New Opportunities at Lakeshore Technical College Can Help Fill the Growing Need for Essential Healthcare Workers

New events and flexible learning options now available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1/18/2022

CLEVELAND, WI —

The labeling of healthcare workers as “essential” was accurate before COVID-19 and will continue to be as far into the future as one can imagine. The growing need for healthcare workers will be there in the future and those interested in being part of the solution can learn about the education required for such careers during upcoming events hosted by Lakeshore Technical College. 

“Our college has been graduating nurses, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and other healthcare workers throughout the pandemic and we welcome all those who want to obtain the education needed to fill these essential roles,” said LTC Dean of Health and Human Services Michelle Zautner. 

“Coffee Shop Chat,” set for Thursday, January 20, offers the chance to ask faculty and staff about LTC’s healthcare career programs as well as how to pay for college, the application process, what it is like to be an LTC student, and other topics. The event takes place noon-3 p.m. at Jenn’s Java, 1124 Washington St., Manitowoc. One free beverage or food item will be provided for each participant. No registration is needed.

A healthcare open house featuring a community blood drive is set for Monday, February 14, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at LTC’s Cleveland campus. College representatives will be available to answer questions about healthcare programs, how to pay for college, the application process, what it is like to be an LTC student, and other topics. Those interested may also take a tour. Appointments for donating blood are required by calling 877-232-4376 or visiting the college’s website at gotoltc.edu/blood-drive. LTC is partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin. A blood donation is not required to participate in the open house. 

Those interested in pursuing a nursing career have two new options for obtaining a bachelor’s degree locally either 100 percent or partially. According to Zautner, “These new options can work wonderfully for anyone wanting to stay close to home while learning. They provide opportunities for upcoming high school graduates, adults balancing work and/or family with college, even adults wanting to finish the nursing degree they started years ago but needed to pause for any reason.”

The first option allows LTC nursing-associate degree graduates to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at any of six University of Wisconsin System campuses signed on to the new agreement, including Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Oshkosh. Students would earn their nursing-associate degree at LTC and then complete their higher-level coursework at one of the university campuses. 

The second option, called “2+2+1 Nursing Pathway,” allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing 100% locally. Students start by earning an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree at UWGB’s Manitowoc or Sheboygan campus, which typically takes two years. The next step is earning an associate degree in nursing at LTC’s Cleveland campus, which also typically takes two years. The final step is taking advanced coursework online through UWGB, which takes one year. 

A significant advantage of these new options for students is that after graduating from LTC’s nursing program, students can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing, they can work as a registered nurse and gain valuable direct patient care experience while completing their bachelor’s degree. In addition, they can potentially have all or part of their remaining tuition covered by their healthcare employer.

For additional details on these events and LTC’s nursing program, visit gotoltc.edu.