Riverland Community College and South Central College will host several information sessions about area healthcare employment and education featuring these in-demand jobs: Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

The healthcare profession needs people of all ages to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Long term care and other healthcare providers in our region have a growing need for trained LPNs, PCAs and CNAs. Recently, 45 percent of the care centers in Minnesota had delays in admitting residents because of the need for these caregivers (Source: Long Term Care Imperative: 2015 Legislative Session). With the aging Baby Boom Generation and implementation of the Affordable Care Act, demand for these skills will continue to expand in the coming years. Communities across Southeast Minnesota are working hard to address this crucial need, and the following event is a result of this work.

The Hot Jobs: Healthcare Needs You educational event will provide community members from high school through retirement age an exciting hands-on opportunity to learn more about careers as an LPN, PCA, or CNA. The vital and rewarding role of these professions will be explored and information on training and educational options will be presented. Attendees will also learn about support in the form of scholarships and financial aid to assist individuals in pursuing these much needed vocations.

Riverland Community College Events:

Albert Lea Campus, 2200 Riverland Drive, Albert Lea, Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m

Owatonna Campus, 965 Alexander Drive SW, Owatonna, Oct. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Austin Campus, West Building, 1900 8^th Ave. NW, Austin, Oct. 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

South Central College Event:

Faribault Campus, 1225 Third St. SW, Faribault, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to Noon

The event is sponsored by Workforce, Development, Inc. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Riverland Community College and South Central College.