Operation LEAD provides PTCC nursing students with a clear and supportive transition to bachelor’s-level nursing education. Key benefits include:

• Guaranteed admission to Bemidji State University and direct entry into the RN-to-BSN program.

• Seamless transfer of credits, ensuring coursework completed at PTCC counts toward the BSU BSN.

• Flexible online format with 100% online delivery, eight-week classes, and multiple start dates throughout the year, making the program ideal for working professionals.

• Opportunity to begin BSU coursework prior to passing the NCLEX, with a full semester afterward to complete licensure.

• A personalized academic plan and advising support to help students stay on track toward graduation.

• Eligibility for financial incentives such as 15 free upper division credits after NCLEX passage and access to Operation LEAD-specific scholarships including a $1,000 transfer scholarship and a $2,500 Minnesota Workforce Development Scholarship.

Students interested in participating in Operation LEAD are encouraged to apply as early as their second semester in PTCC’s Nursing A.S. program to secure a spot in BSU’s RN-to-BSN cohort.

To learn more about the nursing program at PTCC, visit our Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing pages. For more information on Operation LEAD visit BSU Operation LEAD.

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The SSS Program is one of eight federal TRIO programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. PTCC’s SSS program will provide comprehensive academic, financial, and personal support to eligible students, with the goal of improving college retention, graduation, and transfer rates.

The program will offer services including academic tutoring, advising, mentoring, financial literacy education, and assistance with FAFSA and scholarship applications. SSS participants will also benefit from transfer planning, cultural enrichment activities, and career exploration opportunities.

“Many of our students are balancing work, family, and academics while being the first in their families to attend college,” said Robin Johnson, PTCC’s Dean of Student Success. “TRIO provides not just resources, but community. It is a place where students feel supported and guided through every step of their college journey.”

The TRIO SSS program will serve approximately 140 PTCC students each year, helping them persist in their studies, graduate, and successfully transfer to four-year institutions when applicable. To support this important work, PTCC will use a portion of the grant funds to expand its Student Success team by hiring three new staff members.

This award underscores PTCC’s continued commitment to equity, access, and student achievement. With this funding, the college joins a network of TRIO institutions across the country that are dedicated to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

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President Mulford has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have helped PTCC meet the evolving needs of both students and regional industries, including:

• Campus Modernization & Accessibility: In 2020, he led a large-scale campus modernization effort that refreshed student lounges, main corridors, and the college auditorium. He also secured funding for a major entrance renovation to create a more welcoming campus with new green spaces.
• Workforce-Aligned Program Expansion: Joe was instrumental in the development and expansion of high-demand programs such as Automated Systems Technology, Construction Technology, Welding and Emergency Medical Services have helped align the education needs of Pine County and beyond.
• Student-Centered Experience: His leadership has strengthened PTCC’s commitment to promote access for all students.  Over the last decade, PTCC has introduced nationally recognized scholarship programs, unique high-flex academic programming. Under his leadership, PTCC reached its highest enrollment in institutional history in 2024.  New dorm-styled housing facilities and a recently added campus recreation center has also provided key student success options.
• Trades and Tech Expansion: Through strong relationships with local and state legislators, President Mulford has been a leading advocate for the college’s transformational 25,000 sq. ft. Tech and Trades Expansion and Renovation project, opening this fall.

At the heart of President Mulford’s leadership is an unwavering commitment to student success and East Central Minnesota. His student-first philosophy is evident in every decision, always asking how each initiative will improve the student experience—whether academically, personally, or professionally.

As PTCC moves into its 60th anniversary year this fall, President Mulford’s decade of leadership stands as a cornerstone of the college’s continued success and innovation.

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Construction began in July, 2024. In the fall of 2025, a new gunsmithing technology lab/hallway will be constructed, along with new south and east entrances to the college. In the spring of 2026, an automated systems technology lab/hallway and a healthcare simulation suite will be added.

The addition will be added onto the 80,000 sq. ft. existing building. The new welding lab will be ten times larger than the current lab, and the new gunsmithing program (the only one in the state) will house 72 student stations and a test range. The manufacturing lab will resemble a layout similar to manufacturing companies. A new student commons will connect to the existing lodge and west to the nursing area, which will include hospital, clinic and homecare-like settings.

Expansion and Renovation – view for more information.

The post Construction Project Update appeared first on Pine Technical and Community College.

The NLN CNEA reaccreditation recognizes PTCC’s adherence to rigorous academic standards and best practices essential for nursing education. This designation not only validates the college’s dedication to student success but also assures prospective students, employers, and the community that PTCC’s nursing graduates are well-prepared to meet the complex demands of the healthcare industry.

The NLN CNEA accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of program outcomes, faculty qualifications, curriculum design, and student support services. PTCC’s successful accreditation highlights its alignment with the NLN CNEA’s core values, including integrity, excellence, and diversity in nursing education.

Accreditation from NLN CNEA provides numerous benefits for PTCC students, including enhanced opportunities for employment, eligibility for federal funding and scholarships, and a streamlined pathway to pursue advanced nursing degrees.

Kristin Madigan, Dean of PTCC’s Nursing Programs, added, “Earning reaccreditation from CNEA is a testament to PTCC’s continued commitment to excellence in nursing education. This achievement ensures that our program meets the highest standards, providing students with a quality education that prepares them for the demanding, ever-changing healthcare field. We are proud to be a regional resource providing qualified healthcare professionals and career readiness for the industry and the communities and patients served.”

For more information about Pine Technical and Community College’s nursing program, visit Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing.

The post PTCC Earns National Reaccreditation for Nursing Programs appeared first on Pine Technical and Community College.

Students who meet the following criteria are included on the President’s List
1. Current enrollment at PTCC with a declared major as a full-time student (12 or more credits)
2. A GPA for the semester of 4.00
3. Students will be eligible for each semester in which they are enrolled in a declared major
4. Courses taken on a pass/no credit basis will be used to calculate full-time status but not GPA

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Students who meet the following criteria are included on the Dean’s List:
1. Current enrollment at PTCC with a declared major as a full-time student (12 or more credits)
2. A GPA for the semester of 3.00-3.99
3. Students will be eligible for each semester in which they are enrolled in a declared major
4. Courses taken on a pass/no credit basis will be used to calculate full-time status but not GPA

The post Dean’s List Honor – Fall 2024 appeared first on Pine Technical and Community College.

Students who meet the following criteria are included on the Notable Achievement List for fall semester 2024:
1. Current enrollment at PTCC with a declared major as a part-time student (registered for 6-11 credits)
2. A GPA for the semester of 3.50 or above
3. Students will be eligible for each semester in which they are enrolled in a declared major
4. Courses taken on a pass/no credit basis will be used to calculate full-time status but not GPA

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Pine Technical and Community College is dedicated to preparing students for the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity and IT. Our participation in the Minnesota CCDC underscores our commitment to hands-on learning and real-world experience. This competition, organized annually by the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence (MN STATE IT COE), provides students with an opportunity to test their skills in a high-pressure, real-world simulation of cybersecurity threats and defense.

The competition tasked students with assuming administrative and security responsibilities for a commercial network, simulating a small business environment. Each team was challenged to detect and respond to cyber threats while maintaining critical services such as email, web hosting, and e-commerce platforms. Teams competed against a Red Team of ethical hackers, who tested their defensive skills in real time. Scoring was based on service availability, response effectiveness, and overall cybersecurity strategy.

This year, over 100 students from 10 Minnesota higher education institutions participated, alongside faculty, industry professionals, and cybersecurity experts. The top teams from the Minnesota CCDC advanced to the Regional CCDC at Moraine Valley Community College in Illinois, with a chance to compete at the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition in San Antonio, Texas, in April 2025.

Competition Results:

• 1st Place: St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
• 2nd Place: Metro State University, Saint Paul, MN
• 3rd Place: Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
• 4th Place: Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis, MN
• Other Participating Teams: Alexandria Technical and Community College, Century College, Lake Superior College, Minneapolis College, Minnesota State Community and Technical College (in partnership with Minnesota State University, Moorhead), and Pine Technical and Community College.

Pine Technical and Community College is honored to have been part of this rigorous competition, further solidifying our commitment to cybersecurity education and workforce readiness. We extend our gratitude to MN STATE IT COE, our fellow competitors, and the event sponsors for making this competition possible. We look forward to continuing to build the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

For more information about Pine Technical and Community College’s cybersecurity programs and opportunities, visit pine.edu/academics/programs-courses/cyber-security/

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The REC is a vibrant space where students can relax, connect, and recharge outside the classroom. We believe in supporting not just your academic success but your overall well-being.

Whether you’re looking for a place to hang out with friends, enjoy some entertainment, or just unwind after a busy day, The REC has something for everyone.

Start enjoying The REC! Sign-up for orientation to receive full access.

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