Central Lakes College Programs: A Comprehensive Guide
Central Lakes College (CLC) offers a diverse range of programs designed to cater to various academic and professional aspirations. From transfer pathway degrees to specialized management programs and flexible learning options, CLC provides students with multiple avenues to achieve their educational goals. This article explores the various programs available at Central Lakes College, highlighting their unique features and benefits.
Nursing Programs at Central Lakes College
Central Lakes College offers two distinct Nursing programs: the Traditional Nursing Associate of Science (A.S.) program and the Advanced Standing Nursing A.S. program. Both programs are designed to prepare students for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Traditional Nursing A.S. Program
The Traditional Nursing Associate of Science (A.S.) program is a comprehensive two-year program consisting of 64 credits. It is held on the Brainerd Campus of Central Lakes College and begins twice a year, in the Fall and Spring semesters. The program's primary goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN Board exam and become Registered Nurses (RNs).
Enrollment Steps
To be admitted into the Traditional Nursing program, CLC requires the following steps:
- Central Lakes College application: Applicants must first be admitted to CLC before submitting a Nursing program application. Current CLC students in the Health Science Broadfield major have already completed this step. Admission to the Health Science Broadfield major allows students to take general education courses while awaiting admission to the Nursing program.
- CLC Nursing A.S. application: Complete and submit the Nursing A.S. program application.
Advanced Standing Nursing A.S. Program
The Advanced Standing Nursing Associate of Science (A.S.) program is a one-year (3 semester) program held on the Brainerd Campus of Central Lakes College. This program is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and consists of 64 credits, including pre-requisites. Like the Traditional program, the Advanced Standing program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN Board exam and become Registered Nurses (RNs). It also begins twice per year, each Fall and Spring semester.
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Enrollment Steps
To be admitted into the Advanced Standing Nursing program, CLC requires:
- Central Lakes College application: Applicants must be admitted to CLC before submitting a Nursing program application. Current CLC students, especially those already accepted into the Health Science Broadfield major, do not need to fill out a new application to the college. Their status remains open as they take any general education courses required for the major.
- CLC Nursing A.S. application: Complete and submit the Nursing A.S. program application.
Transfer Pathway Degrees at Central Lakes College
Central Lakes College offers Transfer Pathway Degrees designed to facilitate seamless transfer to Minnesota State universities. These pathways allow students to complete a specific associate degree at CLC and then transfer to a Minnesota State university to earn a bachelor’s degree without losing credits or taking extra courses.
Advantages of Transfer Pathway Degrees
- Guaranteed transfer of credits: If you complete a Transfer Pathway degree program at a Minnesota State college and are admitted to a Minnesota State university, you are guaranteed junior status, and all 60 college credits will count toward the related bachelor’s degree. You may complete the bachelor’s degree in 60 additional credits.
- Small class sizes and high-quality instruction: Enjoy a personalized learning experience with dedicated instructors.
- Online and on-campus courses: Access courses in formats that fit your schedule and learning style.
- Online and on-campus tutoring: Receive the support you need to succeed academically.
- Arts and athletics opportunities: Participate in a vibrant campus community.
- Friendly staff and faculty: Benefit from a supportive learning environment.
- Affordable tuition: Access quality education at a reasonable cost.
- Scholarships and grants: Explore various financial aid options to help fund your education.
Transfer Pathway Degree Programs Offered
CLC offers a variety of Transfer Pathway Degrees in different fields, including:
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
- Communication Studies Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree
- Economics Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree
- English Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree
- History Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree
- Political Science Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree
- Psychology Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree
- Sociology Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree
- Spanish Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree
Associate of Science (A.S.)
- Biology Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree
- Business Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree
- Chemistry Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree
- Criminal Justice Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree
- Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree
- Exercise Science Transfer Pathway AS Degree
- Peace Officer/Public Safety Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree
- Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree
Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
- Art Transfer Pathway A.F.A.
Flexible Learning Options at Central Lakes College
Central Lakes College (CLC) is committed to providing students with flexible learning options to accommodate diverse schedules and learning preferences. CLC offers various course delivery methods, including face-to-face and virtual options. Virtual options may utilize platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other technologies. To participate in online and virtual courses, students should have reliable access to a computer, webcam, and internet connection.
Course Delivery Methods
- In-Person: All course meetings take place on campus, providing a traditional classroom experience.
- Online Synchronous: The instructor teaches live virtually, with all instruction delivered online at required, real-time meeting times listed in the schedule. Students attend virtually.
- Online Asynchronous: All instruction is delivered online with no required scheduled meetings or attendance. Students complete coursework by accessing instructional materials online at their own pace.
- Blended/Hybrid: A combination of online and in-person instruction, with 25-75% of instruction delivered online (asynchronous) and regularly-scheduled, mandatory, in-person meetings.
- LiveOnline: The instructor teaches from the classroom, and students can attend the course either in-person or live virtually. To find LiveOnline courses, look for "Videoconferencing Originating Site" in the Delivery Method column of the course schedule.
- Flexible: The instructor teaches from the classroom or live virtually, and students can attend the course either in-person or live virtually.
- Mostly Online: Instruction is delivered online (asynchronous), with up to two possible in-person meetings and up to four required proctored exams.
Time Commitment
Generally, students should expect to spend three hours per week per credit. For example, a one-credit course requires approximately three hours of work per week, while a three-credit course requires around nine hours per week.
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Management Programs at Central Lakes College
CLC's "Management Programs" provide instruction to owners, operators, and managers of farms and small businesses in the form of management credits. Students use their business entities as a base for case studies and receive instruction that applies to business and financial principles. Instruction is primarily delivered in an individualized format at the student’s business but is supplemented by appropriate group, classroom, or distance instruction.
Specific Programs
Specific programs include:
- Farm Business Management
- Sparsity Farm Business Management
- Small Business Management
- Computerizing Small Business
- Lamb & Wool Management
- Specialty Crop Management
Management Credit
"Management Credits" recognize the direct application of instruction by the student at the business on a continuous basis and give the student credit for those applications and experiences.
Health Sciences Broad Field A.S. Degree
The Health Sciences Broad Field A.S. Degree is an ideal starting point for students passionate about helping others and drawn to the growing field of healthcare. This program provides a strong foundation in general education and health-related coursework while keeping career options open. Whether aspiring to be a nurse, therapist, nutritionist, dental hygienist, or other health professional, students gain the academic preparation needed to continue on to a bachelor’s degree and beyond.
This degree allows students to complete essential coursework that transfers seamlessly to Minnesota State universities, saving time and money while setting them up for success in a high-demand career.
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