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Mitchell Tech expanding radiology program thanks to Avera donation

Puetz Corporation
Mitchell Tech's Campus Center (file)

Mitchell Technical College is expanding its radiology program thanks to a major gift.

Avera Health is donating funds to help the college pay for a state-of-the-art X-ray system in Mitchell Tech’s newly renovated Campus Center building.

Mitchell Tech and Avera announced the gift Wednesday. Neither organization disclosed the dollar value of the donation.

Avera and Mitchell Tech have partnered in the radiology program since 2000.

Avera Queen of Peace President and CEO Doug Ekeren said Avera is in critical need of more radiologic technologists across their health system.

Mitchell Tech president Mark Wilson said the partnership between the two organizations has been valuable for both.

“Every year, our graduates are sought after before graduation, because the field is growing quickly," Wilson said. "With Avera’s help, we will be able to grow our program, both in what we can offer to our students and in the number of students we can reach.”

Mitchell Tech's radiology program recently increased in capacity from 15 to 24 students, according to a press release. The school is anticipating further expansion in the future.

Josh Chilson is the news director at South Dakota Public Broadcasting. A Florence, S.D. native, Josh graduated with a journalism degree from South Dakota State University. He has worked as a newspaper reporter and videographer, and most recently as managing editor for Dakota News Now. Josh is based out of SDPB's Sioux Falls studio.