Riverland Community College Campuses

The Albert Lea Campus specializes in programs that align with the region's agricultural and industrial needs, providing accessible education through associate degrees, diplomas, and short-term certificates. This location emphasizes hands-on training in trades and health-related fields, serving a diverse student population with flexible scheduling options.

• Liberal Arts: Core courses in general education, including communications, humanities, social sciences, and introductory math, support transfer pathways and personal enrichment.
• Agriculture and Food Systems: Specialized programs in Dairy Production Management, Animal Science, and Horticulture include coursework in livestock nutrition, crop management, food safety, and agribusiness operations, with practical farm lab experiences.
• Business Essentials: Offerings like Office Management, Small Business Ownership, and Retail Merchandising teach bookkeeping, customer service, e-commerce, and leadership skills through case studies and simulations.
• Health and Human Services: Practical Nursing (LPN), Home Health Aide, and Community Health Worker certificates cover medical terminology, basic nursing procedures, ethics, and community wellness, including clinical practicums at local facilities.
• Industrial Technology: Programs in Electrical Construction, Plumbing, and Carpentry provide apprenticeships and certifications in blueprint reading, safety standards, tool usage, and residential/commercial installations.
• Manufacturing Skills: Short-term training in Forklift Operation, Basic Machining, and Quality Control focuses on workplace safety, lean manufacturing principles, and precision measurement techniques.
• Early Education and Family Services: Courses in Child Care Provider Training and Family Support Specialist roles address child psychology, program administration, and family dynamics.
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Introductory classes in renewable energy, water resources, and ecology promote green practices suited to the area's natural landscape.

The campus also offers ESL classes, high school equivalency preparation, and non-credit workshops for professional development. Instructors bring industry experience to the classroom, ensuring relevant, up-to-date content. Facilities include modern labs and simulation centers for immersive learning. Riverland's Albert Lea site fosters community engagement through partnerships with local farms, hospitals, and businesses, providing internships and job shadows. This approach not only builds technical competencies but also soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving. With a student-centered environment, the campus supports lifelong learning, helping residents advance careers in high-demand sectors while contributing to the economic vitality of Freeborn County and beyond.

The Austin Campus of Riverland Community College serves as the flagship location, offering a comprehensive range of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates tailored to career preparation and transfer opportunities. As the primary hub, it hosts the majority of the college's academic programs, emphasizing practical skills and foundational knowledge across various disciplines.

• Liberal Arts and Sciences: The Associate of Arts (AA) degree program includes courses in English composition, mathematics, history, psychology, sociology, and natural sciences like biology and chemistry, preparing students for seamless transfer to bachelor's programs at universities.
• Business and Management: Programs such as Accounting, Business Management, and Marketing cover financial accounting principles, entrepreneurial skills, human resources, economics, and sales strategies, with hands-on projects simulating real-world business environments.
• Health Sciences: Key offerings include the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Medical Coding Specialist, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications, featuring clinical rotations, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care simulations in state-of-the-art labs.
• Information Technology: Courses in Computer Programming (using languages like Java and Python), Networking, Web Development, and Cybersecurity fundamentals equip students with skills for IT support roles and software development.
• Manufacturing and Trades: Welding Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Tool Technology, and Automotive Service Technician programs provide training in MIG/TIG welding, CNC machining, electrical systems, and vehicle diagnostics through extensive shop-based instruction.
• Agriculture and Natural Resources: Agribusiness Management and Precision Agriculture courses focus on crop production, soil science, farm economics, GIS mapping, and sustainable farming practices relevant to southern Minnesota's agricultural community.
• Early Childhood Education: Certificates and diplomas in child development, curriculum planning, and inclusive education prepare graduates for roles in daycare and preschool settings.
• Arts and Humanities: Visual Arts, Music Theory, and Theater Production classes offer creative outlets with studio work, performance ensembles, and digital media tools.

Beyond core programs, the campus delivers continuing education workshops, GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and customized workforce training for local industries like manufacturing and healthcare. With a focus on student success, faculty integrate technology-enhanced learning, internships, and advisory services. The diverse curriculum supports over 50 programs, fostering critical thinking, communication, and technical proficiency. Community partnerships enhance opportunities for apprenticeships and job placement, ensuring graduates are competitive in the job market. This campus's offerings reflect Riverland's commitment to accessible, high-quality education that drives personal and economic growth in the region.

The Owatonna Campus focuses on business, technology, and health programs, offering diplomas, associate degrees, and certificates that cater to the needs of Steele County's growing workforce. This site provides a supportive learning environment with evening and online options for working adults and traditional students alike.

• Business Administration: Comprehensive courses in Management, Accounting Technology, and Human Resources Management include financial reporting, project management, business law, and strategic planning, with real-world applications via business plan development.
• Information Systems: Programs like Network Administration, Software Applications Specialist, and Digital Marketing cover hardware troubleshooting, database management, social media strategies, and graphic design using tools like Adobe Suite.
• Health Professions: Medical Administrative Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Surgical Technologist training encompass medical office procedures, pharmacology, sterile processing, and anatomy, featuring externships in clinical settings.
• Liberal Arts Transfer: General education classes in literature, philosophy, political science, and statistics build a strong academic base for further studies at partnering universities.
• Trades and Technical Skills: HVAC/R Technician, Welding, and Diesel Mechanics programs teach refrigeration systems, blueprint interpretation, engine repair, and welding fabrication in dedicated workshops.
• Public Safety: Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement certificates include first aid, crisis intervention, criminal justice fundamentals, and defensive tactics training.
• Creative and Applied Arts: Graphic Design and Interior Design courses explore digital illustration, color theory, space planning, and portfolio development for creative careers.
• Social Services: Human Services Technician program addresses counseling techniques, case management, diversity studies, and addiction recovery support.

Complementing these, the campus runs continuing education in leadership, customer service, and computer literacy, alongside GED and ESL support. Faculty emphasize interactive teaching methods, incorporating group projects and industry certifications like CompTIA and AWS. The facility boasts computer labs, health simulation rooms, and collaboration spaces. Through ties with local employers like Federated Insurance and Mayo Clinic Health System, students gain practical experience via co-ops and advisory input on curriculum. This ensures program relevance and high employability rates. Riverland's Owatonna campus promotes inclusive education, with resources for accessibility and career counseling, empowering students to achieve professional goals and contribute to community prosperity in a dynamic economic landscape.