A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

Dual Training Pipeline Grant Program


Earn while you learn with the Dual Training Grant!

Take the next step in your career towards one of six in-demand career pathways: 

  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • EMT to Paramedic
  • Practical Nursing
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Surgical Technology
  • Radiologic Technology


ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Dual Training Grant (Minnesota Statutes 136A.246) is a funding source that generates collaborative and strategic educational solutions between employers and related instruction training providers across Minnesota.

The Minnesota Dual Training Pipeline Grant Program is an employment-based, earn-as-you-learn program where the trainee is employed by the participating employer (CentraCare), receives structured on-the-job training (at CentraCare), while also receiving technical instruction (at an approved college/training provider) related to specific in-demand occupations.

CentraCare is a five-time recipient of the Dual Training Grant. The grant funding is managed by HR- Talent Solutions in collaboration with identified career pathway leaders, and CentraCare’s Grants Administration department.

The program allows CentraCare to invest in our own employees by providing training and financial support to help employees move up the career ladder from entry-level roles.

PROGRAM HOW TO APPLY
Interested employees must apply for the program using the link below, which directs you to an application process using the CentraCare scholarship system. Employee applicants will be reviewed based on a variety of factors; not all those who apply will be accepted based on limited funding and space. Applicants must be employed by CentraCare, either full-time or part-time, and have strong motivation to pursue one of the six career pathways.

The State grant funds plus a CentraCare contribution, allow us to financially cover up to $8,000 of each recipients’ eligible costs per academic year for tuition, fees, and required books. CentraCare will make payments directly to the recipient’s school. Annual grant funding is contingent upon the State’s approval of CentraCare’s grant application each spring.

The deadline for consideration for program year 2026-2027 is Mon June 1, 2026.
Apply

Dual Training Grant FAQs

1. Be a part-time or full-time employee in good standing at a CentraCare entity.
2. Must be formally accepted into a Paramedic, Practical Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technician, Respiratory Therapy, Radiologic Technology, or Surgical Technology program.
a. Interested applicants may be currently enrolled in pre-requisites classes, working towards admission into the college program. Applicants who demonstrate the following will be given priority in the acceptance process:          i. Have completed pre-requisite courses
          ii. Are formally accepted into their program at the college          iii. Plan to begin their first semester classes in the fall semester
3. Must plan to enroll in an educational institution that is part of our approved partnership list (see below).
4. Must fill out and submit the application using the CentraCare scholarship system by the posted deadline, which includes writing an essay articulating your commitment to the specific educational/career path.
5. Must understand that on-the-job training hours are a required part of the Dual Training Grant program, which will be completed during paid time during your regularly scheduled shift (if possible). The employee must be willing to work with their supervisor and other leaders to facilitate the on-the-job training, and provide documentation of completed hours to HR- Talent Solutions.

Anoka Technical College – Anoka, MN

  • Paramedic, Surgical Technology

Alexandria Technical and Community College – Alexandria, MN

  • LPN, Medical Lab Technician

Century College, White Bear Lake, MN

  • Paramedic

Hennepin Healthcare/Hennepin County EMS – Minneapolis and Crosby, MN

  • Paramedic

Minnesota North College – Hibbing, MN

  • Medical Lab Technician

Minnesota State Community and Technical College – Fergus Falls, MN

  • Medical Lab Technician

North Hennepin Community College – Brooklyn Park, MN

  • Medical Lab Technician

Northland Technical and Community College – East Grand Forks, MN

  • Respiratory Therapy

Rasmussen University – St. Cloud, MN

  • LPN

Ridgewater College – Willmar, MN

  • LPN, Paramedic

St. Cloud Technical & Community College – St. Cloud, MN

  • LPN, Paramedic, Surgical Technology

South Central College – North Mankato, Faribault, MN

  • Paramedic, Medical Lab Technician, Surgical Technology

Employees awarded scholarships will be required to:

1. Submit documents and fulfill requirements as outlined below:

  • Copy of academic schedule each semester.
  • Tuition bill including fees and required books.
  • Review and sign a CentraCare Dual Training Grant Agreement.
  • Create an online account with the state portal system and sign a state grant participation agreement.
  • Submit a FAFSA application online and confirm it’s been completed annually.
  • Complete, document, and submit On-the-Job Training (OJT) hours each semester.

2. Attend a required grant orientation meeting each August.

3. Remain a student in good standing for the duration of the academic year.

4. Remain employed with CentraCare through completion of the award term program.

5. Communicate with the grant program manager immediately if employment status changes, as it may impact eligibility.

6. Participate in providing feedback about the grant program as requested.

7. After completion of the program and upon graduation, employees must stay employed with CentraCare for a minimum of 12 months. HR-Recruitment will assist with career opportunities within the system.

**Failure to complete any of the listed requirements may result in grant cancellation.

A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

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Questions during pre-application and general interest questions:
Questions after program enrollment and detailed grant requirements:
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.