Ridgewater College Campuses

The Hutchinson Campus of Ridgewater College serves as a vital educational hub in McLeod County, offering specialized programs tailored to local industries while providing core academic pathways. It focuses on practical, career-oriented education in healthcare, trades, and general studies, with an emphasis on community engagement and workforce development.

• Healthcare programs are prominent, including the Practical Nursing certificate, Medical Office Professional, and Phlebotomy, equipping students with skills for immediate employment in medical settings. The campus features simulation labs for real-world clinical training.
• Trades and industrial programs include AAS degrees in Machine Tool Technology, Industrial Maintenance, and HVAC, teaching precision machining, equipment repair, and climate control systems through hands-on workshops and industry partnerships.
• Business education covers Office Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship, with courses on administrative skills, digital marketing strategies, and small business operations to support local economic growth.
• Agriculture-related offerings, such as Precision Agriculture and Farm Management certificates, address modern farming challenges like GPS technology, data analysis, and environmental stewardship.
• Liberal Arts and sciences provide foundational courses in communications, humanities, natural sciences, and psychology, facilitating seamless transfer to universities for advanced degrees.
• Education and human services include Paraprofessional Educator and Chemical Dependency Counselor programs, preparing individuals for roles in schools, counseling centers, and support services.

In addition to credit programs, the campus delivers non-credit workshops, GED preparation, and ESL classes to promote lifelong learning. Faculty collaboration with regional employers ensures curricula align with job market demands, fostering high placement rates. The intimate setting encourages student involvement in clubs and events, building networks and leadership skills essential for professional success in Minnesota's dynamic landscape.

Ridgewater College's Willmar Campus offers a comprehensive array of programs designed to meet the educational needs of students in west-central Minnesota. As the primary campus, it emphasizes hands-on learning in fields essential to the region's economy, including agriculture, healthcare, and business.

• Agriculture programs include Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Agribusiness Management, Agronomy, and Animal Science, focusing on modern farming techniques, crop production, livestock management, and sustainable agriculture practices. Students gain practical experience through farm labs and internships.
• Healthcare offerings feature Nursing (AAS and Practical Nursing certificates), Medical Assistant, and Emergency Medical Technician programs, preparing students for certifications and entry-level positions in hospitals, clinics, and emergency services.
• Business and technology courses cover Accounting, Business Management, Computer Networking, and Information Technology, with emphases on entrepreneurship, financial analysis, cybersecurity, and software development.
• Liberal Arts and transfer programs allow students to complete general education requirements for bachelor's degrees, including courses in English, mathematics, sciences, and social sciences.
• Trades and technical education includes Automotive Technology, Welding, and Manufacturing, providing skills in repair, fabrication, and industrial processes through state-of-the-art facilities.
• Human Services programs offer degrees in Early Childhood Education, Human Services, and Criminal Justice, addressing community needs in education, social work, and law enforcement.

The campus also supports continuing education, customized training for businesses, and online courses to enhance accessibility. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized support to achieve career goals or transfer to four-year institutions. This diverse curriculum ensures graduates are well-prepared for the workforce or further studies, contributing to the vitality of rural and urban communities alike.