Monday, July 25, 2011

PTC debuts new, hi-tech SimCenter


Did you know about PTC's hi-tech SimCenter? With the generous support of a $4.2M Department of Labor grant* awarded in 2009 and with the HealthCare Alliance, the college built a state-of-the-art center for simulation to benefit its healthcare education programs.

The high-fidelity simulation suite boasts the best Laerdal Medical has to offer. As of 2011, the Simulation Center features a SimMan 3G, two SimMan Classic (one of which travels to local healthcare providers to assist with their on-site training), three Vital Sim Nursing Annes, two Vital Sim Nursing Kellys, a Vital Sim Nursing Kid and Nursing Kelly, and several basic manikins used by the college's CNA and nursing classes. The Healthcare Alliance Simulation Center will also contain a control room and the Laerdal Advanced Video System to facilitate the debriefing process for PTC's programs. The integration of electronic medical records is also planned.

*This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use, by and organization and/or personal use by an individual or non-commercial purposes, is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. PTC's SimCenter is one of many elite centers around the country. Check out this directory of like centers.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

PTC updates and expands its computer programs


This summer, PTC staff and faculty expanded upon its popular computer programs. Previously, PTC’s lineup of computer programs included a certificate and two associate degrees; however, beginning this fall semester, options for students will include: a networking and microcomputer technologies certificate; a network administration A.A.S. degree; a computer programming A.A.S. degree; and, a computer science A.S. degree. In addition to the expanded program offerings, nearly all individual courses within the programs underwent a careful restructuring and redesign, resulting in an impressive, up-to-date curriculum that exceeds recently-elevated industry standards.

“Technology is constantly changing, and as information technology educators, we also must change and update our curriculum to ensure our students and graduates possess the most relevant and applicable skills,” says Stephen Cody, PTC network administration instructor. “We are especially proud of our newly-redesigned programs, and we’re very excited to be able to prepare students with truly cutting-edge programming and network server administration skills that today’s employers demand,” Cody adds.

PTC’s networking and microcomputer technologies certificate, considered a student’s “first year” of the larger network administration A.A.S. degree, is a match for students who want to become effective, marketable network server administrators – whether the student has previous training or experience in the field or not.

Like the network administration program, PTC’s A.A.S. degree in computer programming also was carefully redesigned to give students high-level competence and advanced skills to meet today’s demanding expectations.

“The most important task of a computer programmer is to write code, and programming languages change constantly,” says Tony Mueller, PTC computer programming instructor. “With our updated programming curriculum, students will learn not only the basics of language and code, but also skills in areas of designing, repairing, and conserving programs. Programmers often become indispensible to the organizations they work for, and altogether, whether a graduate wants to work in small business or for a large corporation, there’s always a need for qualified programmers,” Mueller adds.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Picture this! PTC to host a special welcome event for new students


PTC's Student Affairs department is gearing up to offer a new special event for newly-admitted students this fall. The event, called Picture This!, is especially designed to welcome new students and their families.

"We offer the orientation and registration session to students at the time they start, but there is simply so much information offered at Orientation, and students are so focused on registering that we fear they aren't truly absorbing all that we have to offer," explains Nancy Mach, PTC's Dean of Student Affairs. "By providing a more relaxed and fun atmosphere by way of Picture This!, new students are more likely to really get to know us, their new environment, and the wide range of student services available to them," Mach adds.

Picture This! is set for Mon. Aug. 15, 4 to 7 p.m., and the event is open to all new students and their families. Staff members from around the college will be on hand, as well as several specific services, designed around the event's theme.

Special Sessions to be featured:
• Picture Perfect: Student IDs
• Picture Involvement: Student Clubs
• Picture Connectivity: Student E-mail account
• Picture Support: Veterans Center
• Picture Books: Campus Store
• Picture Readiness: Time-Management Coaching
• Picture Success: Academic Skills Center/Tutoring
• Picture Service: Counseling & Disability Services

Additionally, students will enjoy prizes, ice cream, and fun! For more information, contact PTC Student Affairs, 320-629-5100, or e-mail: information@pinetech.edu.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

PTC to bring new technology business incubator to campus


Pine Technical College has announced plans to build an Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator. PTC's current Continuing Education and Customized Training building will undergo significant construction this fall and remodeling to house the incubator.

Cuningham Group Architecture was selected in Aug. 2010 to oversee the design, and more than 10 PTC staff members, faculty members, administrators, and members of the larger Pine area comprise the committee that is working closely with the firm toward the best design. Construction/ground-breaking is tentatively set for mid-September, 2011, and the incubator’s first tenants may begin operations from the center as early as Feb. 2012.

"It is our vision the incubator will serve as a solid foundation for highly successful companies," says PTC President Robert Musgrove. "PTC can offer promising start-up companies a nurturing environment for growth as well as opportunities to tap into a rich network of business resources that are invaluable to a company’s development," Musgrove adds.

The committee plans for the new Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator to house light manufacturing and technology-based businesses working toward producing innovative products or services. The facility will be designed to house two to three start-up companies simultaneously, as well as comfortable meeting space. Additionally, the facility will be designed in a resource-efficient manner, using renewable energy.

Image at top: An early drawing/concept depicting how PTC's Continuing Education & Customized Training building may look, from the southwest corner of Main St. and Hillside Ave. once construction is complete, incorporating the new business incubator. (Note: At this time, changes/modifications are likely.)