GRAND RAPIDS — Minnesota North College is launching five new programs this fall to meet employment demands in northeastern Minnesota.
The programs will equip students with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand careers, a news release said.
"Economic uncertainty spurs our community and technical colleges to do our best work," said Mike Raich, Minnesota North president, in the release. "Our students come to us wanting jobs and a better life. We connect them with regional employers who need them. That means our programs must grow and adapt to change.
The new programs include:
- an arboriculture and urban forestry certificate at the Vermilion campus in Ely. The certificate is built into the existing natural resource technology program or can be taken on its own.
- a tribal alcohol and drug counselor certificate at Mesabi Range-Virginia or online. Designed to support behavioral health units on reservations, students with an internship can obtain certification from the Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorders.
- a mental health practitioner certificate at the Itasca campus in Grand Rapids. Graduates can work entry-level jobs in the growing field of mental health services.
- a pre-social work transfer pathway at all campuses or online, providing a seamless transfer into any Minnesota State University
- and a water operations diploma at the Vermilion campus. The first semester can be taken online. For the spring semester, classes are in-person and hands-on with an opportunity for lakeside living in Ely. Graduates with an internship can take the Class D Water/Wastewater Operator's license exam.
Minnesota North is also expanding the graphic design and visual communications program to all campuses, and the IT Networking and Security program to Hibbing and Itasca.
The community college also has campuses in Eveleth and International Falls.
