See what South Central College students and alumni are up to, as well as find information on strategies that help students succeed.
In today's competitive business landscape, staying ahead often means investing in the growth and development of your workforce. However, navigating the world of training program design, delivery, and funding can be daunting. South Central College's Customized Workforce Education division has the expertise to develop tailored training programs and work with a variety of grant sources to offset the cost of workforce development.
Accessing Grant Funding: A Game-Changer for Area Businesses
For over two decades, SCC's Customized Workforce Education division has been instrumental in helping local businesses secure grant funding, totaling nearly $7 million through the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP). This program, led by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), strategically supports businesses and colleges in training Minnesota's workforce.
Leveraging MJSP Grants: A Win-Win Situation
MJSP grants, which can amount to up to $400,000, empower educational institutions like SCC to collaborate with businesses in developing new job training or retraining for existing employees. These funds cover various training-related costs, including curriculum development, instruction, and training materials. Businesses are required to match program funds on at least a one-to-one ratio, ensuring a shared investment in employee development.
The benefits of participating in the MJSP program extend to everyone involved. Employees gain access to critical training for high-skill jobs, businesses enhance their competitiveness by upskilling their workforce, and educational institutions like SCC expand their capacity to train future learners while strengthening partnerships with local businesses.
Success Story: Taylor Corporation's Precision Press
For the past 14 months, South Central College has partnered with Precision Press, a commercial printing company in North Mankato owned by Taylor Corporation, to train employees in order to foster mentorship and improve worker satisfaction. “I had the pleasure of working with Customized Workforce Education, specifically Tanja Stading, for a recent Minnesota Job Skills Partnership grant,” explains Nichole Bettner, a human resource professional for Taylor Corp.
“Tanja made the process seamless by ensuring she had a full understanding of the project's scope and goals and by providing guidance, suggestions, and resources. She was able to connect us to a top-notch grant writer and an industry-recognized consultant firm with award-winning authors and speakers. Our employees benefited from Tanja and her team’s commitment to providing the best service and experience, and I look forward to partnering again for another project in the future.”
Plan Ahead: Timing is Key
MJSP grant applications are accepted year-round, with approvals occurring two to three times yearly. Advance planning and collaboration with the educational institution are highly encouraged to maximize the benefits of grant funding opportunities.
Don't let training needs hold your business back. Take advantage of SCC's Customized Workforce Education division to access grant funding and develop tailored training programs that will elevate your workforce's skills and performance.
The deadline for the next round of MJSP grant applications is just a few weeks away.
Contact Tanja Sigurdson to discuss MJSP partnership opportunities.
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For over a decade, South Central College (SCC) has been an approved test site for the Minnesota State Registry Test for Nursing Assistants, certifying qualified nursing assistants to work in long-term care facilities to meet our community’s health care needs.
According to employment data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, nursing assistants remain the sixth highest-demand job in Minnesota. Over the past year, SCC’s Customized Workforce Education division has provided Nursing Assistant certification exams for over 1000 candidates at both North Mankato and Faribault campuses, including exams for hundreds of candidates who were trained under the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative.
The Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative began in December 2021, at a time when long-term care facilities were experiencing severe staffing shortages amid the pandemic. At that time, Governor Tim Walz set a goal for the State of Minnesota to recruit and train 1,000 new nursing assistants using Federal American Recovery Plan funds to provide participants with free training, books, uniforms, and certification exams.
The state surpassed this goal in less than three months with the partnership of state agencies, higher education institutions, and long-term care providers. And in September 2022, Governor Walz announced another investment to continue Minnesota’s free nursing assistant training and testing program through February 2023 to further strengthen the state’s health care workforce pipeline.
“By bolstering our health care workforce and providing pathways to life-long careers, this initiative continues to benefit Minnesotans in the short- and long-term. I’m proud to invest in a program that strengthens our health care workforce, eliminates barriers to entry into high-demand careers, and supports the health of our state,” said Governor Walz. “The success of this program is a testament to Minnesota’s ability to collaboratively address complex problems.”
As Southern Minnesota’s premier Nursing Assistant Registry Test site, South Central College will continue to offer Nursing Assistant certification exams at both campuses monthly, adding more test dates as needed to accommodate workforce demands. Learn more at southcentral.edu/na.
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South Central College student Kailey Forliti is forging a new path and is hoping to encourage more young women to follow in her footsteps.
Forliti is like many students who find themselves questioning their chosen path and what they really want to do in their life. After high school she did what she thought was expected of her – she attended a four-year university. Actually, she attended two different universities with the intention of pursuing the field of social work.
She’s not alone with 30% of students in college changing their major at least once, according to the National Center for Education Statistics*. On average, college students change their major at least three times over the course of their college career. The positive is that this can actually increase a student’s likelihood of graduating from college, according to a study from EAB*. Forliti’s winding path is common and the benefit is that she learned something about herself and sharpened her aspirations along the way.
She knew she needed education and training to have a better life, so she met with an academic advisor at South Central College to explore her career options. As a visual learner who enjoys hands-on, interactive learning, she discovered she was interested in the skilled trades.
Skilled trades, also referred to as Career and Technical Education (CTE), are occupations that require candidates to have certain knowledge, abilities, and skills that apply specifically to their field. Skilled trade training is more hands-on and programs are completed in two years or less, requiring much less time and tuition than earning a four-year degree. Those who complete this education are able to secure good living wage jobs faster than if they attended a four-year institution.
Jay Schmit (left) and Todd Huxford (right).
Forliti learned that many of her previous college credits transferred easily to SCC, and it would only take her three semesters to graduate. She made the choice and is currently enrolled in SCC’s HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) program – an area of study traditionally chosen by men – and she’s excited to graduate this spring.
HVAC/R technicians are skilled professionals who install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that control the quality and temperature of the air inside residential and commercial buildings. They are the people you need to keep you cool on hot days, warm during cold days, and to make sure the breathing air is filtered and clean.
Every day is different for the HVAC/R service technician. It’s a smart career choice that can provide a comfortable wage and good benefits, and there will always be a need for HVAC/R technicians. “Students who like working with their hands and solving problems would do well in the field,” said SCC HVAC/R instructor, Jay Schmit. “Kailey asks questions to be sure she understands the learning outcomes and even practices many of them beyond our expectations. She’s proven to be a team player and even mentors other students so they, too, can understand the learning outcomes.”
The HVAC/R industry currently has more jobs available than people to fill them. The number of skilled technicians continues to decline, especially as older technicians reach retirement age. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up 47% of the U.S. workforce in 2017, but less than 2% of the 448,000 installers and technicians employed in the HVAC industry.
This all creates an excellent opportunity for women. Now more than ever women are needed in the HVAC/R industry to help fill the workforce shortage, close the gender gap, and expand the industry's diversity. Many HVAC/R companies are doing their best to attract female technicians to their businesses.
Forliti is currently the only female in her class of 22 other students. She may have felt apprehensive at first, but she can’t say enough about being accepted by all the students and having the support of her instructors who provide a positive experience inside the classroom. “Both Jay and Todd, my instructors, and advisor have all been supportive of me every step of the way,” said Forliti. “I am excited for my future and a new career and who knows, in 5 to 10 years down the road, I might want to teach this field as well.”
The small class size and excellent student-to-instructor ratio helps in that it gives her the opportunity to know her instructors and more closely engage with other students. Instructors are able to provide individualized attention and personal feedback.
Through SCC, she also began an internship at Countryside Refrigeration and Heating in Mankato and only about a month later the company hired her permanently. Today, she’s already working in the field and independently going on service calls. She noted that many customers are excited to see a woman on the job and she’s received mostly positive comments, but for the random few, they typically change their minds once she fixes their issue. She has an inner confidence, and she knows she can contribute to and transform this exciting field.
“The HVAC/R industry will benefit significantly from a more diverse workforce,” said Schmit. “I have no doubt that Kailey will be successful in her career and even inspire other women and girls to explore careers that men traditionally hold.”
“Many students go to college not knowing what they want to get out of it or how to make it work for them,” Forliti said. “I would encourage more students to look into the trades – even if it’s not HVAC/R.” She encourages students like her to visit with an advisor who can steer them in a new direction because she knows there’s more than one pathway to career success.
Other examples of career-ready trades requiring two years or less at SCC: Accounting, Architectural Drafting and Design, Autobody and Collision Technology, Automotive Service, Business Management, Carpentry, Civil Engineering Technology, Computer Careers, Culinary Arts, Dental Assisting, Emergency Medical Services, Energy Technical Specialist, Geographic Information Systems, Health Unit Coordinator, Intensive Care Paramedic Technician, Marketing Management, Machine Tool Technology, Mechatronics, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technician, Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Nursing Assistant, Office Administration & Technology, Phlebotomy, and Welding.
View a list of all SCC programs including Career and Technical.
HVAC/R degrees include Associate of Applied Science, Advanced Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Refrigeration Technology Certificate, and HVAC/R (Heating) Certificate.
*Sources:
Leu, K. (2017, December 7). Beginning college students who change their majors within 3 years of enrollment. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Home Page, a part of the U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved December 6, 2022, from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2018434
EAB. (2018) How Late Is Too Late, Myths and Facts About the Consequences of Switching College Majors Whitepaper. EAB, formerly the Education Advisory Board. Retrieved December 6, 2022, from https://eab.com/technology/whitepaper/student-success/how-late-is-too-late/
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. Retrieved November 22, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
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South Central College honors and celebrates the success of our first-generation college students, faculty, and staff for National First-Generation Day.
The experiences of these students differ from those who are not first-generation students. Many first-generation students find it hard to navigate the vast landscape of higher education and encounter obstacles that can keep them from being successful.
Student Profile: Jess Dewar
“I belong here.”
In 2020, Jess Dewar found herself in a difficult situation. She was a single mom of two daughters aged four and 10 and was working as a bartender when her place of business closed because of the pandemic.
She knew it would be difficult for her to make ends meet without a degree and limited job options. In hindsight, COVID turned out to be the catalyst for her to make a major life change. Up until then, she didn’t realize how unfulfilling her work life was and how much time she was missing out on with her kids because of working the night shift. She knew she wanted better.
She was faced with a tough decision about what to do about her future. The thought of going back to school crossed her mind. It was intimidating and exciting at the same time. She was nervous and uncertain about whether she would have what it takes to go back to school. It was important for her to enroll in a college that would be able to support her on her journey.
As a first-generation student, Jess didn’t know where to turn and didn’t have people who could help guide her. She reached out and was accepted into South Central College’s (SCC) TRIO program which is known for its commitment to the support of first-generation students, low-income students, or students with disabilities. TRIO offers many programs to support a variety of students and prepare them for the challenges to help them overcome obstacles they face throughout their college experience. Jess has been able to tap into academic, financial, and personal assistance to help her succeed in college, stay in college, maintain good grades and successfully graduate.
Today, Jess is working her way towards a Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway Associate of Science (AS) degree, which allows students to seamlessly transfer to a four-year institution’s Social Work bachelor’s program after graduating from SCC. With every class, she feels more confident and even meets regularly with other students. “I have a huge sense of accomplishment,” said Jess. “I never thought I’d be here.” She found that SCC is a good fit for her, and she appreciates the close-knit community and the one-on-one attention from faculty. “I have not met one instructor or advisor who doesn’t want me to succeed,” she said. “They care.”
After graduating from SCC, she plans to continue her education at Minnesota State University, Mankato to earn a bachelor’s degree then a master’s degree in social work. She is driven to pursue social work in the area of child welfare so she can work towards protecting the most vulnerable in our society and supporting children and families in need of assistance. “Because if I don’t do it – if I don’t help kids, who will?”
The supportive programs at SCC have proven to be a game-changer for Jessica. She is no longer a bartender and has a work-study job that she is proud of. She has changed in so many positive ways and she now sees herself in a new light with a promising future.
According to Linda Leech, TRIO Program Director, “Jessica is an amazing collaborator and shares information to help other students. She has become a respected mentor.”
Jess is putting in the work to improve herself, and in doing so, she is improving the lives of her family. Soon she’ll be changing the lives of children who need her assistance, and all these efforts will also help her community. Going back to school as an adult has a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
Jess gives advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. “If anyone is on the fence about going back to school, just come here and talk with someone. It’s very doable. This is not impossible. You’ll feel like you belong here.”
Student Profile: Farhiya M Abdirahman
“Falling Forward.”
Farhiya Abidrahman has lived in Indonesia, Ethiopia and East Africa. But due to civil conflict and unrest, she needed to flee East Africa and couldn’t return to her homeland of Ethiopia. Farhiya may have left war behind, but life in the U.S. meant overcoming new challenges as a refugee. In 2018, she was homeless and had a young child. She had already endured a difficult journey, but she was determined not to give up.
As a first-generation, immigrant, single mother, and diverse student, she knew she was going to need a plan. A friend recommended South Central College (SCC) because she could get an advisor that speaks her native language. She made the choice to move to the area and start a new life.
“I never thought I’d be here,” Farhiya said. “When I got here, I didn’t know where to go, how to register, which classes would benefit me, or how anything works.” She speaks six languages (four fluently) but understanding life in the U.S. and how to navigate the realm of higher education was another challenge.
She was connected to Mandy Quist, TRIO Advisor, and it has made all the difference. Fast forward to today, Farhiya will be graduating this spring with her AA degree and will transfer to Mankato State University, Mankato to pursue her educational journey in the Social Work program. She is also an active member of TRIO Leadership Council (TLC) which is a student organization for TRIO students to develop and hone their leadership skills.
Mandy described Farhiya in one word – Resilient! “Farhiya sees the positive in everything and always with the glass being 100% full,” she said. “She is determined, motivated and goal-oriented and we are so happy to see her succeed as a student.”
“I am so proud of myself and never knew I would be able to go to school one day,” said Farhiya. “SCC is helping me make my dream come true, and I know I’m making my dad in heaven proud. My goal is to help single mothers and I will not stop until I get my degree.”
“Falling back to where I was is not an option,” she said. “If I fall, I’m going to fall forward.”
“I don’t know where I’d be without Mandy helping me – I just love her,” she said, adding, “If other students have the opportunity, join TRIO!”
TRIO Student Support Services provides a variety of comprehensive and supplemental academic and educational support. TRIO provides advising, financial aid counseling, personal support, and help with academic planning, major, and career exploration for low- to moderate-income, first-generation, and special-needs students.
Learn more about SCC’s TRIO program and find out if you qualify.
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Eric Weller has had his share of ambulance rides. As an EMT by trade, he worked at Mayo Clinic Ambulance for over 27 years. Today he is a highly recognized industry expert in the field of pre-hospital emergency care. With decades of experience working in the field, he uses his skills and expertise to coordinate first responder, EMT, and paramedic courses as part of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at South Central College (SCC), and its recognized workforce division, Customized Workforce Education (CWE).
Weller has a practical teaching approach using relevant knowledge he’s learned throughout the years. He has a no-frills, down-to-earth teaching style that allows for more hands-on instruction while trying new things and adopting the latest technology. Advances in the industry continue to evolve with computers and rapid diagnostic capabilities including computerized machines for chest compressions and many other innovative tools.
CWE has been at the forefront of workforce education with customized, hands-on, advanced training for professionals and organizations of all sizes and industries. As technology advances and workplace methods and strategies improve, there comes a need for employers and employees to align with these changes through relevant and consistent training.
Weller facilitates training for a wide variety of subjects but working with frontline healthcare providers and organization leaders is his forte. “Employers and team members need to have the skills to keep themselves and others safe when an emergency happens,” said Weller. “We never know when disruptions will occur but being prepared and planning ahead ensures everyone knows what to do if there is an emergency.”
No one can ever predict emergencies which is why it’s important for everyone to get training in foundational first aid and CPR education. Today’s employers are now discovering the advantages of having all their employees go through such new or refresher training because it demonstrates a commitment to employee safety. Weller has become an expert in emergency preparedness and disaster preparation with training, exercises, and drills along with strategies and planning. Disaster drills allow hospitals or organizations of all sizes to test response capabilities to emergencies and to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Many SCC instructors still work in the field and have actual, cutting-edge experience. CWE provides professionals and career seekers with the knowledge and skills that connect their training to real-life work. Employers are changing their mindset that training is not only about workforce development but about workforce strategy. By investing in the latest training and education, employees have increased satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity. A more skilled and confident staff can do big things for a business's bottom line.
Change is the one constant in our society. As the world changes, the healthcare industry must evolve to meet new needs and expectations. The need for healthcare workers continues to grow. “We need people,” Weller said. “We need all levels of healthcare providers including an EMT for a local ambulance, a CNA at a nursing home, or a nurse at a clinic or hospital,” Weller says that students who are compassionate and patient with a desire to learn is all that’s needed to succeed in these roles.
If you are interested in learning more about the customized training opportunities available through SCC’s Customized Workforce Education, visit southcentral.edu/workforce or call 507-389-7203.
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Customized Workforce Education (CWE) is a division at South Central College that has been providing workforce training for over 40 years.
Are you in charge of Safety at your facility? If so, you should have a Safety Professional in your corner!
Most small to medium-sized companies have a person in charge of safety (compliance) who is also expected to complete other tasks such as production, warehouse, maintenance, and/or Human Resources. Larger employers may have a full-time safety person but some of those folks have a limited safety (compliance) background. Education and training are important tools for informing workers and managers about workplace hazards and controls to avoid employee complaints to OSHA, citations, and injuries. Safety trainers at SCC’s Customized Workforce Education (CWE) allow you to have a professional in your corner to help bridge the gap between basic safety information and what you might find on a google search. Employers, managers, and supervisors may benefit from specific training that allows them to fulfill their leadership roles so the company can strongly compete with competitors.
When most people say “safety,” they really mean “compliance”, the basic requirements that need to be fulfilled to maintain a minimal status. Anything above that is more likely to be viewed by your employees as safety. Assess your organization’s safety climate through the eyes of your employees. Simply put, do you have a proven safety climate survey that your employees fill out to help management see what the current state of safety is? Your employees are the best gauge of this ever-changing metric and if you are not measuring it, you can’t possibly know what needs improvement. A safety professional can help you to implement a safety climate survey and consult with you on the best next steps.
Do you know what safety training is required initially, and annually, and do your supervisors know that they are the ones that need to ensure that all company and OSHA rules are being followed on the floor? A safety professional can work with your front-line supervisors to ensure they have a basic understanding of what rules need to be followed on a daily basis, and which employees have been trained to complete certain tasks. Through rules, regulations, interpretations, and case law, a safety professional can educate your front-line leaders so they can hold their direct reports accountable in the area of occupational safety. This of course drives down costs associated with injury, property damage, and citations. Assessment-based programs and OTI (OSHA Training Institute) classes like 510 and 511 are things that only a safety professional can deliver. Simply having access to these tools will give you a leg up in your industry.
Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know, and this is when it’s important to have a safety professional do a complete audit of your operations. Not an audit from a company that dabbles in safety (but specializes in uniforms, tools sales, or sling inspections), but a credentialed safety professional. If it’s time for you to get a complete audit done, seek out a safety professional who does them frequently and one who can help you create a strategic priority list. This list should include company policy, training requirements, inspection protocol, environmental, ergonomic, noise monitoring, respirator fit testing amongst other areas, and all physical plant issues.
Don’t go it alone! The credentialed safety professionals from CWE at South Central College have been onsite helping their clients for over 40 years. With four full-time professionals on staff, you can be assured that they will always be able to answer your questions, conduct training sessions and audits and provide you with peace of mind. Emails and phone calls are always welcome and we’re here if you just need that sounding board in a pinch.
If you are wondering “do they do ……..?” The answer is yes. If it involves safety, compliance, OSHA, MSHA, citations, audits, operator training, risk assessment, HAZ, etc. CWE does it, and at a high level of professionalism and expertise. Have questions? Just reach out!
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More and more employers are working with South Central College’s Customized Workforce Education (CWE) to upskill employees so they can compete in today’s evolving workforce.
According to technological research and consulting firm Gartner, the pace of employee turnover is forecast to be 50–75% higher than companies have experienced previously, and the issue is compounded by it taking 18% longer to fill roles than pre-pandemic. Unless efforts are refocused on retention, managers will be unable to drive performance and affect change within their organizations.
One of the most critical keys to retention right now is upskilling to increase employee pay and responsibilities at work. In addition to improving retention, the total number of skills required for a single role is increasing by 6% annually, meaning that building critical skills within the workforce must be a top priority and developed quickly enough to meet the organization’s ever-evolving needs.
Non-credit certifications and workforce trainings are an efficient and effective way to build up a company’s workforce with the skills they need to meet production demands, as well as provide employees with an opportunity for professional development and career growth. And South Central College’s Customized Workforce Education division makes it easy for organizations to upskill their employees without the hassle of investing company time and energy to develop new trainings in-house.
From new supervisor skills and workplace communication to data analytics and certification exam prep, SCC’s workforce education courses are developed to meet organizational training needs while also being offered in a variety of formats to accommodate busy schedules and provide flexibility for working professionals. SCC’s expert trainers can even develop and lead a customized training program right at a company site.
In addition to upskilling and retaining current employees, organizations can also utilize SCC’s workforce education offerings to train new hires in the critical skills needed to fulfill their job duties. South Central College is forging an exciting new collaboration with Google and other national organizations to develop innovative pathways that will help adult learners gain transferable, job-ready skills for high-demand careers in data analytics, IT support, project management, UX design, and digital marketing. Employers in Southern Minnesota will be able to partner with South Central College to provide both new and longtime employees with these easily accessible, expert-developed trainings.
And finally, employees’ wellbeing should be taken into consideration when it comes to improving job satisfaction and retention, as well as increasing productivity. The Associated Press recently reported that untreated mental illness may cost companies up to $300 billion annually, and Harvard Business Review identified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) – one of SCC’s newest workforce education offerings – as the most popular training program of its kind. MHFA participants learn to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges among colleagues and direct reports on the job, and they’ll earn a 3-year certification from the National Council for Behavioral Health.
Customized Workforce Education can help you train, retain, and invest in your workforce.
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Established in 1949, May became Mental Health Awareness Month, focused on promoting mental health awareness and increasing focus on the importance of mental health.
Due to an increase in stress, loss, worry, and unpredictability, there has been an increase in negative mental health consequences during the pandemic.
College can be a stressful time and there has never been a more important time to recognize that mental health is an essential factor to overall health and wellbeing.
"SCC recognizes the importance of mental health supports through on-campus resources and by connecting to community supports for ongoing assistance," said Judy Endres, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. "Ultimately, this will support students' achieving their academic goals."
"The college truly sets you up to succeed," said Tabby Willner, first year SCC Graphic Communications student, who shares her own struggles with mental health.
"Whether I go to my TRIO adviser, the college social worker, or my instructors, they have all surprised me with how understanding and supportive they are if you keep open communication with them," she said.
"Being here I have learned how to advocate for myself because it is highly encouraged to ask for help when you need it, and there is always someone ready and willing to help.
Tabby is not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), mental illnesses are common with nearly one in five adults in America living with a mental illness.
"I love being at the campus," Willner said. "I am genuinely excited to go to class and learn more, and that's not something I ever felt in high school. SCC has been a safe space for me."
The bottom line is to remember that you are the best advocate for yourself and your loved ones. Make mental wellness a priority in your life. You don't need to navigate this alone. South Central College social workers, counselors and advisors are available to meet with you for when you need assistance with mental health or basic needs issues.
Mental Health Screenings:
Screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Take a mental health test to help promote prevention, early identification, and intervention during the month of May.
Additional Mental Health Information:
- National Alliance for Mental Health article on Managing a Mental Health Condition While In College
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website (nami.org) has a significant number of resources that focus on support, education, and advocacy.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Talk To Someone Now: Lifeline
- Veterans Crisis Line
Learn about SCC's network of Student Resources to ensure personal wellbeing and success. Online scheduling is available. Contact social workers or counselors for more assistance.
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There are several reasons to pursue a career in the health care field. South Central College students and graduates express that working in health care is fulfilling and they enjoy being able to help others in need. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecopro.pdf) expects health care to be the fastest growing employment field, with projected growth of 16% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for other fields.
“The statistics affirm that health care is a good career sector for many,” said Dr. Dimitria Harding, SCC Dean of Health Sciences and Career and Technical Education. “Because of the growing aging population, the need for health care services will continue to increase.”
This projection is good news for students as it means increased job security as more and more positions are being created for people who are driven to make a difference in their communities. Health care professionals have always had a respected role in society in addition to the job security of having an in-demand job. Salary varies based on education levels and roles.
In addition to having extensive background working in healthcare, many faculty members remain active in their fields. Students learn from seasoned faculty who have been teaching for over twenty years along with newer faculty who bring the latest trends, knowledge, and experience.
For professional nursing (preparation for RN) and medical assisting graduates who would like to pursue their bachelor’s degree after earning their associate degree at SCC, transfer agreements are in place making it easy. After receiving their associate of science degree at SCC and passing their RN nursing licensure exam, SCC’s professional nursing graduates who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree have two smooth transfer options: Minnesota State University, Mankato’s all online program or Metro State University’s mostly online program. SCC’s medical assisting grads can also seamlessly transfer into Winona State University’s (WSU) Healthcare Leadership Administration Bachelor of Science degree program. With an emphasis on online learning, these programs allow graduates to work in their field, while simultaneously pursing their bachelor’s degree.
"At SCC you have the respect, the dignity, and you are treated equally,” said RN student Evans Nyame when he attended SCC.
With endless career pathways, job opportunities, competitive salaries, and most importantly, the power to help those in need, the healthcare field has much to offer.
SCC’s Health Sciences programs include:
See all of SCC's programs
Footnote: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
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Dear SCC Community,
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this day, we can honor, celebrate, and reflect on the life of Dr. King. and all that he stood for. In addition to spending time with family, I spent time reflecting on his teachings. One particular quote hit me as being very SCC – “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
These past few years have been (and continue to be) some of the most difficult times for a lot of people. The ongoing pandemic that seems to have no end, racial unrest, and political turmoil. No matter which side of the spectrum our beliefs put us, we have all felt misunderstood, attacked, afraid, alone, and/or disappointed over the past few years.
South Central College commits to the ideas behind our Achieving the Dream initiatives that embrace the ideas of equity, inclusion, and simply making our environment friendlier and easier to navigate for all our students. But we must also acknowledge that these bigger factors in the world have stressed us out and stressed-out people can struggle.
Let us take a moment to reflect on what we can do to support each other as coworkers: work together, reach out, respectfully disagree, give the benefit of the doubt, forgive past errors (yours and others), and above all be kind. After all, as MLK said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” We will overcome all these challenges as individuals and as a community.
Appreciatively,
Dr. Annette Parker
President
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