Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Normandale provides hands-on, career-aligned learning directly connected to top Twin Cities employers like Medtronic and Seagate. Through paid apprenticeships, high-placement pipelines, and 19 seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities, students gain market-ready skills and degree progress without starting over.
As the largest community college in the Minnesota State system, Normandale offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and pathways that give you more than a list of classes—they give you a clear, actionable map for your future.
Whether you start with a technical certificate or an associate degree, you will stack practical skills, train in hands-on CTE labs, and access paid apprenticeships with top regional employers.
At Normandale, Career and Technical Education is directly connected to the local workforce. We partner with industry leaders to build clear CTE pipelines into thriving fields.
Seamless CTE Transfer Pathways
Your technical education doesn't have to stop at a single credential. Normandale ensures your hands-on training carries forward without forcing you to start over.
Proven CTE Outcomes & Results
Our technical programs are engineered to deliver measurable real-world outcomes.
You don't just enroll in a program—you enter a CTE pathway designed for your career goals. Whether your priority is entering the workforce quickly with in-demand technical skills, continuing toward a four-year degree, or balancing both, Normandale provides the framework to succeed.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Begin by exploring your options below!
Designed for direct patient care and community advocacy, this pathway delivers hands-on clinical experience, health education, and professional licensing preparation for in-demand roles across hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers.
This pathway prepares future educators and instructional leaders with foundational teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and child development skills needed for impactful roles in school systems and community organizations.
This pathway equips students with fundamental financial, administrative, and strategic management skills required to lead operations, analyze data, and drive growth in corporate, public, and entrepreneurial environments.
This high-tech pathway provides rigorous, hands-on training in computing, software development, problem-solving, and engineering principles driving innovation in modern technology and manufacturing sectors.
Dedicated to civic service and law enforcement, this pathway delivers specialized tactical, legal, and ethical training to prepare graduates for protective, emergency response, and public service careers.
Focused on customer experience and operational excellence, this pathway prepares students for leadership roles across lodging, food and beverage, event management, and the broader regional tourism industry.
Certificates (10–30 credits): Quickest route to job-ready skills or industry certifications (can be completed in a few months to 1 year).
Diplomas (30–52 credits): Hands-on technical mastery without extensive general education requirements.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) (60 credits): A 2-year degree combining hands-on technical skills with core general education to prepare you for direct entry into the workforce.
Yes, most credit-bearing programs require a high school diploma or GED. However, select non-credit career training and workforce pathway programs offer prep assistance to help you meet entry requirements while building basic workplace skills.
Yes! Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA), state grants (such as the Minnesota State Grant), and scholarships apply to most credit-bearing degree and certificate programs. Additionally, select workforce pathways (like Human Services Pathways) are tuition-free for qualified applicants through partner funding.
Absolutely. Normandale offers flexible learning options including 8-week accelerated courses, evening/weekend classes, hybrid, and 100% online programs tailored for working adults.
Many of our Associate of Science (AS) and select AAS credits transfer directly to Minnesota State Universities and 4-year partner institutions. If you plan to transfer later, our academic advisors will build a customized pathway map to maximize your credit transfer.
Through our Advising & Career Center, students gain access to resume coaching, mock interviews, local employer networking sessions, direct employer apprenticeships, and job placement support with regional industry partners.
top
