The program, which will be part of BSC's Biological and Health Sciences Department, is not offered at any other North Dakota institutions at this time. Dr. Wayne Boekes, vice president of instruction and student services, says the need for the paramedic programs to affiliate with a regionally accredited institution prompted the collaborative agreement. The program begins at St. Alexius in January 2001 and in Fargo in the fall of 2001. Successful completion leads to a certificate or an Associate in Applied Science degree. Courses will be taught online initially, with students being individuals already employed in the energy industry.
System operators coordinate the flow of power across North America.
Dr. Boekes says the new program builds upon the existing programs in power plant technology and process plant technology. No program like this exists in the U.S. BSC will be hiring an individual to develop the curriculum. The program will begin in the fall of 2001, with an anticipated enrollment of 12 students. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree or a certificate. The program is being developed in cooperation with the Mid-Continent Area Power Pool, Northern States Power, Electric Power Research Institute, the American Power Dispatchers Assn., eCollege, the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, and with North American Electric Reliability Council, the certifying agency for system operators.