FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 19, 2014

CONTACT: Mary Stadick Smith, South Dakota Department of Education, (605) 773-7228, mary.stadicksmith@state.sd.us

Board approves advanced medical imaging program at MTI and surgical tech program expansion at STI

The South Dakota Board of Education has approved a new degree program at Mitchell Technical Institute and a program expansion at Southeast Technical Institute.

At its meeting earlier today, the board approved an associate of applied science degree in advanced medical imaging at Mitchell Technical Institute. This degree program will provide students who already hold a primary pathway registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists the opportunity to obtain specialized skills in magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. Graduates of this program would fill a growing need in the state’s healthcare industry. Certificate options will also be available for employed technologists who want to pursue advanced skills in MRI or CT.

In addition, the surgical technology program at Southeast Technical Institute has been expanded from a one-year diploma program to a two-year associate of applied science degree program. This expansion meets coming accreditation requirements for surgical technology degree programs. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of surgeons to ensure that operating rooms are safe, equipment functions properly and that operations are conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

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