MSCS Campus Connect - August 2020

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast August 2020 A Technical and Community College Red Wing | Winona | Online It’s a brand new day for Nursing at MSC Southeast Associate of Science in Nursing degree has been approved by the Minnesota State Board of Nursing Planning for a safe return It’s official! Two years of mitment, along with new cur- collaborative effort by col- riculum, experienced nursing Fall Semester is just around • Observe proper handwash- as outlined in the COVID-19 The Auto Body classroom lege leadership, faculty, staff, faculty, and small class sizes, the corner! Classes begin on ing and respiratory etiquette Preparedness Plan,” said area is set up so that there is and community partners has are all intentional components Monday, August 24. Minne- • Wear face masks or cloth Interim President Larry Lun- social distance between stu- resulted in the launch of the to promote student and pro- sota State College Southeast face coverings inside campus dblad. “It is up to all of us to dents, with only one student Associate Degree of Science gram success.” has announced its plans for a buildings follow the guidelines.” per table. The entire shop in Nursing degree, which was safe opening of the Red Wing • Maintain physical distanc-   is large and well ventilated. approved by the Minnesota Start this fall, graduate and Winona campuses. ing of 6 feet or more Return-to-Campus “If the temperature is 65 or Board of Nursing on August in five semesters Plans above, the doors will be open 6, 2020. Students can begin as early as “We are looking forward to Classes and programs that Every academic program that and we’ll be exchanging the Fall 2020 at MSC Southeast the fall, when we will have a require hands-on learning requires instruction on cam- air with outside air on a regu- The five-semester program as Health Science Broad Field mix of in-person classes for experiences will be taught pus has developed its own lar basis,” Tom added. will prepare successful grad- majors. They will take at least hands-on learning, hybrid on campus, with measures specific return-to-campus uates to take the NCLEX- two semesters of college-lev- courses, and online instruc- in place to assure physical plan. Here are just a few ex- Band Instrument Repair RN® exam and tion. Faculty and staff are distancing and enhanced amples of changes instructors Things will look different in become regis- busy planning for fall to cleaning and disinfecting will be making Fall semester. the Band Instrument Repair tered nurses. ensure that you are able to routines. (BIR) labs this fall. The stu- And through a continue your education at Auto Body Collision dents’ personal work benches partnership MSC Southeast without inter- In addition, to reduce the Technology are now spaced six feet apart with Winona ruption,” said Josiah Litant, number of people on campus, “We are ready to go this for physical distancing. Over State Univer- Vice President of Student Af- many general education and fall with hands-on labs here the summer, all three BIR in- sity, students can fairs and Dean of Students. theory classes will be avail- at the college!” said Auto structors learned how to weld continue their able online or in a hybrid Body Collision Technology from Bicycle Design and education to Students can apply for admis- format. Some employees will instructor Tom Brandt. “You Fabrication instructor Mike earn a Bachelor sion, register for classes, work remotely, but will be will see face masks, full face Ford so they could make of Science in and attend college this fall available by phone, email, shields, and we also use a nine steel vise stands that Nursing. with confidence that they and Zoom to stay in close lot of gloves, because we’re can be moved to help spread can continue to achieve their contact with each other and working with chemicals and students out. “MSC Southeast educational goals in a safe the students they serve. paint products.” environment. “We had a great learning strives to be an “We want to provide a safe Tom explained further, experience!” said John Huth. The MSC Southeast environment for our students, “There are twelve welding “Without Mike, it wouldn’t active part of COVID-19 Preparedness faculty, staff, and visitors. We booths in the Auto Body lab, have been possible for us to Plan (available for download can accomplish this by reduc- and we anticipate that each make the vise stands. I cannot the health and at www.southeastmn.edu/ ing the number of individuals student will be assigned a say enough good things about covid19) calls for students, on our campuses, adhering specific booth that they will him as a teacher.” vitality of south- employees, and campus to self-monitoring protocols, use during the entire 8-week visitors to: wearing masks, maintaining lab. Plus, each booth will be see RETURN on Page 3 eastern Min- • Self-screen for symptoms safe distancing, practicing equipped with its own tools of the disease before entering good hand hygiene, and stay- so students will never need to nesota,” noted buildings ing at home when feeling ill share their welding tools.” MSC Southeast Vice President of Academic Af- fairs Chad Dull. New Associate of Science in Nursing “Being able to degree will set graduates on the path offer an Associate to becoming registered nurses. Degree in Nurs- ing not only fills Mechatronics at MSC Southeast takes a need in our communities, it el general education courses off with new $325,000 grant provides professional medi- prior to beginning nursing cal career opportunities for courses, including biology, students. This double benefit anatomy/physiology, chemis- is key to our mission of sup- try, psychology, English, and porting our students and the communications. communities we live in.” “Mechatronics” may sound mysterious, but over the According to Associate Dean In Spring semester 2021, stu- next three years Minnesota State College Southeast of Nursing Janine Mason, dents will apply for entry into will be unraveling the mystery through partnerships “This collaboration has been the ASN program and con- with six Winona-based companies. a college-wide effort with tinue with general education high levels of commitment in coursework while their ap- Supported by a $325,000 Minnesota Jobs Skills Part- the creation of the ASN pro- plications are under review by nership (MJSP) grant, Minnesota State College South- gram. Our clinical partners the college’s nursing depart- east will collaborate with Acuity Brands Lighting, Bay are equally committed to the ment. State Milling, Behrens Manufacturing, Miller Ingenu- success of our students and ity, RiverSide Electronics, and Thern Inc. to develop a the program.” Once admitted, they will take new Advanced Mechatronics Certificate over the next three additional semesters of three years. Built from the nursing coursework at MSC ground up Southeast, including clini- So what exactly is Mechatronics? You might think of MSC Southeast instructor Andy George will provide Advanced MSC Southeast has devel- cal experiences in regional it as a combination of mechanical, electronic, and pro- Mechatronics training to the college’s Winona area business oped brand new curriculum, hospitals and care facilities. gramming skills. Mechatronics technicians work with partners through a Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership grant. developed new clinical learn- Graduates will be prepared to industrial electricians, engineers, and technical support ing experiences, and set high sit for the NCLEX-RN® board standards for admission and exams and become registered staff to ensure that production processes and equipment Southeast and our business partners will help provide the graduation. In addition, the nurses. college has invested in a com- can be expanded and sustained in a wide range of industries. skilled workers they need, plus help the college add a much- plete partnership with ATI, a Partnership with nationally renowned provider Winona State University needed advanced technology certificate program that will con- of nursing education. MSC Southeast ASN students will be offered the opportuni- Andy George, a new instructor at MSC Southeast, will teach tinue to serve the region after the grant is complete,” said Larry “This Associate of Science ty to obtain their Bachelor of in Nursing degree integrates Science in Nursing through the new 22-credit Advanced Mechatronics Certificate. Through Lundblad, MSC Southeast Interim President. internationally renowned stu- Winona State University upon dent learning supports, high completion of the nursing a prior MJSP grant, the college developed a 19-credit Introduc- tech virtual simulation ex- program at Minnesota State periences, and gold-standard College Southeast. tory Mechatronics Certificate and discovered the need for more Mechatronics spans electronics, mechanics, hydraulics, and software,” said Jennifer Ec- cles, former Dean of Health “Advisors from WSU will advanced coursework. Starting this fall, Andy is also teaching motors. The Advanced Mechatronics Certificate will include Sciences at MSC Southeast follow our students along in who is now System Director their journey, providing sup- in the college’s two-year 60-credit Associate of Applied Sci- coursework focused on advanced PLC (programmable logic for Nursing Initiatives at the port and guidance along the Minnesota State HealthForce way,” said Jennifer Eccles. ence in Mechatronics Technology program. controller) programming, integrated industrial systems, motors Center for Excellence. “Our partnership aims to in- and drives, and process control systems. “Every student will be able to crease the number of Bach- log in to the ATI system to ac- elors-prepared nurses across “Mechatronics is a career, not just a job,” he said. “It involves cess all kinds of support ma- the region.” terials, including flash cards, industrial maintenance and programming the controls aspect “Manufacturing technology continues to change and evolve,” practice tests, and real-life Associate Dean of Nursing scenarios,” explained Janine Janine Mason, a Red Wing of industrial equipment. Mechatronics technicians can work according to Chad Dull, MSC Southeast Vice President of Ac- Mason. “This level of com- see NURSING on Page 4 from a PC at their desk, log in remotely, look at the industrial ademics. “As the relevance and rigor of the courses are shared device’s programming, and troubleshoot issues.” with area companies, the sustained utilization of this program for employee training is assured.” The new and innovative 22-credit Advanced Mechatronics Certificate will provide employees advanced Mechatronics The Advanced Mechatronic Certificate will include competen- training that is currently unavailable in southeast Minnesota. cies needed in today’s environment and into the future. “This The businesses involved in the grant are committed to partici- training will give employees additional skills and the opportu- pating in the design and development of the curriculum as well nity to access a higher pay scale within their organizations,” as enrolling their employees in the training. said Larry Lundblad. “As area manufacturers purchase and in- stall upgraded systems, they will need well-trained technicians “The strong relationship between Minnesota State College to maintain that equipment.”

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast Page 2 2020: Let’s make it a productive and safe year at MSC Southeast Red Wing Campus By Dr. Larry Lundblad, Interim President, Minnesota State College Southeast 308 Pioneer Road As you can see by the articles in this edition of Campus Con- college contin- Red Wing, MN 55066 nect, great things are happening at Minnesota State College ues to respond Winona Campus Southeast! We are eagerly looking forward to the start of the to the employ- 1250 Homer Road new academic year. New ways to learn in response to the ment needs of Winona, MN 55987 pandemic and new programs will provide our students with the region we Tandeski Center expanded opportunities. serve. Manufacturing 1200 Storrs Pond Road Our faculty, staff, and administration have been working and healthcare Winona, MN 55987 hard over the summer to ensure everyone’s safety as students are two of the return to our campuses this fall. Keeping everyone safe is our major em- www.southeastmn.edu first concern. Safety protocols are in place. In the classrooms, ployers in the 877.853.8324 distancing and the mandatory use of masks will reduce region. exposure to the virus. The technical, occupational, music and Administrative Contacts health programs have developed safety guidelines that allow Manufacturing continues to evolve with automation and students to come to campus for hands-on training in our labs robotics becoming widespread. Mechatronics is a new major Larry Lundblad and shops. that will prepare students for high-skill high-paying support Interim President positions that keep the manufacturing facilities of this region [email protected] Students from our auto technology, auto body, mechatronics, running. State-of-the-art labs await students. We are excited welding, truck driving, CNC, and guitar programs are already to be eventually offering this training on both campuses. Chad Dull on campus. These students are finishing spring semester Vice President of Academics classes or enrolling in accelerated courses to obtain the skills Another new major that starts this fall is the Associate of [email protected] to get a job quickly. Science in Nursing (ASN). The demand for registered nurses continues to grow. The ASN degree will be offered on both To reduce the number of individuals coming to campus, stu- the Winona and Red Wing campuses. We are pleased that dents have the option to access lecture-based classes online. the Board of Nursing recently approved the program. The Many of these classes and programs were online prior to approval has taken a significant amount of work by our the pandemic. Therefore, our faculty are skilled at teaching faculty under the tremendous leadership of Associate Dean of online. Many instructors include pre-recorded lectures, video Nursing, Janine Mason. In addition to the new ASN program, clips, and online discussion groups to enhance the online the college offers the Practical Nursing diploma and Certified learning experience and to incorporate interactivity. Nursing Assistant certificate. Another exciting new option is Hy-Flex, where we’re using We are looking forward to the coming year and to welcom- Zoom technology to create a live-time interactive learning ex- ing our students. We will do our very best to keep everyone perience that links students who are taking a class on-campus safe and to provide a dynamic learning environment. For with students who are learning remotely. Hy-Flex allows stu- those of you who are seeking employment, now IS the time to dents to see, hear, and interact with others in the class and the upgrade skills. Many companies are looking for skilled work- instructor in real time. Students can rotate days in class and ers despite the pandemic and related economic downturn. days at a distance to reduce student numbers on campus. Plus, Our faculty and staff will assist you to make your transition the sessions can be recorded and made available to students smooth. We are committed to making this year a productive for make-up and review. and safe one! In addition to changes in the classroom, two great new majors available this next year are highlighted in this edition. The Doubling down – 16 students graduate from college, high school at the same time Josiah S. Litant This spring, 16 high school students graduated with college In addition, Red Wing High School graduate and Vice President of Student Affairs level credentials in Minnesota State College Southeast’s Class twelve area MSC Southeast alum, Mira Rodriguez and Dean of Students of 2020. These certificates and degrees were made possible students earned [email protected] by the PSEO (Post Secondary Enrollment Opportunities) shorter-term program at the college. certificates in Maryellen Kanz Automotive Director of Human Resources Through PSEO, 10th, 11th and 12th grade high school stu- Technology [email protected] dents earn both high school and college credit for college-lev- Foundations, el courses completed on a college campus, at a high school, Diesel Rick Nahrgang or at another location. Maintenance, Chief Information Officer and Prototype [email protected] “Students can complete a certificate or even earn a full two- Engineering. year degree prior to high school graduation, allowing them to Certificates like Minnesota State College Southeast is an affirmative go straight into the workforce or start at an advanced stand- these can lead action/equal opportunity educator and employer. ing at a four-year university,” said Jeannie Meidlinger, MSC directly to em- Southeast Director of Secondary Relations. ployment or give This document is available in alternative formats to individuals students a head with disabilities by calling 877-853-8324 or 507-453-2700. Mira Rodriguez, a student at Red Wing High School, attended start in their col- MSC Southeast full time in 11th and 12th grade. This spring, lege endeavors. she graduated with a two-year Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences and was awarded high honors. “For example, the Prototype Engineering Certificate provides high school stu- “When I was deciding whether or not to do the PSEO pro- dents with nearly one semester of cost-free college credits, gram, some people said it would be really difficult,” she told saving them both valuable time and money if they choose to Red Wing’s newspaper, the Republican-Eagle. “You have pursue a diploma in MSC Southeast’s CNC Machine Tool to be self-motivated, but it is definitely worth it. You feel program after graduation,” said Calvin Clemons, Director of accomplished. It has the difficulty, but it has empowerment, Trade and Technology. too.” Because PSEO classes are tuition-free for high school Samuel Hager and Joshua Hager, twin brothers from Waba- students, they offer a tremendous opportunity, noted MSC sha, graduated from high school with two-year degrees in Southeast Vice President of Academic Affairs Chad Dull. Construction Technology. This summer both are working in “PSEO opens doors to young people and makes college not the construction field for different companies in Rochester, just a dream, but an achievable reality.” according to their instructor, Jonathan Powell. If you’re interested in learning more about PSEO classes, Damian Powers of Kellogg, MN also earned a two-year start by talking to your high school counselor, or contact degree, an AAS in Cyber and Information Security. He is Jeannie Meidlinger, Director of Secondary Relations transferring to St. Cloud State University this fall to continue (507-453-2743, [email protected]) towards bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity. “My dream job for more information. would be to work at the NSA or FBI,” he said. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. #MSCSOUTHEASTCARES WNB FMORE THAINNAANBCANIAKL The COVID-19 pandemic may increase stress or anxiety. It’s important to seek help if needed. www.WNBFinancial.com • 507-454-8800 Counseling services are available for MSC Southeast students by appointment. www.southeastmn.edu/wellness

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast Page 3 The Class of 2020: “The Class of Changes New Faces on Campus and Survivors” Alecia Spagnoletti is our new Human Resource Business Partner. She started working at MSC Southeast on May Coming back to college as a non-traditional student wasn’t al- during a pan- 19 — in the midst of the CO- ways easy for Practical Nursing student Pojo Rutske. Being a demic and that member of the Class of 2020 made it even more challenging. is how this class VID-19 pandemic — so she is — the class After working for the same company for eighteen years, Pojo of changes and hasn’t had much opportunity said, “I knew I needed something different in my life. I also survival. We knew coming back to college was going to take me longer.” are the class of to interact with her fellow em- survivors and our She had to take classes part time until she entered the nursing career ployees in person. However, Practical Nursing program, and she worked two jobs until will continue to her final semester. challenge us, but she says, “This situation has we have already Just when graduation was a matter of weeks away, Spring made it through certainly enhanced my Zoom Semester 2020 was interrupted by the COVID-19 global so much.” pandemic. Suddenly everything changed. After switching to skills! It’s been a crash course online last spring, learning was difficult for many. — I had to get up to speed re- “We had to learn ‘how to learn’ all over again,” said Pojo. “Some of us had just learned how to succeed at tests in the ally fast. At least I have had the classroom and then here we were taking them at home on camera. Some of us had to learn how to work the camera, chance to meet college staff some of us did not even know we had a camera!” from both Winona and Red Alecia Spagnoletti, Wing virtually. I’m looking for- Human Resources ward to the Fall when there will be more people on campus.” Since graduation, Alecia comes to Minnesota State College Southeast with a lot of experience in HR, having worked for a larger network Pojo’s time has of colleges for the past eight years. “I wanted to continue my career in higher education and had heard good things been filled with Practical Nursing graduate Pojo Rutske about MSC Southeast. Moving to a smaller college will let studying for her me wear a lot of hats,” she said. She holds a bachelor’s de- gree in Psychology and a master’s degree in School Coun- nursing boards (which she passed early in July) and work- seling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. A resident of Hastings, Alecia will be based on the Red Wing campus. ing at Sauer Healthcare, where she accepted a position as a licensed practical nurse. But Pojo finished her courses and graduated with honors in “There were many times I wondered if it was worth it, jug- May. She was selected to be the class speaker for the Winona gling college and two jobs along with a family! I have excel- Nursing Pinning Ceremony, held — for the first time ever — lent support from my family and friends, and in the end that on Zoom this year. was where all my strength came from,” Pojo said. In her speech, she said, “When we all came together all those We may see more of Pojo at Minnesota State College South- Ben Adank is now a full-time faculty member in the Cyber months ago each of us had our reason for nursing, some of us east. “I have been following the news about the Associate Information and Security and Network Administration & dreamed of it our whole life, some felt it’s where they want of Science in Nursing degree. I do plan to return for this Technology programs. He previously served as an adjunct to start their medical career, and some people just needed a program,” she said. “Previously, I thought I would stop after change in their current life status. The one thing we all have completing Practical Nursing but now think I will likely and part time instructor in both in common is we enjoy taking care of others.” continue my education further — as long as my path will areas for the past nine years. As allow me to do so while working as an LPN.” an industry expert at Itechra, a She continued, “We did not end up with many of the funny full service IT consulting com- clinical stories other classes have, and we didn’t have some Congratulations to Pojo Rutske and all of the graduates of pany based in Winona, Ben of the experiences that we should have had. We do get to say 2020 — “The Class of Changes and Survivors.” We are brings a wealth of experience we are the practical nursing class in spring 2020 to graduate proud of you! to the position and is excited to spend more time teaching and advising students. Initially he was called on in to MSC Southeast programs are planning for a safe return Ben Adank, Networking fill in for a class in 2011 on a to hands-on instruction and Cyber Security temporary basis, but he has Instructor continued to teach at MSC Southeast ever since. “I had so RETURN continued from Page 1 much fun teaching and I really hit it off with the students!” he said. “It’s been something I really look forward to and The Band Instrument Repair instructors will modify the pro- for two weeks at a time without us being there,” he said. enjoy each semester.” gram’s curriculum to ensure safe distancing and safety. The college has invested money in purchasing additional tools so that his students will have four complete sets of Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration “For example, group projects are being redesigned and tools that will be color-coded. A small group of students will and Management from Bemidji State University and an sequenced for individual work. We have developed off-site only use their assigned set of tools, rather than passing them associate degree in Information Technology from West- learning curriculum to make hands-on work a priority when around all of the students. The college will no longer use the ern Technical College. He is active in the community as we have students in the shops. Students will use hand sani- same equipment as Habitat for Humanity to avoid cross- an elected official in the Town of Milton, WI; a founding tizer prior to and following the handling of common-use tools contamination. board member of the Pirate Youth Athletic Association; and a member of the Winona Chamber of Commerce. Jonathan is teaching his lecture classes in the HyFlex mode. Prior to joining the faculty at Students can choose to come to campus, or they can par- ticipate via Zoom. “I had students who wanted to be in my MSC Southeast as an instruc- program but didn’t want to be in close proximity to others in a classroom,” he said. “By doing HyFlex, they can still attend tor in the new Mechatronics lectures from home. I will still have a requirement that stu- dents actually attend together at the same time. In my classes program, Andy George taught we have a lot of conversation, and I want the students to be engaged in discussion with each other.” Electromechanical/Automa- tion at Western Technical Col- lege in La Crosse for nine years Truck driving and was an Electromechanical One of the most creative solutions to maintaining physical distance has been implemented in the Truck Driving program. Technician at Hutchinson Tech- “I’ve installed CB radios in all of the trucks, and I teach from by CB radio from a van, where I can keep in visual contact nology in Eau Claire, WI, for six with the truck and the student,” said instructor Tom Gierok. years. He earned a bachelor’s Tom said he’s ready for Fall Semester, having already taught truck driving throughout the summer. “Every single day when Andy George, degree in Management with a the students arrive, I go over our policy and procedure. This summer we did as much as we could outside – whenever we Mechatronics Instructor concentration in operations at could, we even did our lecture outside in the open air. Every University of Wisconsin-Stout Second year guitar students are back on campus working student wipes down their truck and locks it at the end of the safety in the labs. day,” Tom explained, adding, “If somebody doesn’t feel good, and an associate degree Electromechanical Technology at they have to stay home and that’s OK. Everybody has got to and supplies,” explained Greg Beckwith. “End-of-day shop put safety first.” Western Technical College. cleaning protocols will include the sanitizing of common work areas, tools, and supply bins/drawers.” Welding Technology Andy says he is excited to come to MSC Southeast because Welding instructor Casey Mann’s expert handiwork is evident of the opportunity to build a new program from the ground CNC Machine Tool on campus at the front desks and bookstores, where you’ll up. “I love working with students, not just the day-to-day The Advanced Manufacturing Lab already allows for gener- see plexiglass barriers installed to ensure distance for those teaching, but because I know that we are making their lives ous spacing among the students. CNC Machine Tool instruc- better. If they choose to stay in this field, they will make tor Rick Hengel said, “We are very excited to have students more money every year for the rest of their life, and that’s back in the labs and classrooms this fall. We did not have to better for them, their children, and the entire community,” do many changes in the shop because we are very fortunate to he said. “You’re enhancing manufacturing in this area by have a very large lab. The equipment is at least six feet apart; putting skilled technicians out there, so you are really help- a lot of it is ten to twelve feet apart.” ing the whole area grow.” Keeping equipment sanitized will be important in all of the who work behind the counters. He is also eager to have hands-on programs. In CNC Machine Tool, Rick explained students back in the classroom. that there will be only one student per machine, so no one will be doubling up on machines. “In my program, it’s 85% or better hands-on. We are ready! I have three rooms in the facility, so social “After each student has completed a project on a machine, distancing will not be a problem. Every process can be they will be wiping down the machine to make sure every- separated from the others, and students will have their thing is very clean. Students will have a lot of their own tools, own booth and their own tools,” he elaborated. “With but if they are using tools that belong to the college, they will the separation between booths provided by curtains and be wiping them down and sanitizing them after they are done walls, we’re ready to go and you can feel safe here.” using them.” Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, Construction Technology Training students in careers that require hands-on learning is the college’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan is subject important to MSC Southeast. Instructors are coming up with to revision. The college’s Emergency Response Team This fall, Construction Technology students will be building creative ideas to get students back in the classroom. will meet regularly to make updates as needed follow- a house for Habitat for Humanity Winona-Fillmore Coun- ing direction from Minnesota State, the Office of Higher ties. Instructor Jonathan Powell worked closely with Habi- Education, the Minnesota Department of Health, and tat’s leadership to come up with the solutions to keep both the CDC. students and Habitat volunteers safe. “Most of Habitat for Humanity’s volunteers are in an older age group so they are more at-risk. What we will do this fall is alternate two weeks of time at work site with them, so their volunteers can work

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast Page 4 Medical Laboratory Technician program gains maximum 10-year accreditation, welcoming students to campus this fall Now more than ever, Medical Laboratory Technicians are sonal protective equipment — such as a critical part of the healthcare team. And you can count on gloves, eye protection, face masks, and Minnesota State College Southeast to provide an excellent face shields —and keeping everything education in this challenging field. extremely safe in the lab,” explained instructor Rebecca Beckmann. “And This summer, Minnesota State College Southeast’s Medical every student is assigned their own mi- Laboratory Technician (MLT) program received the maxi- croscope to use for all the classes that mum 10-year accreditation award from the National Accred- they take in our program.” iting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Board of Directors. A vital part of healthcare team Youa Xiong, Oralia Rueda Gomez, and Jesse Lorenz are all graduates of MSC in combating COVID-19 Southeast’s Medical Laboratory Technician program, now working together at The program at MSC Southeast met all the established stan- Winona Health. dards in the clinical laboratory science discipline of Medical “Med Lab Techs play a vital role in the Laboratory Technician. fight against COVID-19. Every day medical lab technicians and scientists “By going through the NAACLS accreditation process our are performing molecular tests to help students and employers can be assured that our graduates identify patients who have COVID-19. possess the knowledge and competencies necessary for an They are also conducting serology entry-level Medical Laboratory Technician,” according to antibody assays to determine who may Medical Laboratory Technician instructor Carol Cantlon. potentially be immune to this novel Coronavirus,” said Carol Cantlon. MSC Southeast’s Winona campus will be open this fall for programs that require hands-on learning, and the MLT “Med Lab Techs are working tirelessly board exam pass rate, and 100% job placement. The demand instructors are making plans for students to learn in a CO- behind the scenes to ensure providers for Medical Laboratory Technicians is very strong. Employ- VID-19 safe environment. have the information necessary to not only identify and treat ment in the field is expected to rise 11% between 2018 and COVID-19 patients, but treat all patients,” she added. 2028, faster than other occupations. “We’re excited to have students back on campus this fall. As Over a 3-year period (2017-2019) MSC Southeast MLT Pro- The Medical Laboratory Program’s 10-year NAACLS Medical Laboratory Technicians, we’re always using our per- gram students achieved 100% graduation rate, 94% first-time accreditation will continue until April 30, 2030. It’s a brand new day – Associate of Science in Nursing approved by Minnesota Board of Nursing Nursing continued from Page 1 native, is excited that the college is now in a position to make “She has been a key leader in bringing this program to MSC complete full national accreditation prior to graduation of the an impact in meeting community healthcare needs. “Many of Southeast,” he said. “Janine is deeply invested in the nursing first cohort of students. our nursing faculty are locals, they’re engaged in their com- profession, our communities, and most importantly our stu- munities; to teach the next generation of nurses that will fill dents. Her commitment to excellence will assure we have the Contact [email protected] for more the needs of our region up and down the river is an honor,” highest quality program.” information about starting in the Associate of Science in she said. Nursing program. Please watch www.southeastmn.edu/ASN The college will be applying for initial candidacy for national for ongoing updates. Vice President Chad Dull praised Janine Mason for her efforts accreditation of the ASN program by the Accreditation Com- in developing the Associate of Science in Nursing degree. mission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), with a vision to YE ! YES – YOU CAN RED WING CAMPUS Go to college this fall at Minnesota State College Southeast. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. YES – WE’RE OPEN Stay safe. Stay local. If attending college is in your future, consider Most tech and trade classes will be taught on campus. Most other programs will be taught attending close to home. MSC Southeast offers college level transfer online. We’re here to support you all the way. courses AND hands-on training that leads directly to employment. YES – WE’RE SAFE Certificate programs fill the gap. As more new students are We’re following national and state health guidelines. considering taking a gap year, we encourage you to consider earning a Certificate. These programs offer are a great way to learn specific skills that YES - WE’RE READY FOR CHANGE lead directly to employment in less than one year! MSC Southeast is ready to adapt to changing conditions. A leader in online education. MSC Southeast offers a Have a question about a program? wide range of programs that can be taken 100% online - from Liberal Arts Need help with the application or enrollment process? and Sciences to Criminal Justice. JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE! WEDNESDAYS, NOON & THURSDAYS, 9 AM through August 27 RED WING 877-853-8324 REGISTER TO ATTEND AT WINONA www.southeastmn.edu WWW.SOUTHEASTMN.EDU