MARSHALL — Health care workers provide crucial services to rural Minnesota residents. But in order to have enough workers like nursing assistants, access to training and certification testing is needed.

This week, representatives of Minnesota West Community and Technical College and Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center announced they will be teaming up to help meet that need – by creating a nursing assistant training program and testing location in Marshall. Avera Marshall will provide space for the program on its Bruce Street campus.

“Expanding local access to training is one way we can help build and maintain a rural health care workforce,” said Debbie Streier, Avera Marshall regional president and CEO. “As our population ages, having trained staff available to maintain health care services here in our communities is critical.”

In a news release, Minnesota West said it received $88,128 in funds for the project, through a Long-Term Care Workforce Capacity Building Project Grant from the Minnesota Department of Health. The state grant funding will make it possible to buy training equipment and supplies for the class.

Representatives of Minnesota West said having a nursing assistant testing location in Marshall will save students a trip of 30 miles or more. Currently, the nearest testing locations are in Granite Falls or Pipestone, they said.

“This opportunity allows us to reach a diverse group of students and offer local nursing assistant certification testing, eliminating the need for travel. The need to travel can sometimes be a barrier that prevents students from completing the program,” said Jackie Otkin, dean of allied health services at Minnesota West.

Avera Marshall said it will provide space for the training and testing site on the fourth floor of the hospital campus, in an area that formerly was used for physical and occupational therapy.

Through the partnership, nursing assistant students will also get hands-on learning by completing clinical hours at Avera Marshall.

“The venture allows students to build a health care foundation starting with nursing assistant and progressing onto the trained medication aide program,” said Megan Gorres, nursing instructor and healthcare coordinator at Minnesota West.

“Nursing assistants are a vital part of providing direct care in long-term care and hospital settings. They help residents and patients with a full range of daily needs,” Streier said. “And for some, working as a nursing assistant is a launch pad into a career in a related health care profession. We believe that working alongside our team will give students a tremendous learning environment while also letting them see firsthand how rewarding and fulfilling a career in health care can be.”

Minnesota West President Terry Gaalswyk said the college was thankful for the chance to partner with Avera Marshall.

“Through such arrangements, we are able to acquire the latest technologies and assure students are advantaged as they prepare to provide for our wellbeing,” Gaalswyk said. “Minnesota West’s mission and purpose could not be advanced without these strategic partnerships and the resources provided through the Minnesota Department of Health. We are hopeful this opportunity will attract more caring individuals representative of the communities we serve to enter these careers.”