Pine Technical College and Bethel University partner to bring B.S. in nursing to Pine City

Pine Technical College and Bethel University have partnered to bring a bachelor of science degree in nursing (B.S.N.) program to nursing students and healthcare professionals in the Pine Area. PTC has offered a rich lineup of nursing and healthcare programs including practical nursing, nursing assistant training, emergency medical services training, and much more; however, until now, a B.S.N. program was inaccessible for nursing students in the Pine Area.

“We know local hospitals and clinics are experiencing a shortage of qualified BSNs, and they struggle to recruit enough applicants with this degree level,” said Krista Hoekstra, Director of Nursing at PTC. “With this need on the rise, we couldn’t be more excited to offer our own graduates and area RNs [registered nurses] a convenient, local way to reach that goal,” Hoekstra adds.

The program and degree is offered by Bethel University, and classes take place at the Pine Technical College campus. Up to 30 students are accepted and move through the program together, taking one course at a time for 18 to 20 months. The program is designed as a cohort model, where students progress through the program primarily in the same group of 24 to 30 learners. Research shows cohorts serve as a source of support academically and professionally as students progress through their coursework and manage the demands of work, education, and family life all at once. While many applicants for the program are graduates of PTC’s nursing mobility program and have earned their RN credential, the program is open to RNs who may have earned their degrees or credentials from other institutions.

“Since the program is located at the PTC campus, it’s very convenient for our students. Now, all on our campus, students can move from nursing assistant, to trained medication aide, to LPN, to RN, and now to B.S.N. with the Bethel partnership,” Hoekstra says.

Recognizing the new partnership, Bethel University is providing PTC graduates in the first cohort of students -- starting this Fall term -- a scholarship totaling one-third of tuition (a value of more than $5,300). Traditional financial aid is also available for those who qualify.

Pine Technical College has recognized the need for more medically trained professionals in East Central Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and the college has responded by expanding its lineup of healthcare programs to include nursing assistant courses that meet training requirements for both Minnesota and Wisconsin, a medical laboratory technician program in partnership with Lake Superior College, and most recently, a medical assistant A.A.S. degree. Additionally, PTC offers phlebotomy and electrocardiography (EKG/ECG) credentials, which will help our region’s healthcare students and professionals to become sought-after, multi-skilled workers.

PTC Student Affairs welcomes Ching Ching Suaw

The PTC Student Affairs department welcomes Ching Ching Suaw, the college's new Student Success Coordinator. Suaw's role will include developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive plan aimed at increasing student achievement and retention.

"I am thrilled to be a part of Student Affairs at PTC and to contribute to the college's efforts in helping students realize success,” says Suaw. "Working in this kind of capacity has been a passion and goal of mine since I began my own college career, and I am looking forward to collaborating with the entire college community to build new, sustainable systems to support student achievement," Suaw adds.

A native of Malaysia, Suaw completed her master’s degree in college counseling and student development at St. Cloud State University. As a graduate assistant at SCSU, Suaw taught a college transition course for first-year students, co-coordinated a peer mentor program and advised undecided students in course selection and registration. Suaw also spent a summer as a resident assistant working with the Upward Bound program at Mesabi Range Community and Technical College.

Photo above: Ching Ching Suaw.

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.

PTC’s Ever Green Club to show short film, Precious Waters: Minnesota’s Sulfide Mining Controversy

Pine Technical College’s Ever Green Club will be hosting a showing of Precious Waters: Minnesota’s Sulfide Mining Controversy on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in room 20, the college auditorium. The short film, a project of the Friends of the Boundary Waters, is just 26 minutes long, but Eric Jensen, PTC biology instructor and Ever Green Club advisor says it is both powerful and inspiring.

“This film is really eye-opening, and I am very excited to show this to our students and the larger PTC community,” Jensen says. “It’s a powerful film, and it’s inspiring. I hope it will encourage people to carefully consider how human behavior can affect our natural environment,” Jensen adds.

The film scrutinizes the sulfide mining industry, its polluting effects, and its history of failed predictions as well as its impact on northeastern Minnesota. Pine City planner and PTC alum Nathan Johnson will facilitate discussion following the film. Johnson has worked with the Ever Green Club over the years to incorporate environmental sensitivity into the proposed update of the City’s comprehensive plan.

“Water is our most precious resource; it plays a vital role in our development and sustenance,” says Johnson. “Pine City can learn valuable lessons by taking a look at how water is managed and handled by other communities,” Johnson adds.

The Ever Green Club, established in 2006, is a student organization focused on encouraging environmental responsibility and healthy living.

Nursing students educate and entertain with annual Culture Day event

Each spring, as part of their curriculum in PRSG 2880, Clinical Lab II, practical nursing students educate and entertain with Culture Day. Instructor Kristin Madigan says the exercise helps students to understand healthcare rituals of cultures different from their own.

"This year, we have nine groups of students showcasing nine different cultures and important cultural themes of which to be mindful when delivering healthcare service," Madigan says. "Just for an example, in practice, it's important to know that during the last six weeks of pregnancy, Amish women are encouraged to take a combination of herbs which are thought to assist with delivery," Madigan adds.

Photos above: Students of PRSG 2880, Clinical Lab II, showcase their interactive displays on Culture Day.