HTC Alumni Success Story
HTC Serves Those Who Serve Our Country, Half a World Away
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When it comes to college placement testing, Hennepin Technical College wants to make the process as accessible as possible for prospective students. With that in mind, Kathie Montognese, director of testing services at HTC, has overseen the growth of long distance testing that makes it possible for students to complete testing that will assess their skills and help determine the course levels in which they’re most likely to succeed. The prospective student doesn’t have to be on campus. In fact, they don’t even have to be on the same continent. |
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That’s what Zachary Schmitz found out when, as a U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class, he inquired about registration for classes. At the time, he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, and had served onboard a U.S. Navy warship for three years. He was scheduled to return to Minnesota in June 2008, but wondered if that would be too late to complete placement testing and register for classes in the college’s Fire Protection program.
“I went on Google.com and typed in Minnesota firefighter schools, and Hennepin Technical College (www.hennepintech.edu) popped up,” explained Schmitz. “After looking at websites for various colleges, I thought HTC best fit my future schedule, as well as including all the courses I needed.” Next, he contacted the college and began finding out about long distance testing.
“HTC’s Fire Protection program is very well respected and the classes fill up quickly,” explained Montognese. “With Internet access and the help of Zachary’s education officer, who could serve as a procter in administering the tests, we were able to get Zachary on track to plan his future.” That personal interest in his success made an impression on Schmitz.
“I appreciated the way the HTC staff coordinated everything with me via e-mail,” said Schmitz. “It’s stressful trying to plan when you’re this far from home. Thanks to Kathie and to Susan Lorenz, the HTC counselor who helped me register for courses via e-mail after testing, the process ran as smoothly as it possibly could.” Schmitz began attending classes in August and will complete a Fire Suppression Technician certification after two semesters at HTC. “I’m very happy with the college and my instructors, and my education will prepare me to begin a career immediately.”
“Long distance testing has helped many students,” said Montognese, who has been part of the evolution of testing practices in her 27 years at HTC. “I think it will continue to grow, and it certainly can have a positive impact.” Zachary Schmitz would certainly agree with that.
Contact HTC at 952-995-1300 or info@hennepintech.edu
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