Minnesota North College will launch five new career-focused programs in Fall 2025 to meet workforce needs across northeastern Minnesota. These programs—Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, Tribal Alcohol and Drug Counselor I, Mental Health Practitioner, Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway, and Water Operations—are designed to lead directly to in-demand, well-paying jobs or further education.
Minnesota North College will launch five new career programs in Fall 2025 to meet regional employment demands in northeastern Minnesota. These programs build student skills and place graduates directly into good-paying jobs that are available now.
“Economic uncertainty spurs our community and technical colleges to do our best work,” said Mike Raich, President of Minnesota North. “Our students come to us wanting jobs and a better life. We connect them with regional employers who need them. That means our programs must grow and adapt to change.”
That commitment to growth and innovation is now taking shape through five new programs launching in Fall 2025:
The Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Certificate will be offered at the Vermilion campus. An arborist, a tree caretaker, offers services like tree trimming, disease control, and emergency tree care. This 9-month certificate is built into the existing Natural Resource Technology program at the Vermilion Campus but can also be taken on its own for those looking to add another certification to their resume.
The Addiction Studies program has added the Tribal Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (ADC I) Certificate, offered at the Mesabi Range Virginia campus or online. This 9-month certificate was designed to support behavioral health units on Tribal Reservations in Minnesota. Students will meet the classroom educational and internship requirements to obtain the Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorders (UMICAD) Alcohol and Drug Counselor I certification. Graduates can choose to continue to pursue a 2-year degree in Addiction Studies, which will lead to LADC certification that allows access to more opportunities throughout the state.
A new Mental Health Practitioner Certificate is starting Fall 2025 on the Itasca Campus. This 9-month certificate is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the growing field of mental health services and to support communities across Minnesota. With rising awareness around mental health and an increased demand for qualified professionals, the certificate provides a focused and accessible pathway into the field. The program emphasizes practical skills, cultural competence, and a deep understanding of mental health care practices. Graduates will be able to work as entry-level mental health practitioners and could continue into their 2-year Applied Psychology/Human Services degree.
The Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway, offered at all campuses or online, provides an opportunity for students to complete an Associate of Science that transfers seamlessly into any Minnesota State University. Greater Minnesota is seeing an increasing demand for social workers, with demand exceeding the number of providers available. In this program, students learn key concepts in psychology, human development, and social welfare.
Water Operations is a new 9-month diploma offered at the Vermilion campus. There are flexible learning options for the first semester, with courses in person or online. For spring semester, classes are in-person and hands-on with an opportunity for living lakeside in Ely for an immersive experience. Diploma completion with an applicable internship makes students eligible to take the Class D Water/Wastewater Operator’s license exam. Water treatment facilities and other water operations jobs are well paid and in high demand.
Minnesota North also is adding new locations for two existing programs: The Graphic Design and Visual Communications program is now available on all campuses, and the IT Networking and Security program is now offered at the Hibbing and Itasca campuses.
With these new programs and expanded locations, Minnesota North College continues to respond to the evolving needs of Northeastern Minnesota—equipping students with the skills, credentials, and experiences they need to thrive in high-demand careers. Whether you’re just starting your educational journey or building on existing experience, Minnesota North is here to help you take the next step, close to home and connected to opportunity.
Minnesota North College will launch five new career programs in Fall 2025 to meet regional employment demands in northeastern Minnesota. These programs build student skills and place graduates directly into good-paying jobs that are available now.
“Economic uncertainty spurs our community and technical colleges to do our best work,” said Mike Raich, President of Minnesota North. “Our students come to us wanting jobs and a better life. We connect them with regional employers who need them. That means our programs must grow and adapt to change.”
That commitment to growth and innovation is now taking shape through five new programs launching in Fall 2025:
The Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Certificate will be offered at the Vermilion campus. An arborist, a tree caretaker, offers services like tree trimming, disease control, and emergency tree care. This 9-month certificate is built into the existing Natural Resource Technology program at the Vermilion Campus but can also be taken on its own for those looking to add another certification to their resume.
The Addiction Studies program has added the Tribal Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (ADC I) Certificate, offered at the Mesabi Range Virginia campus or online. This 9-month certificate was designed to support behavioral health units on Tribal Reservations in Minnesota. Students will meet the classroom educational and internship requirements to obtain the Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorders (UMICAD) Alcohol and Drug Counselor I certification. Graduates can choose to continue to pursue a 2-year degree in Addiction Studies, which will lead to LADC certification that allows access to more opportunities throughout the state.
A new Mental Health Practitioner Certificate is starting Fall 2025 on the Itasca Campus. This 9-month certificate is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the growing field of mental health services and to support communities across Minnesota. With rising awareness around mental health and an increased demand for qualified professionals, the certificate provides a focused and accessible pathway into the field. The program emphasizes practical skills, cultural competence, and a deep understanding of mental health care practices. Graduates will be able to work as entry-level mental health practitioners and could continue into their 2-year Applied Psychology/Human Services degree.
The Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway, offered at all campuses or online, provides an opportunity for students to complete an Associate of Science that transfers seamlessly into any Minnesota State University. Greater Minnesota is seeing an increasing demand for social workers, with demand exceeding the number of providers available. In this program, students learn key concepts in psychology, human development, and social welfare.
Water Operations is a new 9-month diploma offered at the Vermilion campus. There are flexible learning options for the first semester, with courses in person or online. For spring semester, classes are in-person and hands-on with an opportunity for living lakeside in Ely for an immersive experience. Diploma completion with an applicable internship makes students eligible to take the Class D Water/Wastewater Operator’s license exam. Water treatment facilities and other water operations jobs are well paid and in high demand.
Minnesota North also is adding new locations for two existing programs: The Graphic Design and Visual Communications program is now available on all campuses, and the IT Networking and Security program is now offered at the Hibbing and Itasca campuses.
With these new programs and expanded locations, Minnesota North College continues to respond to the evolving needs of Northeastern Minnesota—equipping students with the skills, credentials, and experiences they need to thrive in high-demand careers. Whether you’re just starting your educational journey or building on existing experience, Minnesota North is here to help you take the next step, close to home and connected to opportunity.
Minnesota North College prepares lifelong learners and engaged citizens through inclusive, transformative experiences reflecting the character and natural environment of the region. For more information about Minnesota North College, please contact Annika Freiburger at annika.freiburger@minnesotanorth.edu.