NEW RICHMOND, Wis. - Northwood Technical College held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 27 to celebrate the official opening of its new Medical Laboratory Education Center, located at 821 W. 8th St. in New Richmond. College leadership, healthcare partners, and community supporters gathered at the new center to celebrate the launch and its role in addressing critical workforce shortages in the region.
The new center offers in-depth, hands-on training for students enrolled in the college's Medical Laboratory Technician program. Courses began at the new facility in January, with the first full-time graduating class expected in spring 2026.
"This facility represents our vision to provide workforce-ready education that meets real community needs," said Northwood Technical College President Dr. John Will. "It's a space where students will gain the skills needed to support essential healthcare services across the region. It is a reality due to the support from Westfields Hospital and many other donors and partners."
Demand for trained medical laboratory professionals has grown significantly in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the substantial increase in diagnostic testing. Medical laboratory technicians play a vital role in this expanded landscape, delivering the critical information clinicians need to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of diseases. In the Northwood Tech District, there are currently 162 medical laboratory technician jobs, with employment projected to grow 10.3% by 2030, according to Lightcast data. The largest portion of these jobs is held by workers ages 55 to 64, indicating that retirements will further expand job availability in the coming years.
"This is a true game-changer for our students and our healthcare system," said Mari Jo Ulrich, dean of health sciences at Northwood Tech. "The center mirrors the environment students will work in after graduation and prepares them to walk into their first job with confidence and experience."
The project was made possible through a groundbreaking partnership between Northwood Tech and Westfields Hospital & Clinic. Together, they developed a plan to address an ongoing shortage of laboratory professionals across the region. In addition to training future healthcare workers, the building also includes a multi-purpose room for use by Westfields Hospital & Clinic for support groups, workforce development, and community meetings.
"Westfields Hospital & Clinic and Northwood Technical College share a vision of developing skilled professionals to meet the growing demands of the healthcare industry, and these graduates will bring valuable expertise to the communities they serve," said Steve Massey, president and CEO of Westfields Hospital & Clinic.
The total cost of the Medical Laboratory Education Center is approximately $4.77 million, funded through a mix of financing, which has included $866,000 raised through community donations, a $500,000 property donation by Westfields and $1 million in Northwood Tech financing to support the project.
Among the key contributors was the Royal Credit Union Foundation.
"The impact of this project has been transformative, both for the health care providers trained at the facility and for the community," said John Sackett, president of the RCU Foundation. "The RCU Foundation supported this initiative because we believe in its potential to create lasting positive change and enhance the quality of life for everyone involved."
The facility is being developed in three phases. Phase I, now complete, includes two state-of-the-art medical laboratories and associated classrooms, utilizing 5,792 square feet of the 7,050-square-foot building. Phase Il will convert the remaining 1,258 square feet into simulation labs, multipurpose learning spaces, dedicated offices, and the Royal Credit Union Foundation Community Education Room. Phase Ill, scheduled to begin in summer 2026, will include exterior improvements.
The Medical Laboratory Technician program accepts up to 12 full-time students at a time and is designed to prepare graduates for employment in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories throughout the region.
For more information about the program, visit NorthwoodTech.edu.
About Northwood Technical College
Northwood Technical College is a nationally top-ranked college and designated Silver 2025-26 Military Friendly® School that puts Students First. Northwood Tech serves the educational and career needs of approximately 14,000 residents of Northwestern Wisconsin each year. With multiple campuses, Northwood Tech offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized business training, and a wide array of courses for personal or career enrichment. Northwood Tech is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). For more information, call 800.243.9482 or visit Northwood Tech.edu.
Northwood Technical College is grateful for all its community partnerships. Your support of the Northwood Tech Foundation is essential to student success. For information on how to contribute, visit Northwood Tech.edu/donate.
Northwood Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions or status in any group protected by state or local law in employment, admissions or its programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College's nondiscrimination policies: Amanda Gode, AA/EEO Officer/Title IX Coordinator/Associate Vice President of Talent and Culture; 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake, WI 54868; 715.645.7042; Wisconsin Relay System TTY:711; Amanda. Gohde@Northwood Tech.edu.
Photo: Northwood Technical College President Dr. John Will, center, and Westfields Hospital & Clinic President and CEO Steve Massey cut the ribbon to officially open the new Medical Laboratory Education Center in New Richmond on Aug. 27.
Also pictured, front row, from left: Danielle Hansen, office supervisor, WESTconsin Credit Union; Jamie Aune, Medicare insurance sales, SF Insurance Group; Dr. John Will, president, Northwood Technical College; Steve Massey, president and CEO, Westfields Hospital & Clinic; JoAnn Wrich, director, Westfields Hospital & Clinic Foundation; Kimberly Pearson, director, Northwood Technical College Foundation; and Katie Peterson, branch manager, Royal Credit Union-New Richmond.
Back row, from left: Dr. Aliesha Crowe, vice president of academic affairs, Northwood Technical College; Alexia Harelstad, medical laboratory technician student; Miranda Grode, medical laboratory technician student; Karla Sampselle, program director, medical laboratory technician; Scott Knight, instructor, medical laboratory technician; and Mari Jo Ulrich, dean of health sciences, Northwood Technical College.
Last Update: Aug 29, 2025 9:19 am CDT
