New Medical Assistant program debuts at PTC

Pine Technical College has offered strong healthcare programs in long-term care, nursing, and health science for years, and now, with support from a federal Department of Labor health training grant, the college is rolling out a new Medical Assistant A.A.S. degree along with stand-alone Phlebotomy and Electrocardiography (EKG/ECG) credential programs open to licensed healthcare providers.

The Medical Assistant program will prepare students to perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. And, designed with flexibility in mind, coursework includes phlebotomy and electrocardiography (EKG/ECG) training, as the duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty.

"We know rural employers are always looking for flexible, multi-skilled employees," says Alison Holland, Healthcare Alliance Outreach Coordinator. "An already-licensed healthcare provider, such as an LPN or RN [Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse], is very likely to gain an edge on the job market by adding the EKG/ECG credential, and we're excited to bring this added opportunity to the area and to our students," Holland adds.

The short, three-credit EKG/ECG training program prepares students to use EKG/ECG monitors to assist physicians to diagnose and treat heart ailments, and the four-credit phlebotomy credential prepares students to perform a variety of duties such as drawing blood from a patient's finger, heel, or vein, as well as processing specimens.

Pine Technical College prepares for record-setting graduation

With nearly 150 students graduating in the 2011-12 academic year, Pine Technical College is preparing for what may be its largest graduation ceremony in the college’s 47-year history. The ceremony will be held Thurs. May 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pine City High School gymnasium.

“This could be the largest graduation ceremony we’ve hosted in terms of numbers of graduates,” says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. “We’re expecting a record turnout since most students bring family members and guests to the ceremony,” Mach adds.

A combination of 186 degrees, diplomas and certificates will be awarded this year, and staff members in PTC’s Student Affairs office estimate about 75 percent of the graduates will participate in the ceremony. Guest speakers at the ceremony include Scott Thiss, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees Chair, and Senator Tony Lourey, (DFL) District 08.

“We are making plans to accommodate everyone wishing to attend,” says Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., PTC President. “Our graduation ceremonies always draw a crowd, and we especially expect a larger crowd this year, since we have two exceptionally inspiring speakers.” Musgrove adds.

The public is encouraged and welcome to attend in support of the graduates. Following the ceremony, a cake and coffee reception will follow in the common area at PCHS.

PTC receives more than 7,000 free books for children

As part of the new Young Student Parent Grant Program, a program offering support services and resources for students with children, PTC has received more than 7,000 books. The books have been donated by First Book and were personally selected by Anne Kubesh, a student in PTC's early childhood development program. The books are being distributed to all at PTC to share with children of every age.

First Book provides access to new books that have been donated by publishers for children in need. Many are current and popular titles, and many are both educational and entertaining. To date, First Book has distributed more than 90 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada. First Book aims to transform the lives of children in need and elevate the quality of education by making new, high-quality books available on an ongoing basis.

The collection of books is managed by Laureen Williams, Young Student Parent Grant Coordinator, located in PTC's "cottage" at the northwest corner of the campus. For more information, contact Laureen at 320-629-5198 or by email: WilliamsL@pinetech.edu

Photo at top: Laureen Williams, Young Student Parent Grant Coordinator.