As healthcare education expands in St. Cloud, it’s no surprise that SCTCC is a stop along the path to an MD. The level of education for our many health programs as well as pathways for transfer to a bachelor’s degree is recognized statewide. Our students know it, too.
Connor Sturges is graduating with his Paramedicine degree from SCTCC in his non-traditional track to medical school. The Hutchinson native earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Concordia, and instead of a planned transition directly to med school, Sturges took some time off.
“I took time off to decide if attending medical school was still the right step. Knowing I still wanted to work in healthcare, I went back for my Paramedicine degree,” he noted.
While he was at SCTCC, he continued working as a paramedic in Hutchinson and received mentorship from several people, including instructor Lowell Smith. They all encouraged him to continue his education.
Sturges started the application process to the new CentraCare Regional Campus for the University of Minnesota Medical School.
“It does require a significant investment of time. You must complete a bachelor’s degree, take specific prerequisite coursework, and take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).”
After applying the first time, there are secondary applications to specific schools, then the applicants receive interview invitations. If they are accepted, they must commit in April.
Sturges made the commitment.
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to continue my training here in Minnesota and plan to continue supporting the healthcare of rural Minnesotans for many years to come,” he said. “SCTCC provided exceptional hands-on training and real-world experience that gave me confidence in high-pressure situations, and the mentorship I received from my instructor encouraged me to further my education and pursue medical school. I look forward to building on the strong foundation this program gave me as I continue working to support the health of communities across Greater Minnesota.”
Sturges is just one example of how SCTCC contributes to the future of healthcare in St. Cloud and beyond, whether it’s starting with a CNA class at SCTCC or interest stemming from a biology class. People from the area and throughout Minnesota have many opportunities to expand their education, achieve their goals, and become integral to the future of healthcare.