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FVCC Home >  Press Releases >  2008 - August

The Board of Trustees of Flathead Valley Community College is accepting letters of application to fill a vacant trustee position due to a resignation.  The successful applicant will serve on the Board until May 2009, and may thereafter run for election to the Board serving a three-year term concluding in May 2012. Subsequent terms will be for a three year period.

Letters may be addressed to the President's Office, Flathead Valley Community College, 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, MT  59901.  Letters will be accepted through September 15, 2008, from individuals currently living within the boundaries of Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Bigfork High School Districts.

Interested applicants will be asked to appear before the Board of Trustees for an interview.  Interviews will be conducted at the regular Board meeting September 22, 2008.  The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any or all applicants.

For more information, contact Monica Settles at 756-3801.

A limited number of openings still remain in the FVCC Pharmacy Technology Certificate program being offered this fall.  The College, in partnership with Kalispell Regional Medical Center, launched the one-semester program to address the shortage of Certified Pharmacy Technicians in the valley.  “We’d like to express our appreciation to KRMC for partnering with the college on this program to meet healthcare workforce needs,” said Kathy Hughes, Vice President of Instruction.

The program involves students taking medical terminology and basic anatomy and physiology classes at FVCC and pharmacy classes taught by pharmacists at KRMC. Students spend a month receiving 20 hours a week in on-the-job training.  Students also learn in a simulated pharmacy at KRMC that uses candy instead of medicine. Upon successful completion of this 16-credit one-semester program, students can take the Certified Pharmacy Technician exam and go directly to work in long-term care facilities, retail pharmacies and hospital pharmacies.

According to KRMC Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and Education Director, Gary Morrison, students who fulfill the program have a much better foundation, because they gain experience in interacting with real patients, filling real prescriptions and preparing real IVs. Those are skills they will be able to use for the rest of their careers. “There is an extreme need for CPTs, not only in the Flathead Valley but across the nation,” Morrison said. “Our students develop the skill set employers need, making them much more valuable to employers. They have a ticket they can take with them and go anywhere.”

When FVCC introduced its new Pharmacy Technology Certificate program in fall 2007, Angela Jensen was attracted to it right away. She had worked in a variety of jobs from front office receptionist and medical assistant to surgical assistant and clinical research assistant for drug trials since she started her career 20 years ago. But she never received certification for any of her jobs—until now.  “It was a short program, and it was suitable for my health care background,” she said.  Jensen completed the program last December and she passed the CPT exam with flying colors. Now employed at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, she is responsible for compounding IVs, dosing units of medications, filling automated dispensing machines, ordering medications, stocking orders and filling prescriptions for Brendan House patients.  “In a pharmacy, the staff is a linked team,” she said. “Our goal is to help the pharmacists work efficiently and provide the maximum care for their patients. You don’t realize how much responsibility you have until you are here doing your job.”

To learn more about the Pharmacy Technology program or to register call 756-3846.  Fall classes start August 28.

In partnership with local health care facilities, FVCC is offering Nurse’s Aide Training for students looking to start a career in the health care field. Students will gain understanding and application of the skills required to address the needs of the chronically ill residents in long-term care facilities.  State of Montana approved testing for certification is provided at the end of the course.  

These month-long courses are being offered with start dates in September, October and November.  A semester-long course is also being offered in the late afternoons for students taking other classes at FVCC or Running Start students from the local high schools.  

The semester-long class starts Wednesday, September 3, and the first short course starts September 8. For more information on Nurse’s Aide Training courses, contact registration at 756-3852. 

When new FVCC ceramics instructor David Scott Smith arrived at FVCC this summer, no one expected him to know anything about wood working.  After all, he was hired to teach ceramics!  His days as a theater set designer came in handy as he built large working tables and additional shelving to ready the ceramics lab for a new course at FVCC: Ceramic Sculpture: Tools and Techniques.  This course provides students with an introduction to sculptural ceramic processes including building techniques, basic mold-making, clay body formulation, glazing and firing.  Students will learn how to use a variety of studio equipment including the slab roller, extruder, wheel, clay mixer and the kiln.  

“I’m toying with a number of unique assignments in this class that will bring out the creativity of each individual student,” says Smith, a former ceramics and design instructor at Southeastern Louisiana University and Baton Rouge Community College.  One such assignment would be a tile and brick assignment where students take organic materials such as grain, wood chips, cereal, or even cat food and mix or wedge the material into the clay body, creating texture once the clay is fired.   There would be a series of forms produced that somehow relate by stacking or combining the forms.

Smith has a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University. His artistic work has been featured in regional and national exhibitions including a recent solo exhibition titled, “Exhibition of Translucent Porcelain” in Covington, Louisiana.  A former business owner of nine years of Foolish Fish Studio that specialized in custom tile designs, lamps, fountains, furniture and decorative art, Smith brings a wealth of teaching experience to FVCC.“Clay is the most versatile material on the surface of the planet and any 3-D artist should know how to utilize it,” explains Smith.  Students in Smith’s new class will have the chance to use clay in new and creative ways.For more information on the Ceramic Sculpture class contact Smith at dsmith@fvcc.edu or 406-756-3993.  For information on art course offerings this fall, visit the course schedule or call 406-756-3852.

The Flathead Valley Community College Reading Group will reconvene September 24 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the books, “The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America,”  by Erik Larson and “There’s No Place Like Here,” by Cecilia Ahern.  Open to the public, the group meets monthly to discuss the selected book for each meeting.  The only cost involved is the purchase of the book.  For more information or to sign up, call Sharon Randolph at 756-3981.  

Seven Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) students have been named fall, 2008, recipients of the Community Pride Scholarship sponsored by the Whitefish Credit Union.  The students will receive scholarships ranging from $200 to $400 in awards totaling $2,400 for the fall, 2008, semester at FVCC.

From Columbia Falls – Natalie Molter, pursuing an Associate of Science transfer degree with an emphasis in Nursing; Auttem Osborne, pursuing an Associate of Science transfer degree with an emphasis in Nursing; Linda Van Ekeren, pursuing a Certificate of Applied Science in FVCC’s Heavy Equipment Operator program.

From Kalispell – Calder Morrison, pursuing an Associate of Science transfer degree with an emphasis in Mechanical Engineering; Khristina Smith, pursuing an Associate of Arts transfer degree with an emphasis in Elementary Education; Kiley Theis, pursuing studies in Nursing with plans to become a Certified Nurse Midwife.

From Lakeside – Katherine Kerr, pursuing an Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Nursing.

This is the thirteenth year Community Pride Scholarships have been awarded to permanent residents of Flathead, Lake, and Lincoln Counties. Throughout the thirteen years of this successful program, Whitefish Credit Union has awarded $63,145 in scholarships to 201 students enrolled at Flathead Valley Community College.

Community Pride scholarship criteria include financial need, potential for academic and career success, and letters of recommendation from a non-family member such as a teacher, counselor, or employer.  The amount of individual scholarship awards varies.  Funds are intended to support tuition, fees, and book expenses, although tutoring and child care costs for FVCC students will also be considered.

For more information, contact the FVCC Financial Aid Office at 756-3849.

The value of the two-year degree is on the rise and FVCC’s four Surgical Technology 2008 graduates proved it.  Since May, they successfully completed their two-year coursework, passed a comprehensive national examination and placed successfully into good paying jobs in Montana.

FVCC graduates Bethany Buchholz and Marissa Keene are new surgical technologists at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls with plans to continue their education. “Marissa is considering a degree as a physician’s assistant and Bethany will be going to First Assistant school, both great advancements for these two outstanding individuals,” says Erin Howardson, FVCC Surgical Technology instructor, now in her fourth year of teaching at FVCC. “The manager at Benefis is impressed with the skill level and preparation of our students.  Our goal is to have them prepared for the job on day one,” Howardson added.

The other two 2008 graduates were hired locally in the Flathead Valley.  Jenica Kelly is working for North Valley Hospital, and Rebecca Knapp is a private surgical technologist for a local doctor.  Since the first graduating class in 2005, over half of the graduates have secured employment in the Flathead Valley.

The FVCC Surgical Technology Program, in partnership with Kalispell Regional Medical Center, prepares students to serve as integral members of a surgical team, working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care before, during and after surgery.  Students interested in learning more about the surgical technology program can contact Howardson at 751-6994 or ehowards@fvcc.edu. For information on all FVCC health care programs and courses, visit the FVCC Web Site or call 756-3847. 

Enrollments in online credit classes at FVCC were up 42 percent this past school year from the preceding year.  “The change in the economy, especially higher fuel prices, has certainly caused students to look to online classes as at least part of their educational plan,” explained Pat Pezzelle, Director of Extended Learning at FVCC.  “Students can save money and time, but more importantly, access classes at any time of the day from anywhere in the world,” added Pezzelle.  

With over 60 online courses and 19 Interactive Teleconferencing (ITV) courses being offered fall semester, a majority of students at FVCC are taking at least one distance education class. Currently, 53 of the 60 credits required for an Associate of Arts Degrees (AA) are online with plans to develop the remaining courses.  Students can now complete the one-year Medical Transcription and the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Certificate of Applied Science programs fully online.  By spring 2009, the Entrepreneurship Certificate of Applied Science will be fully online, and by 2010, all the business one and two-year programs are targeted to be fully online.  

FVCC has an active leadership role in the statewide e-Learning Advisory Committee organized by the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. “In partnership with the Montana University System, FVCC is on the ground floor in the development of policies and procedures that will guide online education in Montana,” explained Pezzelle, a member of the e-Learning Advisory Committee.  FVCC is also a member of the Instructional Technology Council, a national network that provides resources and best practices on every aspect of distance education including the latest technologies, course development, online student support and advising.

For more information on distance education at FVCC, contact Pat Pezzelle at ppezzell@fvcc.edu or 1-877-443-5741.   To see a listing of FVCC online class offerings, visit the class schedules.  General registration is August 26 and 27.  Classes start August 28. 

Students looking to add technical skills to their resumes should consider computer programming classes, according to Mark Stoddard, new adjunct faculty member at Flathead Valley Community College.  “Almost every industry or business can use an employee with programming skills whether it is engineering, banking, gaming or any industry or institution that requires number crunching or modeling,” explains Stoddard.

He will be teaching two computer programming courses at FVCC fall semester :   Web Page Programming and Fundamentals of Computer Programming I: JAVA.  In addition, Stoddard will teach an Introduction to Computer Science course which introduces students to the broad field of computer programming and its value in the workplace.  “There is a tremendous number of jobs in the computer science field requiring different levels of education, and although many have been outsourced to workers in other countries, the trend is swinging back to hiring Americans for these jobs,” explains Stoddard.   

Students interested in knowing more about the FVCC classes or the field of computer science can reach Stoddard at mstoddar@fvcc.edu. For times and dates of classes, visit the course schedule or call 756-3852.  General registration is August 26 and 27.  Classes begin on August 28. 

Angela Jensen began working in the health care field at the age of 19. She has worked in a variety of jobs from front office receptionist and medical assistant to surgical assistant and clinical research assistant for drug trials since she started her career 20 years ago. But she never received certification for any of her jobs—until now.

When FVCC introduced its new Pharmacy Technology Certificate program last fall, Jensen was attracted to it right away. “It was a short program, and it was suitable for my health care background,” she said.  FVCC, in partnership with Kalispell Regional Medical Center, launched the one-semester program to address the shortage of Certified Pharmacy Technicians in the valley. “We’d like to express our appreciation to KRMC for partnering with the college on this program to meet healthcare workforce needs,” said Kathy Hughes, Vice President of Instruction.

The program involves students taking medical terminology and basic anatomy and physiology classes at FVCC and pharmacy classes taught by pharmacists at KRMC. Students spend a month receiving 20 hours a week in on-the-job training while rotating through a variety of settings including long-term care facilities, retail pharmacies and hospital pharmacies. Students also learn in a simulated pharmacy at KRMC that uses candy instead of medicine. After completing the program, students are eligible to take the Certified Pharmacy Technician exam.

According to KRMC Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and Education Director, Gary Morrison, students who fulfill the program have a much better foundation, because they gain experience in interacting with real patients, filling real prescriptions and preparing real IVs. Those are skills they will be able to use for the rest of their careers. Morrison called the first class of students “a big success in the pharmacy community.” Not only were a number of the students like Jensen hired at local pharmacies as Certified Pharmacy Technicians, he continues to receive calls regularly from area pharmacies looking for pharmacy technology graduates.  “There is an extreme need for CPTs, not only in the Flathead Valley but across the nation,” Morrison said. “Our students develop the skill set employers need, making them much more valuable to employers. They have a ticket they can take with them and go anywhere.”

Jensen completed the program in December and she passed the CPT exam with flying colors. Now employed at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, she is responsible for compounding IVs, dosing units of medications, filling automated dispensing machines, ordering medications, stocking orders and filling prescriptions for Brendan House patients.  Jensen thrives on the teamwork and high level of responsibility that goes into her job.  “In a pharmacy, the staff is a linked team,” she said. “Our goal is to help the pharmacists work efficiently and provide the maximum care for their patients. You don’t realize how much responsibility you have until you are here doing your job.”

For information on the Pharmacy Technology program, contact the FVCC admissions office at 756-3846.  Fall classes start August 28.

An eight-hour Fireline Safety Refresher course will be offered on Thursday, August 14, 2008,

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at FVCC.  This course fulfills the 2008 fire season’s requirements for government employees, casual hires and contractors who are previously qualified and must attend an annual class, or if individuals need the basic four or eight hour safety training to be hired.   The instructor is Don Rees, a three-year veteran wildland firefighter and training coordinator.  The cost of the course is $75.  

A Work Capacity Test (WCT) may also be required for some positions and is being offered the same day from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Summit Health Center.  The cost of the testing is $18.  

To register or for more information, contact the FVCC Continuing Education Center at 756-3832 or ceinfo@fvcc.edu. 

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks returns to FVCC with a production of Macbeth on Thursday, August 21, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.  This outdoor theater experience highlights one of William Shakespeare’s best known tragedies with themes of greed, lust for power and betrayal.  There is no charge to attend.  Bring a picnic dinner and a lawn chair or blanket, as the performance will be held outside, weather permitting.  

For more information, contact the Continuing Education Center at 756-3832.

The City of Kalispell received a $166,860 Community Develop Block Grant from the Montana Department of Commerce on behalf of Flathead Valley Community College to enhance manufacturing training programs at the college.  The grant funds will be used to purchase Haas lathes and mills; computer-aided design and drawing software (CADD); and computer aided machining software (CAM).  This effort will provide trained machinists for business partners in the grant:  Sonju, Semitool,  and Plum Creek Timber Company.   These advanced technologies will also attract industry members considering the Flathead Valley as a location for new or existing businesses.   

“We’d like to express our appreciation to the State of Montana for supporting this community project, allowing us to focus education on supporting local business needs with state-of-the-art technologies” said Bill Roope, FVCC Division Chair of Career and Technical Education.  “The college greatly appreciates the City of Kalispell and local industry partners for their interest in this initiative.”

For information on advanced technologies classes and fall semester registration, contact Roope at 756-3968 or broope@fvcc.edu or call the registration office at 756-3852.  

College Provides Two Week Grace Period for Forest Fire Fighters

Flathead Valley Community College will hold registration for its fall classes August 26 and 27 from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

In order to register for classes, individuals are required to have a completed admissions file which includes a completed application form with a $15 application payment, high school transcripts and college transcripts if applicable and proof of two measles, mumps and rubella immunizations.  Students also are required to complete the ASSET placement test prior to registering for classes.The college will grant a two week grace period for those students who are fighting forest fires throughout Montana. Student firefighters will be allowed an additional two weeks past the start of the fall semester to finalize their registration, financial aid and other deadlines.  The extension applies to students directly involved in firefighting as well as those providing support services for fire crews.Student firefighters are required to contact the FVCC registration office by August 27 to receive the extension.  It is also the students’ responsibility to contact their instructors to find out what assignments they missed.Classes fill on a first-come, first-served basis.  For more information, please call 756-3846 or view the most up to date fall course schedule.

Flathead Valley Community College is seeking help from community members who can provide housing to FVCC students. Persons should be willing to house students of any age, gender or ethnic group. The college will publish and update a list containing housing availabilities weekly.  Each housing opportunity will be published for one month unless rented before one month expires.  

FVCC is not responsible for any liability with the listings.  Property owners are responsible for contacting the college when the property has been rented.

FVCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its educational programs or activities.

If you are able to provide apartments, houses or rooms for rent to FVCC students or would like to obtain more information, contact the FVCC Financial Aid office at 756-3849.