Experience

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Success

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60+ career areas. Countless possibilities.
Blaze your own trail at Northwood Tech.

Jasper McCracken

IT-System Administration

Jasper McCracken

IT-System Administration

Jasper McCracken
Jasper McCracken

Jasper McCracken

IT-System Administration

Finding the right fit. 

Jasper choose Northwood Technical College over a university due to the tuition affordability and small class sizes. IT has interested Jasper for many years and he is happy to participate in a program that paves the way for his career path.

A positive leader. 

Jasper is currently a coach for the Shell Lake Science Olympiad program. He has helped teach some of his students code and build items for competitive events invitationals and the upcoming state tournament. Jasper has been to the state tournament a total of 6 years and hopes to attend a 7th time this year.

Always moving forward.

Jasper previously attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, before coming to Northwood Tech- Rice Lake to pursue his degree in IT.
 

Goals for a new future. 

Jasper is currently a head cook at a local restaurant, where he has been working for the last 7 years. He hopes to someday open his own tech shop in the area or work for a networking company.


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Experience Northwood Tech
Experience Northwood Tech

See yourself at Northwood Technical College.


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Jonathan Palay
Jonathan Palay

Jonathan Palay

Nursing

Always moving forward. 

Originally from West Africa Liberia, Jonathan spent 3 years at the University of Liberia in the science and technology department. After moving to the United States in 2007 through the Diversity Immigrant Visa program (DV), he completed his AA and AS degrees at Rainy River Community College in 2014. For the past 13 years, Jonathan has worked in health care as a trained medication aide and a nurse's aide. Jonathan is a first-year nursing student at Northwood Technical College on the Superior campus, studying to receive his nursing degree.

Preparing for the future. 

Jonathan chose to pursue nursing at Northwood Tech in order to achieve his educational dreams while also raising his family.  As an immigrant and a young adult with a family of six, he understood the impact paying tuition costs can have on top of family expenses. In addition to the tuition costs, the small classroom sizes, the knowledgeable staff and available hands-on education opportunities guided Jonathan to continue his education at Northwood Tech.

Achieving a dream. 

Jonathan has dreamed of achieving quality education does not take his opportunities for education lightly. As a young boy growing up in Liberia, he always dreamed about being a doctor and working in medicine. Jonathan is currently working on his Nursing Associate Degree and intends to pursue a four year degree. He hopes to continue his journey and earn his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, empowering him to provide better health care to people in need.

A passion for life. 

In addition to his studies, Jonathan enjoys outdoor activities, especially running, which he did back home in Liberia at college. He loves to fish, hunt and read in his spare time. Jonathan also finds joy in spending time with his twin girls and volunteering at local community churches and nursing homes. He is a people person and loves meeting and interacting with people of all different walks of life. Jonathan has a desire to learn and serve wherever he goes.


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Jamie Scott
Jamie Scott

Jamie Scott

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Finding the perfect fit. 

Choosing Northwood Technical College was an easy choice for Jamie. Northwood Tech came highly recommended to to her by many, and the reputation of the occupational therapy assistant program far exceeded that of programs at other schools she considered. As a married mother of 2, it was a complicated decision deciding to go back to school as Jamie has many responsibilities day to day. She needed a program that would ensure a career that upon graduation, a flexible schedule and allow her to balance home life and schooling. Jamie is currently finishing her first semester of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program on the New Richmond campus.

An active lifestyle. 

Jamie is very active in her program studies as well as being voted as the president of the SOTA club. In her community, Jamie coaches her daughter's youth girls' basketball team. Jamie is also the assistant troop leader of her daughter's girl scout troop. She is actively involved in volunteering and supporting diversified sports for individuals with disabilities such as Minnesota Special Hockey and the Challenger baseball league which her son on the Autism spectrum is a participant in.

An impactful career. 

Jamie has been blessed with 2 children on the Autism spectrum. Through her children, her passion for the field of occupational therapy has grown. Jamie has had the privilege to be part of many therapy sessions that were provided by graduates of the program. She has had a front row seat to witness the impact that occupational therapy has on individuals and their families and is proud to be a part of the program herself now.

Caring for a community.

After graduating, Jamie plans to take the NBCOT national certification exam to become a COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant). She hopes to find employment near her current community in New Richmond. Jamie sees the need the rural area has for more occupational therapy practitioners and is very interested in working in pediatric practice. Jamie is also interested in many other areas of practice including geriatrics and mental health. She is passionate about the many different avenues of occupational therapy and how they can provide assistance for people of all different backgrounds.


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Spencer Taves
Spencer Taves

Spencer Taves

IT-System Administration

Educational pursuit. 

As a non-traditional student, technical college seemed like the most affordable way to receive a quality education for Spencer. Having attended both a four-year university and having taken part in a trade apprenticeship, Spencer feels the caliber of education that Northwood Tech provides is on par with that of other educational institutions in the state. Project based learning, small class sizes, and access to knowledgeable instructors are just a few of the perks that convinced Spencer to seek a degree at Northwood Tech. 

Developing new skills. 

After graduating from high school, Spencer studied biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. Since his first semester at Northwood Tech, he has served as the IT tutor for the Ashland campus. Spencer is also involved in his campus IT club, serving as secretary. In his spare time, Spencer enjoys playing the banjo.

Working while learning.

Spencer served as the wholesale manager for the Ashland Baking Company for several years. Prior to enrolling at Northwood Tech, he worked as an HV/AC installer. He currently works as a classroom support technician in the iTLC at the Ashland Campus of Northwood Tech. 

Future goals. 

Spencer hopes to use the skills he acquires at Northwood Tech to find a job in the IT field that affords him a comfortable lifestyle while living in the community that he grew up in, close to friends and family. 


Close

Finding the right fit. 

Jasper choose Northwood Technical College over a university due to the tuition affordability and small class sizes. IT has interested Jasper for many years and he is happy to participate in a program that paves the way for his career path.

A positive leader. 

Jasper is currently a coach for the Shell Lake Science Olympiad program. He has helped teach some of his students code and build items for competitive events invitationals and the upcoming state tournament. Jasper has been to the state tournament a total of 6 years and hopes to attend a 7th time this year.

Always moving forward.

Jasper previously attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, before coming to Northwood Tech- Rice Lake to pursue his degree in IT.
 

Goals for a new future. 

Jasper is currently a head cook at a local restaurant, where he has been working for the last 7 years. He hopes to someday open his own tech shop in the area or work for a networking company.


Close

Close

Always moving forward. 

Originally from West Africa Liberia, Jonathan spent 3 years at the University of Liberia in the science and technology department. After moving to the United States in 2007 through the Diversity Immigrant Visa program (DV), he completed his AA and AS degrees at Rainy River Community College in 2014. For the past 13 years, Jonathan has worked in health care as a trained medication aide and a nurse's aide. Jonathan is a first-year nursing student at Northwood Technical College on the Superior campus, studying to receive his nursing degree.

Preparing for the future. 

Jonathan chose to pursue nursing at Northwood Tech in order to achieve his educational dreams while also raising his family.  As an immigrant and a young adult with a family of six, he understood the impact paying tuition costs can have on top of family expenses. In addition to the tuition costs, the small classroom sizes, the knowledgeable staff and available hands-on education opportunities guided Jonathan to continue his education at Northwood Tech.

Achieving a dream. 

Jonathan has dreamed of achieving quality education does not take his opportunities for education lightly. As a young boy growing up in Liberia, he always dreamed about being a doctor and working in medicine. Jonathan is currently working on his Nursing Associate Degree and intends to pursue a four year degree. He hopes to continue his journey and earn his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, empowering him to provide better health care to people in need.

A passion for life. 

In addition to his studies, Jonathan enjoys outdoor activities, especially running, which he did back home in Liberia at college. He loves to fish, hunt and read in his spare time. Jonathan also finds joy in spending time with his twin girls and volunteering at local community churches and nursing homes. He is a people person and loves meeting and interacting with people of all different walks of life. Jonathan has a desire to learn and serve wherever he goes.


Close

Finding the perfect fit. 

Choosing Northwood Technical College was an easy choice for Jamie. Northwood Tech came highly recommended to to her by many, and the reputation of the occupational therapy assistant program far exceeded that of programs at other schools she considered. As a married mother of 2, it was a complicated decision deciding to go back to school as Jamie has many responsibilities day to day. She needed a program that would ensure a career that upon graduation, a flexible schedule and allow her to balance home life and schooling. Jamie is currently finishing her first semester of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program on the New Richmond campus.

An active lifestyle. 

Jamie is very active in her program studies as well as being voted as the president of the SOTA club. In her community, Jamie coaches her daughter's youth girls' basketball team. Jamie is also the assistant troop leader of her daughter's girl scout troop. She is actively involved in volunteering and supporting diversified sports for individuals with disabilities such as Minnesota Special Hockey and the Challenger baseball league which her son on the Autism spectrum is a participant in.

An impactful career. 

Jamie has been blessed with 2 children on the Autism spectrum. Through her children, her passion for the field of occupational therapy has grown. Jamie has had the privilege to be part of many therapy sessions that were provided by graduates of the program. She has had a front row seat to witness the impact that occupational therapy has on individuals and their families and is proud to be a part of the program herself now.

Caring for a community.

After graduating, Jamie plans to take the NBCOT national certification exam to become a COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant). She hopes to find employment near her current community in New Richmond. Jamie sees the need the rural area has for more occupational therapy practitioners and is very interested in working in pediatric practice. Jamie is also interested in many other areas of practice including geriatrics and mental health. She is passionate about the many different avenues of occupational therapy and how they can provide assistance for people of all different backgrounds.


Close

Educational pursuit. 

As a non-traditional student, technical college seemed like the most affordable way to receive a quality education for Spencer. Having attended both a four-year university and having taken part in a trade apprenticeship, Spencer feels the caliber of education that Northwood Tech provides is on par with that of other educational institutions in the state. Project based learning, small class sizes, and access to knowledgeable instructors are just a few of the perks that convinced Spencer to seek a degree at Northwood Tech. 

Developing new skills. 

After graduating from high school, Spencer studied biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. Since his first semester at Northwood Tech, he has served as the IT tutor for the Ashland campus. Spencer is also involved in his campus IT club, serving as secretary. In his spare time, Spencer enjoys playing the banjo.

Working while learning.

Spencer served as the wholesale manager for the Ashland Baking Company for several years. Prior to enrolling at Northwood Tech, he worked as an HV/AC installer. He currently works as a classroom support technician in the iTLC at the Ashland Campus of Northwood Tech. 

Future goals. 

Spencer hopes to use the skills he acquires at Northwood Tech to find a job in the IT field that affords him a comfortable lifestyle while living in the community that he grew up in, close to friends and family. 


Close

Welcome to Campus Life

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Make the most of your Northwood Tech experience by getting involved. You’ll gain valuable experiences and make lifelong connections with Northwood Tech’s clubs, organizations and student activities.

Find Your Campus

Degree Programs & More

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Know what program you're interested in or want to browse your options? Check out associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates. 

View Programs and Certificates

Featured Continuing Education Classes
 

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Learn how to ditch cable and satellite TV — and save a bundle — without giving up your favorite shows or features.

Caregiver Conferences

Family and professional caregiver conferences.

Professional development gives you the training, skills, certification and licensure classes to keep you on top of your career and fulfill your continuing education required for your work. 

Explore Professional Development Options

COVID-19 Updates

Learn More

 

Upcoming Events

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Spring Student Recess
March 20 - 24, 2023
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Start Now 2nd 8-Week Session
March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023-May 19, 2023

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Transfer Fair
March 28, 2023   |  11:30 am - 12:30 pm
  |  Online

Learn about our university partners and the possibilities available after graduating.

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Tuesday Tours: Manufacturing
April 25, 2023   |  11:15 am - 12:45 pm
  |  New Richmond

Join us for Tuesday Tours to learn about an area of interest. Find your perfect fit at Northwood Tech!

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Northwood Tech Commencement 2023
May 19, 2023

Northwood Tech plans to hold an in-person commencement ceremony at all campuses on Friday, May 19.

View All Events

Join Northwood Tech's community of graduates who experience success.

Northwood Tech graduates have some pretty cool careers.

Northwood Tech graduates have some pretty cool careers.

Success After Northwood Tech
Success After Northwood Tech

Northwood Tech graduates have some pretty cool careers.


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Maria Reyes
Maria Reyes

Maria Reyes

Associate Degree Nursing

At 15, Maria moved to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico.

Although Maria was a high achieving student in Puerto Rico, she knew only Spanish when she arrived, so language was a barrier. She eventually learned English through school and on her own with a dictionary.

Setting school aside. 

At 17, Maria left high school to take care of her new baby. Ten years later she walked into Northwood Tech for her GED to create a better life for herself and her children. 

From GED to nursing student. 

With a community of support, Maria was able to complete the nursing program while holding down a job and taking care of her two boys. 

Empowering herself and others.

Maria has now worked in the nursing field in various roles including as a nurse, a manager and as an instructor to others. She says caring for others has always come first for her ever since she helped take care of her grandmother when she was young.


Close
Jeff Engelbretson
Jeff Engelbretson

Jeff Engelbretson

Management and Leadership

The right fit. 

Jeff got a flyer from Northwood Tech after deploying to Iraq and thought he'd check out the Management and Leadership program. After hitting it off with his instructor and taking his first class with other working adult students, he knew it was the right fit. 

Classes around his schedule. 

The evening classes allowed Jeff to be active in the Army National Guard and a part-time student, taking one class per semester on average with his military tuition assistance. 

Starting a new life. 

Jeff spent 25 years in the military before retiring and taking on his new career. He says the people skills and learning how to create a good working environment were the most helpful in his transition to civilian-life management. 

A strong foundation. 

Within two years of working at Verizon, Jeff was promoted to management where he managed three staging facilities and about 30 employees throughout the Midwest. He also was able to transfer all of his Northwood Tech credits to continue his education and obtain a bachelor's degree. 


Close
Amber Popplewell
Amber Popplewell

Amber Popplewell

Human Services Associate

Amber was a single mother who wanted to further her education.

Although Amber wasn't sure what career she wanted to pursue, she was sure that she wanted to do something important and she wanted to help people. 

The support needed to succeed. 

The staff were always supportive to Amber and her daughter as they spent many evenings studying in Northwood Tech's Learning Resource Center. 

Paying it forward. 

Amber felt passionate to apply her education to the community she was living, so in addition to working and taking classes, Amber also volunteered for the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.

Making a difference in the lives of others. 

Amber is now a program coordinator in the sexual assault program at the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. She looks back on her time at Northwood Tech as a fantastic, accelerated program. 


Close
Chet Banger
Chet Banger

Chet Banger

Architectural Commercial Design

Exploring his options. 

Chet had several jobs, tried a university and community college and was in the military before landing at Northwood Tech, using his military tuition assistance. 

Help from a career survey. 

He decided on the architecture program after taking the career survey online. He had taken AutoCAD (2D drafting software) classes in high school and had a construction background, so the program was relevant to his interests and past experiences. 

Networking opportunities. 

Chet met what would soon be his employer through a class assignment to interview an architect, which led to an internship that turned into a full-time job. 

The skills for success. 

Chet helped lead the firm's transition to Revit (a new 3D drafting software), and helped teach others how to use the software. One of Chet's first major projects was a bank in River Falls. He credits his drafting skills and construction knowledge for helping him launch his career. 


Close

Close

At 15, Maria moved to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico.

Although Maria was a high achieving student in Puerto Rico, she knew only Spanish when she arrived, so language was a barrier. She eventually learned English through school and on her own with a dictionary.

Setting school aside. 

At 17, Maria left high school to take care of her new baby. Ten years later she walked into Northwood Tech for her GED to create a better life for herself and her children. 

From GED to nursing student. 

With a community of support, Maria was able to complete the nursing program while holding down a job and taking care of her two boys. 

Empowering herself and others.

Maria has now worked in the nursing field in various roles including as a nurse, a manager and as an instructor to others. She says caring for others has always come first for her ever since she helped take care of her grandmother when she was young.


Close

The right fit. 

Jeff got a flyer from Northwood Tech after deploying to Iraq and thought he'd check out the Management and Leadership program. After hitting it off with his instructor and taking his first class with other working adult students, he knew it was the right fit. 

Classes around his schedule. 

The evening classes allowed Jeff to be active in the Army National Guard and a part-time student, taking one class per semester on average with his military tuition assistance. 

Starting a new life. 

Jeff spent 25 years in the military before retiring and taking on his new career. He says the people skills and learning how to create a good working environment were the most helpful in his transition to civilian-life management. 

A strong foundation. 

Within two years of working at Verizon, Jeff was promoted to management where he managed three staging facilities and about 30 employees throughout the Midwest. He also was able to transfer all of his Northwood Tech credits to continue his education and obtain a bachelor's degree. 


Close

Amber was a single mother who wanted to further her education.

Although Amber wasn't sure what career she wanted to pursue, she was sure that she wanted to do something important and she wanted to help people. 

The support needed to succeed. 

The staff were always supportive to Amber and her daughter as they spent many evenings studying in Northwood Tech's Learning Resource Center. 

Paying it forward. 

Amber felt passionate to apply her education to the community she was living, so in addition to working and taking classes, Amber also volunteered for the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.

Making a difference in the lives of others. 

Amber is now a program coordinator in the sexual assault program at the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. She looks back on her time at Northwood Tech as a fantastic, accelerated program. 


Close

Exploring his options. 

Chet had several jobs, tried a university and community college and was in the military before landing at Northwood Tech, using his military tuition assistance. 

Help from a career survey. 

He decided on the architecture program after taking the career survey online. He had taken AutoCAD (2D drafting software) classes in high school and had a construction background, so the program was relevant to his interests and past experiences. 

Networking opportunities. 

Chet met what would soon be his employer through a class assignment to interview an architect, which led to an internship that turned into a full-time job. 

The skills for success. 

Chet helped lead the firm's transition to Revit (a new 3D drafting software), and helped teach others how to use the software. One of Chet's first major projects was a bank in River Falls. He credits his drafting skills and construction knowledge for helping him launch his career. 


Close

After Northwood Tech

"I wanted to stick with a smaller college, smaller classrooms, a closer experience with the instructors and a more hands-on environment. The instructors made me feel very confident in what I was learning. I felt very prepared."

–Katelyn

54.4%

salary increase after five years for graduates working in a related field to their training

"The College offered a flexible schedule I could follow at my own pace to allow for my small and growing family when I needed it the most."

–Amy

EXPLORE STARTING SALARIES

See some of the highest paying average annual starting salaries 2018-2019 Northwood Tech graduates have reported:

A bar chart showing the college's top-paying programs.
A pie chart showing that 95% of the College's graduates were employed within six months of graduating

96%

of students were satisfied or very satisfied with the training they received at Northwood Tech.

"The College is a great choice for students to learn what they need to succeed in the workforce today. The program provides real-world examples and situations to help students grow."

–Chad

"I am grateful for the instructors who made it more than just an educational experience. The College is like a second family who helps you achieve your personal goals while creating genuine real-life memories that you will never forget. "

–Sara

At Northwood Tech, learning is our passion and it shows. Ranked among the top two-year colleges in the nation, Northwood Tech's graduates leave the College with the confidence and experience needed for success. 

Learn What Makes Northwood Tech Different

Grow your Success

Have you taken classes at other colleges or in high school that count for college credit? Do you have military or other career or life experience that may count? See if you can start a step ahead. 

Get Credit for Prior Learning

Do you need to teach your employees specific skills to get the job done right? From trades skills to management and leadership soft skills, Northwood Tech will work with you and your employees to provide customized business training that works for your business goals.

Consult with a Northwood Tech Business Advisor

Need to get licensed or complete continuing education classes for your job? You'll find options here to hone your skills and stay up-to-date in your industry.

Renew Your Certification

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.