Healthcare Education Programs at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, MN

Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, Minnesota, offers a broad range of healthcare education programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry. Below is an overview of the various healthcare programs available at this institution.

Nursing Programs

Ridgewater College provides several nursing programs that cater to different career paths within the nursing profession:

Practical Nursing (PN)

• Degree Offered: Diploma
• Duration: 1 year
• Description: The Practical Nursing program prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). The curriculum includes a combination of classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical experience in various healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure.

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

• Degree Offered: Associate of Science (AS)
• Duration: 2 years
• Description: This program prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RN). Emphasizing both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, the ADN program combines coursework with extensive hands-on training in clinical environments. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure.

Medical Assistant Program

• Degree Offered: Diploma and Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
• Duration: 1 year for Diploma, 2 years for AAS
• Description: This program equips students with the skills necessary to perform both administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings. The curriculum includes courses on medical terminology, patient care, pharmacology, and lab procedures. Graduates are prepared to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

Health Information Technology Program

• Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
• Duration: 2 years
• Description: This program focuses on managing patient data and healthcare information systems. Students learn about medical coding, billing, healthcare privacy laws, and electronic health records (EHR). Graduates can pursue certification as Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT).

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• Degree Offered: Certificate
• Duration: Several months
• Description: The EMT program trains students in emergency medical care. The curriculum covers patient assessment, CPR, and handling trauma and medical emergencies. Graduates are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.

Paramedic

• Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
• Duration: 2 years
• Description: This advanced program prepares students for a career as a Paramedic. Training includes advanced life support, pharmacology, and emergency response techniques. Graduates are eligible for certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• Degree Offered: Certificate
• Duration: Several weeks
• Description: The CNA program provides foundational training in basic nursing care. Students learn skills such as taking vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and providing patient comfort. This program prepares students for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry exam.

Get Started Today

Ridgewater College in Hutchinson offers comprehensive healthcare education programs that prepare students for various roles in the healthcare industry. With a focus on both academic excellence and practical training, these programs are designed to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. To learn more about the programs or to get started on your healthcare education journey, visit Ridgewater College’s official website or contact their admissions office today.