DEVILS LAKE, N.D. — Lake Region State College is celebrating a milestone for health care education and workforce development as the college’s first Surgical Technology program class has graduated, passed the necessary certification exams, and secured employment.
The inaugural class included six students, four of whom completed the program as apprentices with Altru Health System and two who completed the traditional student pathway. Their success reflects the strength of a program designed to meet real workforce needs while giving students clear, supported routes into high-demand health care careers.
“This is exactly what we hoped this program would do,” said Dr. Carmen Simone, LRSC President. “These graduates are trained, tested, employed, and ready to contribute in the operating room. We are proud of them, and we are grateful to Altru for being such a strong partner in making this program possible.”
Apprenticeships are a powerful model for students, employers, and communities. They allow students to earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience in a real clinical environment, and build confidence alongside experienced professionals. For employers, apprenticeships create a direct pipeline of skilled, prepared employees who understand the workplace and are ready to step into essential roles. For communities, they help strengthen access to trained health care professionals close to home.
The Surgical Technology program was launched through a partnership between LRSC and Altru Health System. The program offers coursework paired with hands-on lab and clinical experiences inside Altru facilities, giving students the academic foundation and practical training needed for success in the field.
Interest in the program remains strong. The fall cohort is nearly full, with only two spots remaining for students interested in preparing for a career as a surgical technologist.
Altru will host a graduation celebration for the students on Tuesday, recognizing their achievement and the collaborative effort that brought the program to life. LRSC congratulates the graduates and looks forward to seeing the continued impact of this partnership on students, employers, patients, and the region’s health care workforce.