When choosing a career in healthcare, the first steps on your journey often pave the way for a prosperous future— and, it’s exciting!

A career in healthcare has boundless twists and turns depending on your interests and passions.

For Andrea Anderson, ARNP, PMHMP – BC, at the Mason City Clinic, that journey began at . 

She began her medical career by enrolling in the 51ÁÔÆæ Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program, which provided her with the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients in various long-term care facilities. This course also prepares students for the .

The first 55 hours of the course are held in a classroom or lab, and the remaining 30 hours of clinical take place in a nursing home environment.  The academic strategy of combining classroom/lab time with actual hands-on experience boosts the success rate for students. 

“My love of helping others started to flourish while studying to be a CNA at 51ÁÔÆæ.”

Upon completion of the course, Andrea obtained a job as a nurse aide while she continued her educational path through the medical field.  This gave her the upper hand as she studied, learning the skills needed while also applying them in real-life situations at her job.

Students often obtain a next.  A certified medication aide administers non-parenteral medications (anything oral, topical, or suppositories) to patients in health facilities like nursing homes.  At 51ÁÔÆæ, this is a 52-hour course consisting of 42 hours of classroom time, followed by a minimum of 10 clinical hours of experience.  Students often double as CNA’s, providing patient care and administering medications. 

Obtaining an associate degree in nursing is the next step in the journey!  This gives students a solid foundation for a career in healthcare.  Popular among registered nurses, this degree provides opportunities to work in entry-level nursing positions. 

But, Andrea Anderson didn’t stop there.  She used the knowledge gained while at as a stepping stone to further her education.  “51ÁÔÆæ helped me learn how to study and learn time management prior to going to a bigger college,” she stated. 

Upon graduation, Anderson went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, followed by her Bachelor of Nursing at Allen College in Waterloo.  Five years later, she completed her Master of Nursing degree. 

Looking back, Anderson understands the importance of her time spent at 51ÁÔÆæ.  “I highly recommend 51ÁÔÆæ as the first place to start your journey,” Anderson said.  “It is a wonderful place to take general classes in a small setting where the instructors are available when you need help.” 

51ÁÔÆæ prides itself on the progression of nursing students into four-year universities to complete their degrees.  Under the , nursing students can take coursework at 51ÁÔÆæ for three years and then complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing undergraduate degree in only one year through the University of Iowa online RN-BSN program.  51ÁÔÆæ also has a formalized articulation agreement to complete a baccalaureate degree in Nursing with a slew of prominent universities across the state of Iowa. 

51ÁÔÆæ can help you take the first step on your journey to a successful career in medicine.

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If you have the ability to teach, 51ÁÔÆæ will help you teach English as a Second Language.

Learn why.

The Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program at 51ÁÔÆæ provides people over the age of 17 with accessible, quality instruction to develop work, life, and literacy skills.  Many of these classes are supported by federal and state funds, and provide a slew of opportunities for higher learning, job potential, and feeling a sense of accomplishment. 

One AEL program focuses on North Iowans who do not have the skills to read, write and speak English as it is their second language (ESL).    

According to the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy, there are approximately 32 million adults in the United States who are unable to read.

For many, learning a second language is hard. In most situations, it is done on the side, sort of like an afterthought as you complete a bucket list dream of traveling to a foreign country. 

Now… imagine being immersed in that country, not knowing what is happening around you.  People are talking, but you do not understand. Street signs give directions, but you cannot find your way. You’re forced to string together bits and pieces of the language here and there in hopes to create anything resembling a sentence. 

There’s no doubt this is quite frustrating.

Therefore, there is an abundance of people seeking to enroll in ESL classes. However, there is a significant shortage of people available to teach these classes. 

Director of Education to Employment, Molly Anderegg, states “We have many opportunities to teach with our Adult Education program, and it’s incredibly rewarding and flexible. Currently, the greatest need is providing English as a Second Language classes in the workplace; we have several manufacturers across North Iowa seeking onsite classes for their employees.”

ESL teachers bridge the language barrier, they are cultural mentors to students helping them navigate the many differences of living and working in a new country. 

Learn How

A four-year college degree is required and some teaching experience preferred. However, your teaching experience can include trainings you may have led in non-education industries.

51ÁÔÆæ provides a standards-based curriculum for all ESL teachers, taking the pressure off the teacher.

And 51ÁÔÆæ trains you!

Also remember, you do not need to be bilingual. The curriculum is structured around teaching English to students fluent in any other language; therefore, you need only to know English to teach.

To learn more about how you can have a direct impact on the lives and futures of these students, reach out to the 51ÁÔÆæ Education to Employment division of Continuing Education.

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is offering a variety of kayaking and canoeing classes this summer.  Both activities are the perfect way to immerse yourself into the great outdoors.  Breathe in the fresh air, feel the gentle breeze blow gently across the water, and soak up all that spectacular Vitamin D.

In today’s society, where screens are prevalent in every aspect of life, it’s the perfect way to unplug and relax in nature.  The real question isn’t, should I take this class? 

The real question is, which class should I take?

For those not familiar with either form of water transportation, here’s the 411. 

Canoes were made and developed thousands of years ago by the Native Americans.  The first canoes were made by hallowing out large tree trunks and were solely used for hunting and fishing expeditions.

That is, until someone likely challenged their mate to a race.

Nowadays, there are local and even national competitions for canoe racing.

Kayaks were invented by the native people of Arctic North America.  We can trace the roots of kayaking as a mode of transportation to people living in this region.  The first kayaks were made from wooden frames covered in sealskin.  The fiberglass kayaks came on the scene in the 1950s and were all the rage until polyethylene plastic was invented in the 1980s. 

Now that we know a bit of the history, we can’t help but wonder… which is better?

It’s a common argument amongst outdoor enthusiasts, actually.  Each have an extensive list of pros and cons in a variety of categories.  One surefire way to know which is best for you is to try them both and then decide. 

A good question to begin with is: What is your purpose? 

Identifying your purpose for use will help decide on a kayak or canoe. Are you fishing? Racing? Going down rapids? Or out to enjoy the great outdoors on one of the fantastic waterways in North Iowa?

For those unable to give each option a shot, here is a short rundown of a few characteristics of kayaks and canoes.

Kayaks:

• Are great for beginners because they are easier to paddle.
• Track better in the water thanks to the two-headed paddle.
• Are highly versatile and can handle both calm and open/rough water with ease.
• Are typically lighter and easier to transport alone.
• Maneuver easier due to their shorter length and lower weight.
• Protect you from the elements and help you stay dry.
• Include a bit of storage.

Canoes:

• Are more stable and less likely to tip over.
• Are easier to enter and exit.
• Are capable of carrying a lot of gear.
• Give you a better view of your surroundings.
• Are comfortable and provide ample legroom.
• Can git multiple paddlers.
• Are great for traveling with kids and pets that want to get in and out of the water.

If you are a beginner, it might be a good idea to start with learning to kayak.  In fact, the beginner-friendliness is a great reason to take up the hobby.  Whether you’re looking to simply peruse the open water or get in a low-impact workout, kayaking has something to offer everyone. 

By no means does this mean you shouldn’t give canoeing a try, though. 

You just never know.  You might fall in love with them both!

Check out all of the offerings and sign up for the monthly E-newsletter, so you never miss a class again!

The post To Kayak or to Canoe – That is the Question appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Water is a vital resource for all communities; specifically, clean water.

The round pools of wastewater treatment plants are thankfully a common sight in cities and towns across our region, state, and country.

The technicians responsible for the daily safety of our community water systems need the most up-to-date training opportunities to maintain their local water facilities and 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) offers just that.

On Thursday, April 13, in partnership with the (IAWEA) Region 2 Board, 51ÁÔÆæ is hosting the Spring 2023 Wastewater Conference.

The Spring conference features a update from Sheila Bly, a Lagoons roundtable discussion, recognition of the 10^th Anniversary of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, the IAWEA business meeting, Confined Space: Lessons Learned from the Real World, and a presentation from Scott Obernolte about the design implementation and operation of low-pressure sewer systems.

“Operator training is essential and 51ÁÔÆæ offers spring and fall conferences right here in Mason City to meet the needs of Region 2 water and wastewater operators.” 

Sheila Bly, Environmental Specialist Senior | Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Those interested in attending the conference can learn more and register on .

51ÁÔÆæ offers a vast amount of training for local communities, businesses, and individuals. From training that provides CEUs, such as the Spring 2023 Region 2 Wastewater Conference, to classes to —check out all of your continued education options!

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College brings with it a slew of new academic situations.  For instance, you may have less daily homework than in high school, but more tests and papers over the course of a semester. 

One of those tests, is the infamous midterm exam. 

While midterm grades themselves do not become part of a student’s official record, the midterm exam does typically account for a large portion of the final grade.  They are normally given to students in the middle of an academic term or semester to evaluate their current progress in class and can identify subject areas where you may need to improve before finals.

Ideally, studying for a midterm exam should begin at least five days in advance.  This allows you ample time to go over course concepts and materials and permits the opportunity to reach out to the instructor or peers should you have any questions. 

So, what’s the best way to study for Midterms?

• Process your notes.  This includes going over all your notes from each class session.  Highlight key areas where you may need to dive into the textbook for clarification.  Be sure you understand each concept and how it applies to the class.
• Create flashcards.  This is a valuable form of studying, especially when the purpose of your exam is to basically regurgitate all the information provided in the class so far. 
• Plan ahead.  Mark the date of the exam in your planner and then count backwards, making a concise study plan and allowing enough time in each day to dedicate for each upcoming test.  

• Do all the homework.  If there are practice exams or worksheets throughout the chapters, take them.  Give yourself every opportunity to follow along and see how you are absorbing the information.
• Take breaks.  Your brain will need the rest.  It’s been noted the human brain is only able to fully concentrate for about 90 minutes before it needs to be given a 15-minute break. 
• Alleviate stress.  This is an opportune time to practice a bit of self-care.  Take a walk, give yourself a facial, indulge in your favorite TV show.  Whatever gets your heartrate back to normal and calms the spirit – do it. 
• Know your learning style.  Maybe re-reading notes and chapters doesn’t work for you.  Maybe you learn best in a group setting.  Or maybe your best studying is done early in the morning.  Whatever works best for you is the way you need to study for midterms.  Find your groove and get to work!

It’s important to be well-rested before a big exam.  Be sure to eat a meal rich in omega-3 fats, as they are known for their brain-boosting properties.  Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.  And bring all your necessary materials – pen, pencil, calculator, etc. required for the exam. 

Remember, you are not alone in your worry about doing well on midterm exams.  All students experience these feelings at some point in their college career.  If you’ve managed your time effectively, stayed organized, and honed your study efforts on the material, you should do just fine!

The post Spring Break is Near, but First…Midterms appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Free to Public!

Mental Health. Motivation. Teamwork.

These are the core topics you’ll hear from , who professes she is an “Expert on nothing, experiencer of everything.”

Fennelly, a sports enthusiast, entrepreneur, and former Iowa State women’s basketball All-American who was also drafted into the WNBA will share her personal story of hope and healing through two mental health breakdowns that led to a 37-day stay in a behavioral health unit.

Additionally, Fennelly will discuss how high-functioning teams work and how living life to the fullest requires passion, patience, and persistence.

Fennelly has trained over 40,000 athletes in 15 years for basketball, owns CampusCycle, a beat-driven spin studio with two Iowa locations, and serves as a color radio analyst for the ISU women’s team. Lyndsey is a passionate advocate for mental health, volunteerism, and a life well lived.

Lindsey Fennelly’s keynote is slated for 7:00 p.m. on March 23 at 51ÁÔÆæ’s Muse Norris Conference Center. This is a free event open to the public, however, is highly encouraged.

The post Fennelly to Speak at 51ÁÔÆæ appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Veterans Day, proclaimed by President Eisenhower in 1954, historically includes parades, memorial ceremonies and feature speakers honoring all veterans annually on November 11.

ollege recognizes and honors military veterans, including our very own employees and students.

Tomorrow, November 11 from 2:30 – 4:30, 51ÁÔÆæ’s Lifelong Learning Institute is hosting a free public Veterans Day Presentation titled The Spanish American War. The objective of the presentation is to honor the service and sacrifice of all of our veterans on this Veterans Day and to educate the public regarding this important historical event.

Presenter, Bennet Smith, will discuss the dramatic consequences of the Spanish-American War and the future course of the ‘great powers’ in the twentieth century, which gave rise to the legend of Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders.

Honoring United States veterans continues into next week as well. Dennis Marsh presents on Tuesday, November 15 from 2 – 3:00 p.m. Marsh who has visited many overseas cemeteries will share historical information about the more than 520,000 American soldiers lost their lives in Europe and the Pacific area during World War I and II.

The presentations are free and will take place in the forum on the second floor of the Beem Center at 51ÁÔÆæ. No Lifelong Learning Membership or registration required – just join us!

Lifelong Learning Memberships are available for next semester – get yours today!

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Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. You may be one and not realize it yet. Now is your chance to commit, inspire, and educate students as a substitute teacher, A.K.A. Super Hero!

Teaching is believed to be one of the most honorable professions of all time. Teachers in all levels of education impact students in a variety of ways — not only in the obvious age-old ways of arithmetic, social studies, and language arts, but also through fostering self-esteem, motivation, and expanding student perspectives.

Even before the world was turned upside-down with the COVID-19 Pandemic, schools faced a major dilemma finding substitute teachers.  The pool had become increasingly slim, and the shortage put school districts in an extremely tough place as they scrambled to find replacements as needed.

Substitute teachers are an essential part of education.  They aren’t simply “plan B” or an afterthought in case a teacher becomes ill.  A professional substitute teacher takes their role seriously, knowing they have the power to make a positive impact on students.

Even if it is only for one day.

Amid the pandemic, the role of substitute teacher was reevaluated across the country.  In the state of Iowa, restrictions were adjusted, and the average pay raised to entice workers into the field.  The shift was made due to the expectation for increased demand in the coming years.  Now, anyone with an associate degree or 60 hours of credit at a regional accredited institution and the completion of an approved substitute authorization can become a substitute teacher.

You don’t even need a background in education.

Schools in North Iowa are doing everything they can to build their arsenal of substitute teachers.  Striving for a level in which they’ll be able to easily fulfill the needs of the district should they have to call upon reinforcements due to illness and other absences.

And you could be part of the solution!

If you’re looking for a flexible schedule and enjoy being with students, the is a great place to start.

The class is held in person on the 51ÁÔÆæ campus, giving upcoming substitute teachers an advantage. Taught by a current and/or retired teacher to pass along their knowledge and wisdom, you’ll gain hands-on experience and real-life skills from both the teacher and substitute perspective.  Learning by example, coupled with being in the classroom setting, will prepare you to enter schools at any level, and give you the tools to succeed.

Plans for future substitute authorization course offerings held at area schools are also in the works.

Course content includes lessons on Ethics, Classroom Management, Diversity, and Instructional Strategies.  You’ll work collaboratively with other future substitute teachers and study real-life scenarios on how to provide the best education for various ages, whether it’s to teach for just one day, or up to 10 days in a row.

Current student enrolled in the course, Ashley Metz, would recommend it to anyone interested in obtaining their substitute authorization. “It’s incredibly informative,” she stated.  “And for being a 3-hour class, it holds your attention the entire time.  The teacher has shared so much of her experiences it makes it all very real.”

Virtually all schools are fighting this same battle.  No matter the reason, substitute teachers are few and far between these days.  Districts have felt the crunch as they scramble to find quality substitutes to fill the gaps every day.

If you have a passion for working with students, a love for learning, are organized, and genuinely care about education, consider becoming an authorized substitute teacher.  Registration for the next three course offerings are available; the first is a five-week evening option slated for October 6 – November 3, followed by a weekend offering on October 15 and 16, with the last offering for 2022 from December 5 – 15 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The cost is $99 and you’ll be responsible for obtaining the substitute teacher handbook (8^th edition).

For a full list of details and how to register for the course, visit   and search for “substitute authorization.”

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In just 4 1/2 semesters you can earn your A.A.S. degree in Automotive Technology in a program that is ASE/NATEF Master Certified.

North Iowa needs auto technicians. In fact, employers are begging for them and 51ÁÔÆæ’s program has a 100% placement rate for graduates.

Rob Heimbuch, auto technology instructor, recently chatted with J Brooks about the newly updated, state-of-the-art lab spaces available and what students can expect to learn and gain from the program.

Apply Today!

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Human resource management is a contemporary, umbrella term used to describe the management and development of employees within an organization.  Back in the day, it was often referred to as ‘personnel’ seeing as it was the department handling all employee issues that arose.

Human resource management today involves developing and administering programs designed to increase the effectiveness of an organization or business. It includes a large range of responsibilities, including the creation, management, and cultivation of the employer-employee connection.

Once in the field, there are countless opportunities for advancement.  The human resources career path is similar to a staircase.  Each certification gets you to the next step, increasing your salary and opening doors for further advancement.

Today, we’ll be covering the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification.

This is typically the first move for those looking to advance their career.  provides you the opportunity to prove not only what you know, but also how you can apply that knowledge on the job.  It is a direct link to on-the-job scenarios and realistic work situations.

The exam is no walk in the park, but the outcome is well worth it.  Here are the Top 5 reasons you should earn a SHRM certification.

1. It can inspire creative thinking – Although you may be a seasoned pro in the field, you will be amazed at the breadth of ideas you’ll learn in SHRM training courses.
2. It can boost your confidence – Even if your HR role does not require certification, the lack of it could be hampering your self-assurance on the job.
3. It can help you get a raise – The takeaway: It pays to be SHRM certified!
4. It can benefit your employer – You will gain useful knowledge and find best practices to help you handle the day-to-day business, from recruitment to retention to risk management.
5. It can accelerate your career – SHRM certification is for those in the early stages of their HR careers. So, buckle up, because you are in for a ride!

So how do you get to this first step?  With the AND the SHRM Certification Test Prep course help to prepare for both the SHRM-Certified Professional and SHRM-Senior Certified Professional credentials.

You can increase your chances of passing the exam by attending a certification prep course.  Here, you will learn first-hand from a certified instructor who wi

Sharol Proctor, former 51ÁÔÆæ SHRM Certification Test Prep student,

ll guide you through interactive discussions and review sample test questions to increase your probability of passing the exam.  The test is not something you can pass on the fly, so you’ll need a solid foundation of preparation to achieve success.

Sharol Proctor, a former 51ÁÔÆæ SHRM Certification Test Prep student, understands the importance of the course.  While apprehensive to begin the class, it proved to be positive experience for her.  “I attended every online class and was determined to absorb the knowledge and tips presented by the instructor as well as the experiences shared by others through class interaction,” she stated.  “The class kept me accountable for staying on task with the reading, and also running the practice quizzes and tests.”

Deciding to obtain your SHRM certification is a big step, not something to be taken frivolously.  If you are still on the fence, it might be beneficial to attend one of 51ÁÔÆæ’s free virtual information sessions to learn more about SHRM certification and how the course can help you obtain this goal.

This is just the beginning of your long journey through the realms of Human Resources.  The opportunity for advancement is as simple as taking that first step onto the staircase of success.

The team at 51ÁÔÆæ Continuing Education can help you succeed.  It’s what they do!

Check out these human resources education opportunities:

1. ; August 18, 2022 start date
2. ; January 1, 2023 start date
3. ; February 7, 2023 start date

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