Riverland is especially proud of its commitment to preparing health and science professionals for their careers. That commitment reached a new level in 2006 when construction began on a Health Science Simulation Lab on our Austin campus and the recently remodeled chemistry and biology labs on both our Austin and Albert Lea campuses were completed in January 2008.

This spring, Owatonna Hospital and Riverland are creating new opportunities for those interested in pursuing health career educational options in another new facility. The Professional Education Center resides in the Owatonna Hospital on its shared campus with the Owatonna Clinic and offers a variety of courses including nursing classes, general education classes and several professional development courses.

The center, funded partially by Riverland Community College and by donations to the Owatonna Hospital's Expanding the Dream capital campaign, is just the latest step to show Riverland's continued commitment to the education of health professionals. Students and Owatonna health care workers will not have to drive to our other campuses to participate in some of the required curricula.

Although we have offered more science and nursing coursework at the Owatonna campus since the Owatonna College and Universities Center opened in 2002, Riverland and its partners Minnesota State University, Mankato, Crown College and Workforce Development Inc. will offer several programs to enhance the teaching and learning experience for students and professional learners alike.

First, it contains a Health Simulation Center. The centerpiece of the new center is a life-like computerized mannequin with the most advanced and unique features, allowing students to practice on any number of real medical conditions. Experts have suggested that removing the anxiety students may experience with a real patient allows them to concentrate on building the necessary skill sets. In the past this advanced technology and their advanced learning opportunities were only available at the Health Science Simulation Center on our Austin Campus.

Next, it provides greater access through classrooms with video-conferencing capabilities that will not only allow students to participate in courses offered online, via interactive television or on ground at the other campuses, but will also allow the resident medical personnel the capability to enhance their skills with other medical professionals.

Such a center is not normally found in U.S. hospitals. Most hospitals offer some continuing education courses; few have dedicated space with established curricula and state-of-the-art simulation technology.

Besides allied health courses, students can also take general education courses toward an Associate in Arts (AA) degree. The vision is to offer advanced programs through the master’s degree from various higher education providers as the partnership expands to include other colleges and universities.

Riverland’s partnership with Owatonna Hospital is another shining example of the types of opportunities our college can offer in collaboration with willing businesses and organizations in the region we serve. As we enter a new decade, we continue to seek new collaborations and to grow opportunities on our campuses, in our communities and online. In these ways, we are expanding our personalized education experiences to more learners.