We are Ridgewater - Ridgewater College

2 Century Ave SE, Hutchinson, MN 55350 • www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151 • 2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201 • www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151
Elizabeth
Carlos
Kallie
Ryan
Sarah
Melanie
We are Ridgewater
“I chose Ridgewater as it is a lower-cost institution and has small class sizes, hands-on learning
and easy transferability of credits to four-year universities.... After getting an AAS degree in Dairy
Management, I plan on going on from Ridgewater to obtain my bachelor’s degree at a four-year
university.”
Elizabeth Golombiecki, Morris
Dairy Management
“I chose Ridgewater College because it’s an affordable option compared to other schools, plus
it’s a great stepping stone from a high school to a big university.”
Carlos Lopez, Jr, Litchfield
Liberals Arts & Sciences – Pre-Psychology and Computer Science
“I love to sell things; that’s partly why I’m coming to Ridgewater. I love that feeling of helping
someone find anything that they need to make their life better and I want to help them in the
best way possible. I heard that Ridgewater had a great program for sales, and to add to that, I
could probably play baseball there.”
Ryan Quast, Lester Prairie
Marketing and Sales Management
inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society my junior year. I will graduate with an AA degree
in Liberal Arts this May. I am a very dedicated student and I take my education very seriously.
I have set my goals very high to one day becoming a surgeon, and although I know I will need
to take it one step at a time, I have complete faith that I will be able to reach that goal with
perseverance and the support of my friends and family.”
Kallie Evans, Cokato
Post-secondary Enrollment Option, Liberal Arts – Pre-Med
“My decision to further my education at Ridgewater College was based mainly on word of
mouth from two of my cousins and a friend who had completed the NDT program. I chose to
pursue a career in Nondestructive Testing for a few reasons. One of the main reasons is job
security…. Another reason is financial security. It is very important for me to be independent
and able to support myself. Something else that piqued my interest about NDT is the possibility
of travel… Upon completion of the NDT program I would like to obtain employment as a rope
access technician. Rope access is used anywhere that the client is unable to build scaffolding or
would benefit from using rope access instead of scaffolding. My plan is to explore a few of the
different career paths that NDT can offer and decide which is the best fit for me.”
Melanie Landis, Blackduck
Nondestructive Testing
“After graduating from high school, I plan to further my education at South Dakota State
University as a pre-med student in hopes to one day become a surgeon. I plan on double
majoring in biology and psychology and possibly participating in the honors program at SDSU.
After getting my bachelor’s degree, I want to attend the University of Minnesota for medical
school. Although I went PSEO my junior year, I have not let that affect my GPA and I have strived
for excellence at Ridgewater College. I have been on the Dean’s list at Ridgewater all three
semesters and I hope to make it for the fourth time before graduating this spring. I was also
“Growing up in an underprivileged community has not only given me financial and academic
challenges, but has also helped me realize the importance of a college education. I am entering
the second half of my first year towards my associate’s degree in the Healthcare Administrative
Assistant program. As a mother of three young children, I am thankful for generous scholarships
and for helping me make my dreams come true.”
Sarah Maciel, California and Willmar
Healthcare Administrative Assistant
BASKETBALL TEAM
The Ridgewater College Men’s Basketball program has had a very successful
history and we are very excited about its future. The Men’s Basketball program
at Ridgewater College has produced 7 All-Americans and has claimed 2 Region
13 Championships, in addition to numerous conference titles.
In only his second season, Head Coach Darren Tighe has created an exciting
brand of basketball that is currently vying for a conference championship!
After assistant coaching stints at the college level, head and assistant coaching
experiences at the high school level, Coach Tighe has made a successful
transition to head coaching at the college level. Coach Tighe and his coaching
staff have created a program that competes at a high caliber level in our NJCAA
Division III affiliation.
Ridgewater College basketball is built with high expectations in the classroom,
community and on the basketball court for our student athletes. The Warriors
play an aggressive style of defense that goes along with an up-tempo
offense that stresses great ball movement. The style of play and character
of the athletes make Ridgewater College basketball a pleasure to watch and
participate in.
Steven Hanson • Goodridge
Marvin Perkins • Jr., Statesboro, GA
Joshua Adams • Chicago, IL
Greg Thirdkill • St. Louis, MO
Dazhown Coleman • Minneapolis, MN
Jonathan Grafton • Milwaukee, WI
Devin Fostervold • Willmar, MN
Darien Dacres • Kingston, Jamaica
Taylor DeLaughter • Sioux City, IA
Jack Miller • Augusta, GA
Carl Williams • Chariton, IA
Nick Kubesh • Olivia, MN
Jack Turnbull • Adelaide, Australia
Akeem Oglesby • Statesboro, GA
Nemenja Jovanorie • Nish, Serbia
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Mental health discussions are making news at an alarming rate as our country grapples to
understand deadly mass shootings and other tragic violence.
Psychology is a behavioral field that reflects how we process the world around us, how we see
our world changing, and how that change ultimately impacts us.
Understanding people can help develop empathy, sympathy, positive problem solving skills,
coping methods, effective teamwork, leadership, and more.
“We are social creatures, so no matter what profession we look to, that communication,
understanding, and respect of others is important,” Ridgewater College psychology instructor,
Jon Wood, stated.
Students can explore several behavioral science courses at Ridgewater that cover both “normal”
and “abnormal” behaviors:
• Intro to Psychology
• Pharmacology
• Developmental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• The Psychology of Adjustment
“In the psychology fields,
you can go many different
directions
human
services, education, and
psychology or counseling,”
explained Alan Stage,
Ridgewater dean of liberal
arts. “We now see where
more large businesses are
incorporating psychology
to
improve
employee
work-life balance or the
corporation’s
culture.”
Ridgewater can be a launch
pad for numerous related
careers.
“Ridgewater’s psychology offerings give students a solid foundational start,” according to
instructor Angie Hatlestad. While many traditional psychology careers require advanced
degrees, others may not. “The workplace is constantly looking for behavioral health technicians,
case managers, and community support personnel, where employers offering such positions
highly value a two-year degree in any social service field,” Wood said. “As our public health,
social service, and mental health agencies are ever-expanding their responsibilities, those front
line workers are so important.”
Colleague Lisa Dusek added that the variety of courses – both on campus and online - helps
develop well-rounded students who understand people. That’s an edge in a job market rapidly
becoming more weighted toward service occupations.
One key strategy to develop positive adult behaviors is to nurture childhood behaviors.
According to the most recent National Survey of Children’s Health, at least 18% of Minnesota
children have one or more emotional, behavioral or developmental conditions.
To help address the societal change, Ridgewater psychology instructor Andrea Haglin is working
with Ridgewater’s Early Childhood program to incorporate a class called Children’s Mental
Health for future educators. “For children ages 0-3 years, it’s critical to identify any special needs
early,” said Cindy Salfer, Early Childhood instructor. Salfer and Haglin expect the class to better
help students recognize potential signs of mental health or behavioral issues, understand how
family dynamics impact mental health and behaviors, and to support families.
With small class sizes, Ridgewater is a great place to discover what makes humans tick. “The field
of psychology is exploding with the discovery of new technologies enabling us to virtually ‘see’
people think, while until recently, we were only able to infer thought processes by monitoring
behavior,” Wood shared with enthusiasm.
The Need to Understand People is Strong
• Most two-year associate degrees require a behavioral or social science course.
• Minnesota Transfer Curriculum options fall under Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral
Sciences.
• Most four-year bachelor’s degrees require behavioral science exploration as well.
“
“
Curiosity to understand yourself and those around you can be fascinating. Why
do we do the things we do?
I chose Ridgewater because I have heard nothing but good about how
great the professors are with their students. My confidence has just shot
through the roof ! They make me feel smarter than I did in high school, and
they make me want to push myself further. They have helped me grow as a
student and a person. Eventually, I’d like to be a children’s therapist or a
family counselor after I transfer to either St. Cloud or Mankato.
Tyler Bailey, Stewart
Liberal Arts/Pre-Psychology
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Addictions counselors help people overcome alcohol, drug, gambling, and other dependencies.
They teach clients ways to cope with problems and change compulsive habits. Chemical
dependency counselors — like graduates of Ridgewater’s Chemical Dependency program — help
individuals, groups, and families learn to deal with emotional and social effects of addictions.
One inspiring — and overlooked — aspect of chemical dependency is that, when victims
successfully work through their trials, they are often driven to help others in similar situations.
Program instructor Val Swanson noted that some Ridgewater students are “living in recovery
from chemical use problems and several have lived with or know people with chemical use
problems.” They can relate to those they want to help.
Ridgewater student Shane Olson is one of those stories. “I chose to enroll in the Ridgewater
College Chemical Dependency program because I am 16 years into recovery and the last step in
recovery is to try to help fellow addicts.”
And helping others is exactly what graduates of the program can expect, often at potential
employers such as:
• Hospitals
• Outpatient care centers
• Residential patient care centers
• Government agencies
Students at Ridgewater either pursue the 30-credit counselor certificate, or they broaden their
options by earning an AA degree that they transfer to a university for a more advanced degree.
“Our program goals incorporate empathy and listening for all clients and individualized
treatment/care plans for clients and by clients,” Swanson explained. She credits psychology
colleagues Jon Wood and Angie Hatlestad for helping there. “A successful recovery plan for
substance use disorders involves improved mental health.”
Positive mental health for students is feeling success as you journey through the program.
“The resources are all there at Ridgewater to help you succeed, you just need to seek them out,”
Olson explained. “The Academic Support Center is great, there’s a Student Success program,
and the professors are all willing to work with you as long as you ask.”
Successful students are those who have a passion for helping without being judgmental or
labeling, are flexible with change and have good time management skills.
Projections are for 25% growth in Central Minnesota between 2012 and 2022.
Source: www.iseek.org
Why choose Ridgewater?
• New electronic record keeping to prepare students for the real world
• Tuesday/Thursday classes combined with blended online classes
•Personalized internship placements based on student counseling styles and
potential for employment
• Accredited by the MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
Ridgewater’s Chemical Dependency program is truly a program that creates opportunities and
changes lives – and then our graduates pass it on.
Available credentials:
Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate – 30 credits
Liberal Arts AA Degree – 60 credits
“
That’s exactly what Olson plans to do. “The professors are definitely knowledgeable at
Ridgewater - Val Swanson is wonderful!” he said. “I’m probably going to transfer to St. Cloud
State University when I’m done in the fall to get my degree in Psychology and either become a
marriage and family counselor or a grief counselor. I’m currently taking Lori Park-Smith’s Death
and Dying class and she’s an amazing teacher too.”
Alumnus Bill Madigan of Eden Valley graduated from the program about 10 years ago and is a
chemical dependency counselor and director at Serenity Path. “I chose Ridgewater because
of Val,” he said. “She is loved and respected by everybody in my field, especially in Central
Minnesota.” He works with clients to help remove the dependency stigma.
The professors are definitely knowledgeable – Val Swanson is wonderful! I’m probably going to
transfer to St. Cloud State University when I’m done in the fall to get my degree in Psychology and
either become a marriage and family counselor or a grief counselor. I’m currently taking Lori ParkSmith’s Death and Dying class and she’s an amazing teacher. I’m having such a good experience
at Ridgewater that now my wife has enrolled and is taking her generals on her way to nursing. The
Academic Support Center is great, there’s a Student Success program, and the professors are all
willing to work with you as long as you ask. Those resources have been especially important for
someone like me coming back to school after 20-plus years of being out.
Shane Olson, Litchfield - Current Student
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151
“
People from all walks of life suffer from chemical dependency, a disorder that tears apart
families, shreds self-confidence, and abandons those suffering in a dark, lonesome place.
Victims of substance abuse can be left with fragile shells of self-esteem, so when they turn to
professionals for support and advice, they need someone who will treat them with compassion
and empathy.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
“It’s not just another psychology class,” Haglin said. “It’s going to be a course that’s going to look
at specific emotional development and thus success in school.”
Other Positive Program Changes
2014: New unique Early Childhood Special Education Certificate - to better prepare students
to work with children with special needs who are included in the early childhood setting.
2016: New weekly blended on campus/online pilot curriculum block - to better meet the
needs of both working college students and employers. Starting in March, Early Childhood
students will come to campus one evening a week for eight weeks to earn nine credits for the
Child Development, Foundations of Early Childhood, and Special Education courses. “This
means less commuting for students and more available days to work for those working in the
field already but striving to move up the career ladder.”
Other Early Childhood classes have also been blocked into a single weekly day on the
Hutchinson campus, so several students from Willmar and other communities might take their
degree general education courses in Willmar and carpool to Hutch for their program courses.
If your day is filled with hugs, genuine laughter and eye-twinkling light bulb moments, how
could you NOT love your job?
Early childhood educators put their passion into action to help preschoolers get off to a great
start.
“I have learned so many beneficial skills and lessons throughout my experiences at Ridgewater,”
explained alumnus Kelsa Fenske. “From learning to create age-appropriate activities, to writing
lesson plans, to recording my first Pickles’ Place TV episode – these are experiences, skills and
lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
In many ways, children today are the same as children of decades ago. However, family dynamics
have changed while physical and mental health challenges and awareness have increased also.
According to the most recent National Survey of Children’s Health, at least 18% of Minnesota
children have one or more emotional, behavioral or developmental conditions. (Source: Child
Trends data analysis from the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, Health Resources,
and Services Administration.)
To meet those needs, child care centers and Ridgewater are working together. “Based on
advisory committee input, we have added a Children’s Mental Health class to our program,”
explained Cindy Salfer, Early Childhood Education instructor. The topic has been addressed
previously, but now it’s a higher priority.
“For children ages 0-3 years, it’s critical to identify any special needs,” Salfer said. She is working
with Ridgewater psychology faculty Andrea Haglin to help students recognize potential signs,
understand the role of family dynamics, and support families. Topics will include depression,
anxiety, autism, trauma, and more.
Why choose Ridgewater?
• Strong community partnerships connect students to youth and employers.
•Classes offered in one-day-a-week format to accommodate busy schedules and
commuters.
•Seamless transfer available to Southwest Minnesota State University-Marshall to
earn a bachelor‘s degree for a pre-kindergarten through third-grade license.
•Only college to offer an Early Childhood Special Education certificate within the
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
Credential options:
• Early Childhood Education AS Degree - 60 Credits
• Early Childhood Special Education Certificate - 21 Credits
To see Ridgewater Early Childhood students in action reading books and leading preschool
activities, go to www.ridgewater.edu/picklesplace .
“
“
Love your job and you’ll never work a day in your life, right?
Upcoming: Proposed 16-credit Early Childhood Education Certificate. “There is such a need
for well-qualified staff in child care centers. Many of our current students are already working
in the field, or their schedules don’t allow them to fill the demand. The 16-credit certificate will
train students to work at the mid-level teacher’s assistant position. This certificate is then part
of a career ladder for those students who choose to continue to obtain their AS Degree.”
Continuing my education at Ridgewater has been a wonderful experience. It has far surpassed
my expectations…. The individuals you meet along the way really help you either love what you
are doing or not, so to have met fabulous individuals along the way who share the same passion
that I do - they were great motivators and supporters…. My experience at Ridgewater is one
that has made a major impact on my life. It has shown me in more ways than one that I am
going down the correct path career-wise. It has reaffirmed my knowledge about my passion for
children and my love of watching them learn.
Kelsa Fenske
Hutchinson
Class of 2016
ELECTRONICS
Want an education that offers a broad application of your skills in the workplace?
Become an electronics engineering technician at Ridgewater College.
Electronics are everywhere – from the phone, TV and activity tracker you can’t live without
to the alarm near your bed or in your car.
Technicians often work for industrial firms in the design, development and service of
electronic products. Ridgewater’s Electronics program emphasizes analysis, design and
troubleshooting of electronic circuitry.
Program experiences give students broad exposure to:
• Microprocessors
• Computer repair and networks
• Radio and video systems
• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Security systems
• Automation and robotics
• And more
Students are encouraged to pursue national certifications including Cisco’s CCNA, the
Computer Technology Industry Association A+, Certified Electronics Technician, and IPC
certification.
An alumnus that instructor Bob Lea is most proud of is Dan Hilgert of Glencoe, who is
finishing up his last term at the University of Minnesota in Electrical Engineering. “He
designed the motor used in the U’s entry for a 1,700-mile solar car race in Australia,” Lea
said.
“It’s stuff I am really interested in, so I feel really fortunate,” Hilgert explained. “I put a
lot of effort into the solar motor, but I definitely couldn’t have done it without the help
and guidance from some local companies and college alumni,” Hilgert said. “I had a lot
of background and information from Ridgewater. It helped me work hands-on and to
understand a good foundation.”
Ridgewater Electronics Alumnus Dan Hilgert led the design process of this motor part for a
solar car that competed in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in October 2015. This wound
stator, including such components as neodymium magnets and M-15 silicon steel, was then
inserted into a motor housing.
Speed and racing is a popular attraction in the program, as it’s a simulation race car that
Lea takes on the road with him to career fairs to reach out to high school students.
Another attraction for 2016 high school graduates should be that the program is one of
several technical programs that are part of a Minnesota pilot technical grant program
that could cover all or part of a student’s tuition and fees. For more information go to
www.ridgewater.edu/technicalgrant.
Once Hilgert graduates from the U in May, he hopes to reconnect with the company he had
his internship with and then worked for part-time during the semester break. “I would then
do motor controller and motor design work.”
If you are a detail-oriented critical thinker and enjoy hands-on learning and implementation,
Electronics could get you charged up for a new career.
Credential options:
Electronics Technology AAS Degree - 60 credits
Electronics Technology Diploma - 66 credits
Hilgert worked with a collaborative U of M team to design this simulation motor prior to actual
manufacturing.
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151
HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Rodriguez said. Healthcare Administrative Assistant feels like the perfect blend of her interest in
health care plus her desire to work with computers.
Healthcare administrative assistants are among the top 25 fastest growing jobs in the
Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Eggersgluess said that there is more emphasis on confidentiality and HIPPA (Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability) as well.
The most successful students in the program are:
• Detail-oriented
• Highly accurate
• Strong critical thinkers
The Healthcare Administrative Assistant program trains these healthcare team members in a
broad spectrum of skills, and then many seek positions in aspects that they enjoy the most –
maybe billing, scheduling, or chart analysis.
Graduates may work in a variety of settings:
• Medical clinic or hospital
• Doctor’s office
• Chiropractic or dental office
• Health insurance company
“The big thing these days is the electronic medical records,” said Linda Eggersgluess, Ridgewater
faculty for Healthcare Administrative Assistant. “To best prepare our students, we are paying more
attention to computer skills such as Excel, Access and utilizing EMRs in the classroom setting.”
Timing for more emphasis on computers couldn’t be better for student Tracy Rodriguez of
Litchfield. She has family in nursing and nursing home careers so she tried that for a while,
but discovered it wasn’t for her. Finding herself in a dislocated worker situation, she had the
opportunity to start in a new direction.
“Computers aren’t going anywhere, so I knew I wanted something with a computer emphasis,”
“You also have the opportunity with a bit more education to ladder into a Health Information
Technician position if you are eventually looking for more variety and challenge,” Eggersgluess
said.
If a healthcare career makes you worry about getting queezy from blood or the debt of years and
years of schooling for other healthcare careers, Healthcare Administrative Assistant might be the
answer to a gratifying career for you!
Credential options:
Healthcare Administrative Assistant AAS Degree - 60 credits
Healthcare Administrative Assistant Diploma - 48 credits
Why Ridgewater?
• Small class sizes with hands-on experience
•
Experience with industry-current patient documentation for electronic medical
records
“
Gain in-demand healthcare support skills as a healthcare administrative assistant at Ridgewater
College. Use a foundation of medical terminology and experience with the growing need for
electronic medical records (EMR) to prepare and maintain medical and financial records,
scheduling, health insurance and medical bills.
“
I chose Ridgewater College because I am comfortable in Hutchinson. I wasn’t ready to venture out yet. My sister went through the HCAA program and worked
at Hutchinson Health until she married and moved…. A lot of the things I’m learning, they are things I will practice in the field.
Katlyn Mayer
Hutchinson, Class of 2017
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
If hands-on learning is your style and you like to combine math, technology and science
to real-world applications, you owe it to yourself to check out the Nondestructive
Testing program at Ridgewater’s Hutchinson campus - one of just a handful of NDT
programs in the country.
added. And he has. Industry experience has been one of Thompson’s priorities so he
has taken advantage of four part-time job opportunities, like internships, that took him
temporarily away from classes to Red Wing, Michigan, and Florida. He has another one
planned for Florida before he graduates.
NDT testing detects internal or external imperfections or defects; determines structure,
composition, and properties; and measures geometric characteristics without affecting
the form, fit or function.
Travel is definitely an option for students and graduates. Thanks to Ridgewater’s national
reputation, connections to opportunities are never lacking. The program is recognized by
the American Society for Nondestructive Testing as one of the best and best-equipped
colleges in the US for the training.
Why would you want to do that? To be part of a high-tech, high-demand industry that
ensures people’s safety by testing a wide variety of consumer components that we depend
on every day. No one wants a bridge to collapse, a plane to crash, a rollercoaster to
malfunction, a ship to sink, petroleum pipelines to burst, or power plants to shut down.
Enter NDT technicians. They utilize X-ray, ultrasound, eddy current, magnetic particles,
and liquid dye penetrants to test a component’s reliability.
“I like the math you use,” said Phil Hartz of Minneapolis who will graduate in May. It’s
something he was accustomed to using as a remodeling contractor in his previous career,
“but my body said it was time for a change.” Like many other students, he heard about the
program through word of mouth – his wife’s coworker.
Brady Thompson of Grantsburg, WI, heard about NDT from an uncle in the industry. “I chose
NDT because of the job placement and career opportunities,” he said. Job placement has
been running at 100 percent for several years and opportunities abound nationally and
globally from quality control and quality assurance to research and development (R & D)
and sales.
“Ridgewater is one of the most acclaimed NDT schools in the nation and has been a good
choice for me because you can always make it work around your schedule,” Thompson
Students in the program have several options:
• Nondestructive Testing AAS Degree – 72 credits
• Nondestructive Testing Diploma – 72 credits
• Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Diploma – 64 credits
The newest aspect of the program is the introduction of its first female instructor, Mindy
Rannow.
“I just want to help others succeed in a career that’s very accessible to all different types of
jobs that people can succeed in,” the 2003 Ridgewater NDT graduate said. “I want to help
people better themselves and feel good about the career path they chose.”
Rannow brings to the NDT labs her NDT field experience in foundries, coal mines, pipelines,
refineries, and gasifications. “I enjoy that NDT is hands-on and I like the hands-on approach
in Ridgewater’s program.”
It’s that hands-on approach with equipment and skills that makes Hartz eager for his May
graduation. “I feel very well prepared,” he said. He enjoys the ultrasonics and eddy current
the most, but looks forward to whatever new challenges and new roads lay ahead. “There
are quite a few options in NDT.”
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow •• 800-722-1151
800-722-1151
PARAMEDICS
When a 9-1-1 call comes in and life or death is on the line, paramedics are among the first
at the scene to make life-saving decisions and take life-saving actions.
First Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) begin assessments and
basic emergency response, but it’s paramedics who take more advanced assessments and
treatments to the next level.
For example, an EMT can give oxygen to a patient and do CPR, but it takes a paramedic to
start an IV or administer medicine at the scene or in the ambulance.
Regardless of which important role you may have on an emergency medical service team,
you want the confidence to make the decisions and implement the medical care needed to
keep patient hearts beating and to minimize injuries.
Brian Ehlenbach is Ridgewater’s new Paramedic instructor. He has 20plus years of emergency services experience and has taught everything
from biology to CPR, EMT and First Responder.
Ehlenbach is excited to be the one who is transitioning Ridgewater’s
Paramedic program from face-to-face and on campus to interactive
television (ITV) distance learning this spring and to online with faceto-face labs come May.
“Instead of coming to a fixed location twice a week, you’re going to be
able to log in and learn,” Ehlenbach explained. “With today’s evolving
and tech-savvy students, this is much more in line with what they
want.” And considering that many rural paramedics are part time while
juggling with other jobs, it just makes sense. Fewer people are volunteering to get involved
while the needs of our fast-paced and aging society are growing.
“Successful students have to be detail-oriented and focused,” Ehlenbach explained. “It
requires a lot of patience and desire. Students study and prepare before class and then
come to class prepared to practice. That’s where we shine.”
Current student Denis Pererva was in high school when he took his first EMS class – First
Responder. His instructor’s wife was taking a Paramedic class so he asked her opinion of
where he should go. She recommended Ridgewater.
“They know their stuff,” Pererva said of Ridgewater EMS faculty. He succeeded in the EMT
program and is now working to become a full-time paramedic through Ridgewater. He
recalled starting the program with more classmates, but once they learned the demands
and expectations, some dropped. Pererva is pleased to be surrounded by other committed
and motivated classmates, considering lives are on the line.
“Every single day you are helping people in really meaningful ways,” Ehlenbach said. Being
involved in exciting paramedic work has been richly rewarding for him and for others in the
field with tons of variety. “I never once woke up and said, ‘Oh, man, I have to go to work.’”
Projections are for 24% growth in Central Minnesota between 2010 and 2020.
Source: www.iseek.org
Why choose Ridgewater?
• Fast-paced program allows you to finish in one year
•Tuesday/Thursday evenings and occasional Saturdays, available via ITV and
moving toward blended online
•Strong professional partnerships with Hennepin County Medical Center and
Rice Memorial Hospital
• Accredited program
Credential options:
Acute Care Paramedic AAS Degree - 64 credits
Acute Care Paramedic Diploma - 42 credits
PRACTICAL NURSING
Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse) are licensed professionals who share with the entire nursing
community a commitment to providing safe, quality, cost-effective care and whose practice
behavior is grounded in those shared values,” stated the League in a September 2014 report.
“…The LPN/LVN workforce plays a vital role in the delivery of culturally sensitive health care in a
wide range of settings to vulnerable populations.”
The PN program is known for being rigorous, but also very rewarding. “It is a demanding
program,” Johnson said. People who succeed are disciplined learners, have good basic math
and algebra skills, read at college level, and are proficient in English. “Successful students have
passion and compassion. It’s an important role on a healthcare team – a patient-centered role
where you get to contribute to the health of society. It’s not just a job, it becomes a heart-felt
calling.”
Why choose Ridgewater?
•100% licensure passing rate and job placement
• Innovative curriculum with life-like simulation manikins
• Multiple student clinical sites
•Nationally known for outstanding Nursing and Allied Health programs
Credential options:
Practical Nursing Diploma – 38 credits
Ridgewater College’s Practical Nursing program – one of only five nationally accredited
programs in Minnesota – accepts 16 students per year per campus in Willmar and Hutchinson.
Those students often become a close-knit healthcare team as they work their way through
challenging curriculum to become excellent professionals.
“
“
If you want a rewarding career you can embrace with your heart and are compassionate about
helping others in need, healthcare teams across the country are looking for people like you to
become a Licensed Practical Nurse – and you can do it in just nine months!
In addition to the hands-on nursing skills I gained, Ridgewater gave me good
critical thinking skills to approach, attack, and conquer the challenges of my
job…. There is a demand for nurses, which made my decision to pursue nursing at
Ridgewater easier because I knew there would jobs available when I graduated.
Dana Roiger, Buffalo Lake
Ridgewater Nursing Director Lynn Johnson is especially proud of the program’s 100 percent
PN licensure passing rate in 2015 and its consistent 100 percent placement rate. Ridgewater’s
graduate passing rate is consistently greater than 95 percent and job placement is expected to
remain strong for a while based on the career outlook.
Projected growth for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is 22% by 2020, faster than the
average for all occupations. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to a 2013 National Council of State Boards report, more than half of newly licensed
PNs worked in long-term care facilities, with another 25 percent at community-based sites such
as assisted living, home care and rehabilitation or ambulatory care facilities. Hospitals garnered
just 12 percent of the new grads.
Johnson pointed out that the growing aging population and expanding vulnerable/dependent
populations are increasing and intensifying the demand. They are why Ridgewater is working
hard to meet the workforce demands.
“Our hands-on simulation, small classes and excellent faculty make us an excellent PN program
choice,” Johnson said. While many students do advance to pursue their registered nurse
(RN) degrees through the Ridgewater-Metropolitan State University partnership, Johnson
emphasized the continued need for LPNs.
“LPNs are a very important part of the healthcare team and there remains a great shortage,”
she said.
The National League for Nursing Board of Governors is committed to leading the charge to
meet the need. “While not professional registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs (Licensed Practical
www.ridgewater.edu/applynow • 800-722-1151
Occupational Grants
A new two-year Occupational Grant pilot program through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System could give you
the financial support you need to take that step toward a rewarding technical career. Check it out!
• APPLY to Ridgewater and be accepted now
• APPLY for financial aid as soon as possible
• ENROLL in one of the many qualifying technical programs now (www.ridgewater.edu/technicalgrant)
• ATTEND Ridgewater for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 years
• RECEIVE tuition and fees for those not covered by Pell and state grants for fall
APPLY EARLY - FUNDS ARE LIMITED!
We recommend that you APPLY to Ridgewater, FILL out your FAFSA​, and REGISTER for classes EARLY!​
Student Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the scholarship, the student must:
Enroll in a qualifying certificate, diploma, AS or AAS program at a public two-year college for the fall term immediately following:
• High school graduation; or
• Completing an Adult Basic Education program; or
• Passing a GED test; or
• Completing a 12- or 24-month Americorps program after high school
Meet the definition of MN resident used for state financial aid programs
• Includes undocumented students qualifying as MN residents under the MN Dream Act
• Have tuition and fee charges not fully covered by Pell and State Grants during fall semester 2016
Have an adjusted gross income (or wages for non-filers) of $90,000 or less reported on the FAFSA (or MN Dream Act state financial aid
application used by undocumented students)
• For a student applying as a dependent student, parental income is used
• For a student applying as an independent student, student (and spouse’s, if married) income is used
Participate in free mentoring services throughout the student’s academic program
Applying for the Scholarship​
To apply for the initial scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year, students must complete the 2016-2017 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which
is available January 1, 2016. Due to limited scholarship funding, students are advised to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Any additional applications or
questionnaires required for the scholarship will be posted on www.ohe.state.mn.us by January 2016. Undocumented students should apply using the MN Dream
Act state financial aid application instead of the FAFSA.
To apply for a renewal scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year, students must complete the 2017-2018 FAFSA, which is available October 1, 2016, as well as
any other required documentation.
800-722-1151 | www.ridgewater.edu/technicalgrant
A Member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator. This document is available in alternate formats by calling
800-722-1151 or using a preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.