech District Information
        • January 1 for the following fall semester
        • May 1 for the following spring semester
        • October 1 for the following summer semester
      2. After the dates specified in (1) for District Residents, Non-District State Residents have priority equal to District Residents.
      3. Out-of-State Residents will be admitted after District and Non-District State Residents, as spaces remain available.

    Program Requirements

    Helpful Academic Background

    • Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics
    • Computers
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • General Anatomy and Physiology

    Program Fees

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.
  • Outcomes
  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Carry out the production and evaluation of radiographic images
    • Practice radiation safety principles
    • Provide quality patient care
    • Model professional and ethical behavior consistent with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Code of Ethics
    • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the practice of diagnostic radiography

    Professional Licensure Disclosure

    Southwest Tech’s Associate Degree Radiography program is designed to prepare students to sit for the American Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) Examination. The program will admit students beginning in the Fall of 2024. The Southwest Tech Radiography Tech program is seeking accreditation with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JR-CERT).

    Licensure Information

    Please see the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services DSPS webpage for information regarding Wisconsin licensure as a Radiologist Technician . The DSPS requirements include, but are not limited to the following:

    • Must be at least 18 years of age
    • Must pass the American Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) National Registry Examination
    • Must successfully complete a board-approved formal course of study which includes a JRCERT-Accredited degree in radiography or a formal education program that is ARRT approved.

    Licensure Fees

    (only upon graduation to be licensed in WI)
    $225 ARRT
    $75 WI State License

  • Career Opportunities
  • Registered radiologic technologists (R.T.s) are medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations. R.T.s practice in hospitals, clinics and physician’s offices, and in many clinical specialties, from prenatal care to orthopedics

    Opportunities include job titles such as:

    • Radiologic Technologist
    • Registered Radiographer
    • Diagnostic Radiographer

    Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

  • Transfers
  • Southwest Tech has entered into numerous post-secondary transfer agreements with area colleges and universities to support our graduates' continuing education. Students interested in transferring Nursing - Associate Degree credits to other colleges or universities are strongly encouraged to check with the receiving institution first, prior to enrolling in coursework at Southwest Tech.

  • Prior Learning
  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

    Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

    For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

    At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

  • Accreditation