The North Dakota University System awarded Lake Region State College $1,000,000 in Workforce Education Innovation Funds to expand allied health apprenticeship programs.
“This represents one of the most substantial grants awarded to LRSC for the initiation of new programming,” stated LRSC Interim President Dr. Carmen Simone. “These funds will support the development of allied health apprenticeship programs in collaboration with Altru Health System, providing certificates and associate degrees in Surgical Technology, Laboratory Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and Ultrasound/Sonography. Additionally, there are plans to consider future opportunities in Radiology Technology.”
The Workforce Education Innovation Funds were appropriated this last legislative session. Funds are awarded for the creation or enhancement of educational programs that address the workforce needs of North Dakota business and industry.
These programs combine employer-sponsored clinical training with academic coursework, include articulation agreements for four-year degrees, and aim to expand youth apprenticeships in collaboration with local schools, supporting workforce development and employer-staff retention.
“LRSC collaboratively developed nursing apprenticeships with the North Dakota Board of Nursing and the U.S. Department of Labor. Our intention is to expand and replicate this educational model in other healthcare occupations,” said Lloyd Halvorson, LRSC Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs.
Theory courses will be offered in an established mobility model with the required clinicals (hands-on learning) to be offered on the work site with the employer partner.
This project will fund innovative equipment for medical and healthcare education, including an anatomy simulation table, virtual reality goggles, and augmented reality software, all suitable for remote learning.
This initiative meets both the academic and clinical requirements for the LRSC degree and what is required by U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Standards.
After students complete their education and meet the criteria for a federally registered apprenticeship, they receive federal certification indicating completion of a federally registered apprenticeship program.
LRSC’s Surgical Technology program starts later this month with its first group of students.
Those interested in applying for the Surgical Technology program should contact Lisa Howard at Lisa.Howard@lrsc.edu or 701.662.1644.