Expanding Healthcare Frontiers: Lake Area Tech to Launch Radiologic Technology Program

Lake Area Technical College announces its new Radiologic Technology Program, targeting a Fall 2027 launch to train future X-ray technicians. This program addresses decentralized imaging needs and rural healthcare demand with a two-year associate degree. It features small cohorts for rigorous training, aims to build strong community support, and plans state-of-the-art facilities, emphasizing industry collaboration.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In a direct response to a critical workforce gap in rural healthcare, the Watertown School Board on Monday night unanimously approved a proposal for Lake Area Technical College (LATC) to develop a new Radiologic Technology program.

The initiative, which has been in development for two years, aims to train the next generation of X-ray technicians to support medical facilities across South Dakota and western Minnesota.

Addressing a “Drastic” Shift in Rural Medicine

LATC President Tiffany Sanderson informed the board that the demand for imaging professionals has surged as medical technology becomes more decentralized.

“For the last couple of years, healthcare administrators in the region have been asking us to consider adding a radiologic technology or an X-ray technician program at Lake Area Tech,” Sanderson explained. “It used to be that in rural areas, folks would need to travel to a population center, a large healthcare center, in order to have imaging work done. And over time, that has changed. More of that imaging is happening at the local level”.

Because emergencies and diagnostics are increasingly handled at local clinics and hospitals, the need for qualified technicians on-site has become paramount for timely patient care.

Strategic Collaboration Over Competition

While Mitchell Technical College already operates a successful Radiologic Technology program, Sanderson emphasized that LATC’s goal is to fill the remaining void rather than compete for resources. The need for technicians remains high following the closure of Presentation College and the shift in education models in the state.

“We want to make sure that we’re able to complement, not compete with that program, especially when it comes to student training and clinicals,” Sanderson stated.

To ensure the curriculum meets industry standards, LATC convened a group of 30 healthcare administrators last fall from central and northeastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. The college has already secured 10 letters of support from regional healthcare facilities. Sanderson noted that major providers like Sanford and Avera are so desperate for staff that they have been providing their own in-house training and are eager to partner with LATC to create an “educational ladder” for their employees.

Program Structure and Launch Timeline

The program is designed to be rigorous and highly focused. Key details of the plan include:

·         Student Enrollment: The college plans to accept 14 students per cohort, meaning 28 students will be enrolled in the program at any given time once it is fully established.

·         Staffing Requirements: LATC will hire a Program Director and a Clinical Coordinator, both of whom will also have instructional responsibilities, alongside various adjunct instructors for clinical training.

·         Funding and Facilities: The timeline for the launch is tied to fundraising. LATC will need industry support to renovate existing on-campus space and purchase the necessary imaging equipment.

Sanderson indicated that if fundraising and state approvals move smoothly, the program could welcome its first students as early as the 2027-28 school year.

Next Steps

With the local board’s approval secured, LATC will now take the application to the State Board of Technical Education in May to seek their formal support.