Celebrating Caring Careers: Building a Stronger Healthcare and Human Services Workforce in Southwest Minnesota
November is Celebrating Caring Careers Month, a time to recognize the individuals who make a difference in the lives of others every day. From nursing assistants and registered nurses to home health aides, disability support professionals, and social services workers, caring careers play an essential role in keeping our communities healthy, supported, and thriving.
Through CareerForce, the State of Minnesota is highlighting the importance of these careers and encouraging individuals to explore the many opportunities available in aging services, disability services, and behavioral health. These careers offer meaningful work, opportunities for advancement, and a chance to make a lasting difference in someone's life.
For Southwest Minnesota, this message is especially important. According to a recent Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Local Look article, healthcare and social assistance account for nearly 33,000 jobs across more than 1,800 establishments in Southwest Minnesota, representing approximately one in every five jobs in the region. The industry has also added more than 1,650 jobs since 2019, with continued demand expected as our population ages and care needs grow.
The article, Caring Careers in Southwest Minnesota, written by Amanda Blaschko and Luke Greiner, highlights the wide range of opportunities available throughout our region, from home health and personal care aides to nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses.
Read the full DEED Local Look article: Caring Careers in Southwest Minnesota.
Connecting Individuals to Caring Careers
At the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), we recognize the importance of building a strong healthcare and human services workforce. Through our adult and youth programming, we help individuals explore career options, gain valuable skills, access education and training, and connect with local employers.
Whether someone is just beginning to explore career possibilities or is ready to take the next step in an established career, PIC offers several ways to help make those goals a reality.
Career Pathway Training and Adult Programs
For adults interested in entering the healthcare field or advancing their careers, PIC helps connect eligible individuals with education and training opportunities. Through Career Pathways and other funding opportunities, participants may receive assistance with tuition, training costs, and supportive services to help overcome barriers to employment.
In our most recent annual report, adult participants earned 47 credentials in the healthcare field, including 27 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials and seven Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credentials. These achievements represent individuals gaining the skills and qualifications needed to pursue meaningful careers while helping meet the workforce needs of local healthcare employers.
One example is Jayda, who began her healthcare journey as a CNA in her teenage years. After earning a bachelor's degree in Theology, she decided to pursue nursing. With assistance from PIC, including tuition support and paid work experience, she continued her education at Minnesota West Community and Technical College. She ultimately achieved her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse and now works full-time in the Medical-Surgical Unit at the hospital in Worthington.
Free CNA Training Opportunities
One of the ways PIC helps individuals get started in healthcare is through our Nursing Assistant Training program. This training provides eligible participants with an opportunity to earn their Minnesota Nursing Assistant License at no cost.
A CNA credential can serve as an entry point into healthcare and open doors to additional opportunities, including Trained Medication Aide (TMA), LPN, and home health aide positions.
PIC has upcoming CNA training opportunities in Marshall, Worthington, and Jackson for 2027. Individuals interested in exploring this opportunity can visit our website to learn more about upcoming classes and complete an interest form to determine eligibility.
Explore Upcoming CNA Training Opportunities.
Introducing Young People to Caring Careers
Building a strong workforce starts long before someone enters the job market. Through our Youth Career Connector initiative, PIC works with schools, students, and local employers to introduce young people to career opportunities throughout Southwest Minnesota.
Each year, Youth Career Connector organizes a Tour of Healthcare Careers, giving students the opportunity to visit local healthcare establishments, learn about different occupations, and participate in hands-on activities at Minnesota West's Granite Falls campus. These experiences help students see firsthand what a future in healthcare could look like and introduce them to career pathways they may not have previously considered.
Our youth programming also helps students access work experiences, internships, and career exploration opportunities. In our most recent program year, three students completed CNA training, earning a valuable credential while still in high school.
Jasmin is one example of how early career exploration and training can make a difference. Through opportunities supported by PIC, she completed and passed her CNA course while still in high school. Shortly afterward, she secured part-time employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Maple Lawn in Fulda.
Beyond healthcare training, PIC also coordinates internships and work experiences for individuals interested in caring careers and the social services field. Through our Summer Internship Program, college students can gain hands-on experience in their areas of interest, while work-based learning opportunities help individuals of different ages explore occupations and develop skills in real workplace settings.
These experiences help bridge the gap between education and employment while giving local employers an opportunity to connect with individuals who may become part of their future workforce.
Caring Careers Make a Difference in Our Communities
Caring careers are about more than filling job openings. They are about supporting our neighbors, strengthening families, and ensuring individuals of all ages and abilities have access to the care and services they need.
As Southwest Minnesota continues to experience growing demand for healthcare and social assistance professionals, it is important that we continue investing in the people who make this work possible.
This November, we join CareerForce in celebrating the individuals who dedicate their careers to caring for others. We also recognize the employers, educators, and community partners who help create pathways into these essential professions.
Interested in exploring a caring career? Whether you are a student considering your future, an adult looking for a new career, or someone interested in advancing your healthcare education, Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council can help you explore your options.
Visit www.swmnpic.org to learn more about our programs, training opportunities, and career services. You can also explore CareerForce's Celebrating Caring Careers resources to learn more about opportunities throughout Minnesota.