Display features artwork by Peg Skalicky

Images above: Two examples of original artwork by Peg Skalicky.

On display now through January, 2011 in the Pine Art Gallery are original works of art created by Peg Skalicky, a native of Beroun, Minn. Skalicky began her artistic career while still in high school. While at Pine City High School, Skalicky worked at Helen’s Gallery and learned the art of custom framing. Just five years later, she opened her own business, Picture This… and has been busy ever since.

Skalicky considers herself a copy artist since she hasn’t had any formal training in painting, but she employs techniques learned from watching TV shows featuring famed artists such as Bob Ross and William Alexander. Skalicky’s specialty, painting on leaves, is a unique skill, and her talents have earned her the coveted People’s Choice award at the Five County Art Show.

The Pine Art Gallery features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of Pine Technical College students and the larger Pine community. The exhibit changes seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased, including paintings, photography, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works in the Pine Art Gallery, see the Pine Technical College Marketing Director in Student Affairs.


Photo: Artist Peg Skalicky.

Distance learning online courses ? the most sought after education programs

There was a time when the concept of distance learning could not even be thought of. Though there were correspondence courses, the idea of online courses did not even develop. People could not think of education with classrooms, teachers, students, books and notebooks. They could not imagine as how a student could complete his/her education without going to an institute, without submitting assignments and without regular classes and lectures. But all these have been made possible through the various distance learning programs that are offered by the various universities and institutes. After the online courses are completed successfully, the candidates are awarded with an online degree.

This degree can help the candidates in making a successful professional career later. The only thing that has to be kept under consideration while pursuing distance learning or online courses is that a proper university should be selected for the same.It has been seen that distance learning or online courses are offered in regular subjects as well as in professional subjects.

The professional online courses help in making a successful career. MBA courses are the most commonly adopted distance learning courses. The popularity of these courses is mainly due to the convenience and flexibility that they offer. In these courses, students can study as per their own time.

There is no fixed schedule that needs to be followed in these courses. Students do not need to attend classes and lectures and submit assignments as well. These courses are best for professionals as they can manage their own time to pursue the online courses. They can study after office hours, during their free time in the office and even on weekends and holidays. Distance learning education programs enable a person to continue their studies and their professions hand in hand with one another without one hampering the other in any way.

The expenses that are incurred in pursuing online courses or distance courses are far less than that of regular studies. The two things mandatory for pursuing these courses are a computer and an internet connection. Apart from these, no other study materials are required as everything is available online. Therefore there are no additional expenses of books, notebooks and other stationary materials in online courses. No accommodation and travel expenses are required as well in studying via distance courses. Initially the amount of registration and then the tuition fee for the courses are the only expenses that need to be incurred.

PTC to open doors for Fourth Annual Open House

Pine Technical College will host an open house, Wed. Oct. 27, 5 to 7 p.m. with a sneak preview starting at 4 p.m. The event is open to current and prospective students and their families, business and industry partners, PTC Foundation donors and the public. In its fourth year, the event is predicted to draw about 110 attendees.

"This is anyone and everyone’s chance to tour the college, meet instructors, talk to advisors and college administrators, and get valuable program information on the spot," said Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "It’s not to be missed, even if you're just curious about PTC and want to see the inside of the building!" Mach added.

PTC's Fourth Annual Open House will be held at Pine Technical College, 900 Fourth St. SE, Pine City. In addition to instructors, advisors and admissions representatives on hand, refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be awarded to several lucky winners. Doors will open at 4 p.m. for self-guided tours, and the main event with faculty on hand gets underway at 5 p.m.

"This is the PTC's chance to showcase its equipped labs and classrooms, and to introduce our knowledgeable and helpful faculty and staff members to students, new students and their families and friends," PTC President Robert Musgrove said. "We're proud of all we offer, and we want our community to know and see all that we have," Musgrove added.

For more information about PTC's Fourth Annual Open House, call 320-629-5114.

Obtaining an Online Metaphysical Education

Many individuals seek answers regarding what many people describe as life's big questions. Metaphysical schools are devoted to answering questions related to the existence and the origin of nature. Students can complete online metaphysical education through several colleges that provide degree programs.

Education focuses on explaining the nature of being in conjunction with the structure of the world. The goal is to develop a strong bond between the physical, mental, and spiritual qualities that make an individual a whole. Online learning explores these areas through a wide range of course topics that prepare students for the professional industry. Students can enter online training in areas such as spiritual philosophy, Eastern religion, holistic life coaching, mysticism, and more. Degree programs can be entered at all levels of education. Most online colleges provide students with the chance to obtain a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree.

A bachelor's degree program serves as a platform on which students can build careers or obtain further education.

Many programs can be entered at this level so students should research the best option for them and their career goals. A possible educational option is obtaining a metaphysical theology degree. Students attend many online courses relating to religion, philosophy, and spirituality. The program prepares students to take their knowledge and help others develop their own personal sense of self. Common areas of study include:
Metaphysics History
The Exploration of God
Altered States of Consciousness

 

Coursework examines different belief systems in history.

Through the exploration of religion students are able to step into many careers. The goal is to help people determine the difference between religion and spirituality. Professionals help their clients achieve self-awareness by helping them understand how to pray and meditate.

Further study at the master's degree level covers a more in depth understanding of metaphysical practices and beliefs. Students learn about several philosophies and spiritual states. Programs are typically research based, which allows students to apply their understanding of the field to their area of interest. For example, student's that want to become spiritual counselors often complete an online master's degree program that emphasizes metaphysical practices and beliefs. Some courses may include:

Meditation
Modern Thought
Universal Science

 

Students that continue their studies and earn a doctorate degree have the most career opportunities. Online colleges offer several different concentration options to students. Education is entered based on the area of metaphysics students want to work in. Some possible concentration areas could include:

Metaphysical Healing
Eastern Religions and Philosophy
Holistic Healing

 

For example, students that complete a holistic healing degree program will establish careers where they work directly with clients to provide spiritually based healing services. Online coursework develops the understanding of good health, as it relates to the entire individual. Professionals use their metaphysical knowledge to apply treatment to a person's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Online metaphysical education allows students to develop the knowledge to apply the field's principles to help others. Students should choose an area of interest and begin training that is accredited by an agency like the World Metaphysical Association in order to obtain the best quality education available.

 

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Introducing new tutors in the Academic Skills Center

The Pine Technical College Academic Skills Center (ASC) empowers students by helping them master concepts and skills presented in the classroom. The ASC ensures students are truly understanding content and developing skills to help them succeed in their coursework, in their labs, and even after graduation.

The ASC is located in the Learning Resource and Technology Center (and its extension office in Room 94) and offers tutoring services at no charge to students with academic and/or technical needs. All tutoring is provided by peer tutors -- students who have completed coursework in the designated academic area and come recommended to the ASC directly by their instructors. Peer tutors are familiar with course content as well as instructors' styles of delivery.

Students also are invited to use Room 94, located in the central part of the building. Room 94 is the ASC's extension office, and students may use it for tutoring, studying, and as a computer lab. Staff affectionately refer to Room 94 as "ASC overflow," as the ASC's services are popular and often, more space is needed. Also new to tutoring services this year is the Open Nursing Lab, Room 150, created just for nursing students.

Meet the tutors! Pictured -- Top row (L ro R): Kristy Olson, Eric Grubb, Angie Lucht, Bill Morris, Amber Fortier. Bottom row (L to R): Joe Haselbauer, Tina Zimmermann, Chuck Peterson, Jessica Jorgenson, John Nelson.


About the Tutors

Kristy Olson tutors biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology courses; she is a second-year practical nursing student.

Eric Grubb tutors English courses and is a gunsmithing student.

Angie Lucht tutors English and is a practical nursing student.

Bill Morris tutors in all accounting courses; he is a second-year accounting student.

Amber Fortier tutors in all general requirements for registered nursing courses and is an alumnus of the practical nursing program. She was awarded the prestigious President's Award -- the highest honor given for academic work.

Joe Haselbauer tutors in math courses and is a manufacturing/machining student.

Tina Zimmermann tutors in math and accounting courses and is an accounting student.

Chuck Peterson tutors biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology courses; he is enrolled in the PTC + LSC A.A. degree program.

Jessica Jorgenson is a student enrolled in the public welfare financial worker program and tutors in PWFW introductory courses.

John Nelson tutors in Microsoft Operating Systems Basics (MS/OS) and is a computer networking student.

Accounting - Online Career Education

Companies and businesses need qualified individuals with the ability to present financial information to executives and employees in an understandable way. The skilled professionals who provide this information are members of the accounting industry. Numerous accredited online schools and colleges offer a wide range of degree programs to individuals interested in this field.

Accounting can be described as a system that presents financial information in an identifiable, recordable, and summarized way, which is then presented to executive level management. Online career training in this field requires a student to be highly skilled in mathematics and able to use those skills to examine, evaluate, and understand facts and figures rapidly. Students need to know how to accomplish the above and be able to find a concise way of displaying results to clients and company executives.

With the responsibility of properly conducting accounting procedures, professionals continue to learn the latest techniques and technology throughout their careers. Prospective students will learn the above by successfully completing an online program.

Training provides the option of earning an associate's to a master of business administration degree online. Career education in this field properly prepares students for the workforce by giving them the required knowledge for the industry. Which degree program a student is enrolled in will determine how in depth courses will go, as each level of education prepares students for different jobs and careers within the industry. Let us explore each level of career education to see what students will learn and what areas of the industry they can step into upon completion of a program.

Online certifications in accounting can be taken at either the undergraduate or graduate levels.

Undergraduate certification programs will teach students how to accurately record financial transactions, effectively manage funds, and correctly implement strategies. These skills prepare students for entry-level jobs in financial operations departments. Graduate certification programs are specifically designed for professionals to further their knowledge. Certificates at this level will assist professionals in gaining a promotion or switching careers.

An associate's degree program prepares students to become accounting assistants, bookkeepers, and more. This degree level is the quickest way to enter the industry because online programs only take around two years to complete. A bachelor's degree provides a more in depth study of accounting procedures. Coursework in this area will include online studies in management, budget planning, tax accounting, operations, and more. Students will learn how to evaluate and record the financial transaction of a business. Students who enter this level of education will have a wider career base to step in to once they graduate.

In order to advance to upper-level careers professionals can gain a master's degree. A program at this level of education specifically prepares students to become Certified Public Accountants. To gain this certification professionals need five years of schooling, two years of work experience, and must pass all areas of the exam. This certification gives professionals the ability to perform essential accounting functions like signing audits.

Further education is obtainable through a master of business administration degree. This level of education deepens accounting knowledge and opens more career flexibility. Students interested in accounting can find the right program that fits their career goals. Enter your desired career by enrolling in an online accounting degree program today.

 

Boost Your Education Online

Many of us probably want to boost our education and learning or seek out additional expertise by earning a master's degree. Due to lifestyle changes as well as the shaky economy, it can make it really hard to acquire advanced schooling, especially for all those individuals who already have their own families or full time careers. Besides this, signing up for an Ivy League University, normal universities and colleges need a lot of your time, which isn't feasible if you have a regular job.


Now that there are many of degrees on the net, you don't have to leave your chosen career. Most employees who are able to improve their education by acquiring their degrees online will often have a chance to increase their earnings. Companies commonly require their personnel have a minimum of a Bachelors degree to ensure that they're highly qualified.


If you are planning to start earning degrees online, the first thing that you have to make certain is that the online college is accredited.

It is possible to check the list of accredited colleges online or else you might contact the department that manages accreditation in your area. This will help you ensure that the institution isn't bogus because there are a few organizations that claim they're accredited even though they are not. It is safer to settle with the well-known colleges.


Depending on the education you select and the institution you would like to get it from, companies will be more than happy to employ you. By acquiring degrees online, individuals can go to school from the comfort of their home, on their own schedule, for no more money than similar institutions.


After being sure that the internet university you select is correctly accredited, make sure you look close at the programs offered. Look into the list of courses as well as the materials and the modules that will be employed. Try to match up your scheduled course to your spare time so it won't affect the time you have to spend at your job. Online learning is only successful if you know how you can take care of your time


In past times, it was a serious concern for individuals to acquire their degrees online because they thought that organizations and employers would not acknowledge these degrees as legitimate. Granted, historically, several organisations were sceptical about internet education, but those times are history.


Although most online degrees may be earned in a short period of time compared to the ones that can be earned at a traditional setting, there are programs and subjects which will require double the amount of time. It all is dependent on precisely which program you are looking at.


Many students who want to sign-up in these Internet-based institutions and obtain their degrees online do so because they receive the same degree of schooling and training that is presented in a conventional university setting, only this time it is done from the comfort of their very own home. Whenever students study in an environment that is comfortable for them, they'll be more likely to finish the essential work.

Student Senate seeks officers

The Pine Technical College Student Senate seeks officers. Currently, the Student Senate is operating with President Torfi Arnarson (second-year gunsmithing) and Treasurer Heather Hansen Mead (second-year computer programming). The student-elected governing body seeks to fill the positions of Vice President, Secretary and Parliamentarian.

Do you want to make a difference in the student community at PTC? Are you looking for an opportunity to make professional contacts and build your resume? If you are a part-time or full-time student in good academic standing, you may apply to run for any available Student Senate office.

Vice President
The vice president is responsible for assuming the duties of the president in the president’s absence, overseeing all committee activities, and organizing all fund-raising activities.

Secretary
The secretary is responsible for recording meeting minutes, handling all correspondences, organizing bulletin board displays, and decorating needs for the Senate.

Parliamentarian
The parliamentarian is responsible for maintaining awareness of all legislative action relevant to the Senate, MSCSA, MnSCU, and PTC. The officer also maintains contacts with elected officials at the local, state, and national level.

Applications are available in the Student Affairs Office. The deadline for applying is 4 p.m. Fri. Sept. 10. Candidates should be prepared to self-promote and campaign the week of Sept. 13. Elections will be held Sept. 21 and 22. For more information about Student Senate, contact Amanda Spencer, Student Senate Advisor, (spencera@pinetech.edu, 320-629-5127) or click here. Good luck!


Photos: (L to R) Torfi Arnarson, Heather Hansen Mead -- current Student Senate officers.

SimMen land at Pine Technical College

Photo: PTC President Robert Musgrove (in blue, center) examines a new SimMan acquired by the Health Care Alliance.

New SimMen (simulation manikins) have arrived at Pine Technical College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Cambridge. The high-tech SimMen will be used for students enrolled in healthcare programs (such as nursing), allowing them to experience realistic patient scenarios in the classroom. A 3G SimMan was purchased for each college, and a traditional SimMan will be loanable to all Health Care Alliance partners, and a SimBaby also will be housed at PTC.

The Health Care Alliance is an organization born when a $4.2 million grant project was awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The project, called Health Occupations Providing Economic Stimulus (HOPES) is working to recruit, train and employ almost 1,200 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides and medical laboratory technologists in east central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The project's aim is to offset a predicted dire shortage of health care workers. Health Care Alliance partners working together include Pine Technical College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Cambridge, Kanabec Hospital, and more.

One practical nursing student at PTC, a lucky recipient of a HOPES/Health Care Alliance-backed scholarship, is blogging her way through the program. For a first-person account and student viewpoint of the program, follow Tara Irwin's blog as she records her journey -- complete with inspiring anecdotes and often comical highlights.

For more information about the HOPES grant and the Health Care Alliance, click here, or call 320-629-4566. Also, be a fan of the Health Care Alliance on Facebook!

Postgraduate Education: The Fulbright Granting Program

The Fulbright Program was created in 1946 by one of the senators of the United States William Fulbright. It is one of the most prestigious programs around the world that provides grants for international postgraduate students. A number of students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists participate in this program every year. The Fulbright provides grants for people who achieved success in a certain science.

The main objective of the program is to enable graduate students and young scientists to conduct researches in the United States. Apart from grants, the program provides scholarships for second year Fulbright students.

There are several types of grants provided by the Fulbright.

Full Grants for Study/Research. This type of grants is provided for different academic fields, creative arts and performing arts. Students have a possibility to study or to conduct a research in the university of any country that participates in the program. Students should chose the country and the university, discuss the project with the faculty or monitor, design a proposal and prepare supplemental materials.
Fulbright English Teaching Grants. The host country usually provides this granting program. The types of the grant proposals also vary depending on the country's demands. Students have a possibility to improve their language skills and knowledge of the United States. Students can pursue the individual studies or conduct research works related to the language disciplines.
Among the Full Grants, there are also grants specialized in a certain field. These programs include Fulbright/mtvU Award, Critical Language Enhancement Award, Fulbright Business Grants, Fulbright Journalism Grants, Fulbright Country-Specific Awards.
These programs are available in a number of countries and enable students and young scientists to conduct researches in a specific field of science or discipline. For example, the Fulbright/mtvU Award enables students to do researches around a specific international music culture.
All participating students should complete a special application form for every program.