Southwestern Michigan College - Dowagiac Campus is recognized for offering impeccable vocational education programs. In particular, they have a remarkable Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN/LPN) license program. This program skillfully merges theoretical learning aspects with practical application in a clinical environment. The course is designed to produce well-rounded nurses capable of providing exceptional healthcare services. It is worth noting that this course employs an accessible teaching approach that simplifies complex nursing concepts, enabling student-understanding at an accelerated pace. Hence, this program effectively addresses the need for qualified vocational nurses in the health sector. It's an ideal avenue for enthusiastic individuals seeking to establish a rewarding career in healthcare. Remember, though, that the academic journey isn't just about achieving a certificate; it's about becoming the most competent professional in your field. Therefore, Southwestern Michigan College - Dowagiac Campus aims to ensure each graduate is not just certified, but fully equipped to succeed in the demanding healthcare industry. Consequently, numerous graduates from this program have excused themselves well in their respective careers, testifying to the quality education provided at Southwestern Michigan College - Dowagiac Campus.

The goal of the nursing program at SMC is to train nurses who are knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, and capable of providing total patient care and becoming leaders in their workplaces.

Whether you want to work in an adrenaline-inducing emergency room, in the infant care unit, or any other specialty, you can prepare for whatever the future holds in a program that pairs caring instruction with hands-on practice and clinical experiences.

After completing basic prerequisite courses and gaining admission to the program, you’ll deep-dive into the world of nursing. You’ll learn how to properly administer medication, understand the psychology behind patient interactions, explore the dynamics of caring for patients of varying ages, research care across cultural contexts, and more. Class sizes are small so that you can build meaningful relationships with instructors and so that instructors can make sure you are progressing appropriately.

From day one, you will gain experience practicing clinical tasks and applying what you learned in the classroom. After you’ve developed your skills, you’ll move on to complete clinicals at real health facilities and in simulation labs so that you graduate already having experience performing the tasks you’ll complete on the job and well-equipped to excel.

The associate degree in nursing is a two-year degree designed to prepare you to enter the workforce. It will also transfer well to most four-year schools for a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

SMC offers two tracks, one for students new to the nursing field and one for already-certified LPNs. An active LPN license satisfies the Foundations in Nursing course and can help LPNs finish the program more quickly.

Medical assistants are specially-trained healthcare professionals who work closely with patients and doctors to keep medical clinics and offices running smoothly. They serve an important role in health organizations, keeping patient’s files organized and accessible and performing basic procedures like drawing blood. Your medical assisting education will prepare you to carry out the duties of an entry-level medical assistant.

In this program, you’ll learn how to perform clinical, diagnostic, and lab procedures and get an introduction to pharmacology, medical terminology, diseases, insurance claims processing, and office administration. All the while you’ll gain practice performing job duties such as keeping patients’ records and taking blood pressure.

Before graduating, you’ll round-out your education and solidify your skills through hands-on clinical training, so you finish the program confident in your skills and ready to begin a steady career.