Public open house to be held Monday
Future radiologic technology students will offer tours of their newly renovated, state-of-the-art laboratory classroom Monday at Mitchell Technical College.
Dr. Hilary Rockwell, Regional President and CEO of Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, and representatives of Mitchell Tech will provide remarks about the renovation and Avera Health’s investment into the program, in the tangible form of a new GE Definium Tempo fixed X-ray system to complement Mitchell Tech’s capital improvement project.
“Avera is proud to partner with Mitchell Tech on this important expansion of their radiologic technology program, and we look forward to patients across the region benefitting from this investment in the future,” Rockwell said. “The need for radiologic technologists is growing, so this is one way we can help Mitchell Tech open the doors for more students and ensure we have a highly trained workforce to care for our rural footprint.”
Radiologic Technology Program Director Lisa Herrmann said the renovation has enhanced the student experience, allowing for increased hands-on practice time on campus before heading out into clinical sites across the state. The program’s instructors are now able to simultaneously work with three groups of students in the updated department, which features two traditional lab spaces, with an improved mobile lab acting as a pass-through emergency department, between them.
When the project was announced a year ago, Dr. Carol Grode-Hanks, Vice President for Academics at Mitchell Tech, said the partnership was a natural fit.
“Avera has been a clinical partner and a strong supporter of our program since the very beginning,” she said. “They employ a lot of our graduates, and they have been a steady partner as we’ve seen our program grow and change. It is a pleasure to work alongside them as we take the leap into this next phase.”
Monday’s event will be held in the Radiologic Technology department, on the main floor of the Campus Center at Mitchell Tech. Tours of the renovated wing will be available, and refreshments will be provided.
