Lake Region State College (LRSC) and Altru Health System have strengthened their partnership with the launch of the new Grand Forks Nursing Education location. Leaders from both institutions say the collaboration will not only benefit local students but also support healthcare education across the entire region.
According to Karen Clementich, chair of LRSC’s nursing program, the partnership is a step forward in innovation and accessibility. LRSC is part of the Dakota Nursing Program, a statewide consortium that allows different colleges to share resources and instruction. “Working with Altru brings us closer to real healthcare environments and gives students more options for how they want to learn,” Clementich said.
The new learning space, located in the lower level of the Altru Clinic, features classrooms and simulation labs equipped with lifelike mannequins that blink and react like real patients. This hands-on environment helps nursing students gain valuable experience before entering clinical settings. The facility officially opened on Thursday, October 9, with staff from both LRSC and Altru attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
LRSC has operated in Grand Forks since 2015, but the new space offers more capacity and better facilities. It accommodates 16 students in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program and another 16 in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Students can earn their LPN license after the first year and continue toward their Registered Nurse (RN) qualification afterward.
The program is designed to be flexible while maintaining high standards. The traditional model includes face-to-face lectures, supported by virtual sessions from instructors across the state. Another option, called the mobility model, allows students to take theory classes online. Clementich emphasized the importance of lab and clinical experiences, explaining that LPN students attend in-person sessions one full day a week, while ADN students come to campus for intensive weekend sessions every three weeks.
Altru’s Chief Nursing Officer, Cory Geffre, said the collaboration aims to bring nursing education closer to where patient care happens. “For decades, nursing education took place inside hospitals,” he said. “Now, we’re seeing a shift back to that model—partnering with colleges to train future nurses right where patients are treated.”
The partnership came about as LRSC was nearing the end of a building lease and Altru was remodeling part of its clinic space. Both organizations saw the opportunity to combine efforts and create a shared learning hub. Geffre said it’s a realization of an idea long discussed between education and healthcare leaders.
In addition to the new facility, Altru is also involved in LRSC’s nursing apprenticeship program, launched in 2023. The initiative helps students gain paid, hands-on experience while completing their studies, with Altru covering tuition costs for participants. This fall, LRSC also introduced a surgical technology certificate program with an apprenticeship component involving Altru, further expanding opportunities for students pursuing healthcare careers.
Lake Region State College President Carmen Simone praised the partnership, saying it represents the mission of community colleges—building strong connections that meet workforce needs. “I’m just so proud,” Simone said. “It shows that we have a dedicated team creating real opportunities for our students and communities.”
Doug Iverson, director of membership engagement and development at the Grand Forks East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, also applauded the initiative. He said the partnership will benefit not only Grand Forks but also neighboring towns like Northwood, Crookston, and Grafton. “The sky’s the limit,” Iverson said. “There’s a growing demand for healthcare workers, and this collaboration is helping meet that need.”
