$25k Donated to WSC Foundation for New Medical Assistant Program

Williston, ND – AgCountry Farm Credit Services has announced a $25,000 grant to the Williston State College Foundation through its Rural Community Grant Fund (RCGF). This substantial donation is earmarked for the development of a new Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) training program at Williston State College (WSC).

Cade Coles of the Williston State College Foundation expressed enthusiasm in receiving the grant, highlighting its importance for the CMA program. “We are excited to launch this program, which will combine rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experience to prepare healthcare professionals for the region,” said Sarah Favorite, Healthcare Training Programs Coordinator at WSC. She emphasized that the program will provide significant benefits to local hospitals and clinics.

David Hokanson, VP Branch Manager at AgCountry Farm Credit Services in Williston, underscored the impact of the grant. “With the growing demand for healthcare professionals in western North Dakota, and the influence of the oil and gas industry, this program will offer local students a valuable opportunity to train and serve their communities,” Hokanson said.

The CMA program, which will be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and follow standards from the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), is set to begin enrolling students as early as the fall semester of 2024.

Initially, the CMA program and its associated lab will be housed in the existing nursing wing of Stevens Hall on the WSC campus. Plans are underway to move both the CMA program and the current nursing program to a new facility by the fall semester of 2025.

Hokanson added that the program’s local focus will help individuals stay close to home while addressing the region's need for high-quality healthcare. “This initiative supports our commitment to giving back to the community and enhancing local healthcare services,” he said.

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Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College, expressed deep gratitude for AgCountry's support. “The $25,000 grant is crucial for the startup costs of our new healthcare training facility. It represents a significant investment in building a highly skilled healthcare workforce for northwest North Dakota and eastern Montana. This support will also contribute to the growth of the Bakken region and improve quality of life for residents,” Dr. Hirning stated.

The Rural Community Grant Fund, established by AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Services of Mandan, and AgriBank, aims to support projects and programs in rural areas impacted by mineral exploration.

The fund is currently accepting applications for future projects. Interested parties can find more information and apply at www.AgCountry.com.