Where is Staples Campus?

The Staples Campus of Central Lakes College focuses on accessible, community-oriented education with an emphasis on workforce development and practical skills training tailored to rural and regional needs. This smaller campus provides flexible scheduling and personalized instruction to support local learners.

• Practical Nursing: A focused program delivering essential skills in patient care, pharmacology, anatomy, and clinical procedures, culminating in licensure preparation for entry-level nursing positions in clinics and long-term care facilities.
• Medical Assisting: Training in administrative and clinical duties, including vital signs measurement, medical terminology, office procedures, and electronic health records management, with hands-on practice in simulated medical environments.
• Business and Office Technology: Courses in administrative assistant skills, Microsoft Office Suite proficiency, bookkeeping basics, customer service, and professional communication, designed for quick entry into administrative roles.
• Information Technology Support: Introduction to computer hardware repair, software troubleshooting, help desk operations, and basic networking, providing certifications like CompTIA A+ for immediate employment in tech support.
• Welding Technology: Hands-on instruction in MIG, TIG, and stick welding techniques, blueprint reading, metal fabrication, and safety protocols, leading to certifications for careers in manufacturing and construction.
• Truck Driving and Transportation: Commercial driver's license (CDL) training, including classroom theory on regulations, vehicle operation, and defensive driving, with on-road practice for local and long-haul trucking jobs.
• Early Childhood and Paraprofessional Education: Preparation for roles in daycare and school settings through child psychology, lesson planning, behavior management, and inclusive practices, with field experiences in community programs.
• Customized Workforce Training: Tailored short-term courses in areas like leadership development, safety compliance (OSHA), and industry-specific skills such as agriculture equipment operation or renewable energy basics, often in partnership with local employers.

The Staples Campus prioritizes affordability and convenience, offering evening and weekend classes alongside hybrid formats. Faculty bring real-world expertise, and the facility includes modern labs for skill acquisition. Community partnerships enhance opportunities for apprenticeships and job placement. While smaller in scale, the programs align with the Brainerd Campus curriculum for credit transferability. Students benefit from advising services and career counseling to navigate educational and professional goals. This campus plays a vital role in economic development by addressing skill gaps in agriculture, healthcare, and trades. Continuous program evaluation ensures relevance to emerging job trends, such as green technologies and telehealth. Graduates contribute to the vitality of central Minnesota's workforce, embodying the college's commitment to lifelong learning and regional prosperity.