U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer joined local leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 8 to celebrate the opening of Williston State College’s new Healthcare Training Facility in Williston, North Dakota.
The event marks an important step for the region as it faces ongoing population growth and increased demand for healthcare services. The new facility aims to help meet workforce shortages by offering hands-on, career-focused training for future healthcare professionals in northwestern North Dakota and eastern Montana.
“Access to quality healthcare in rural America is everything and that starts with an adequate workforce,” Cramer said at the ceremony. “This new state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the future of northwest North Dakota’s healthcare workforce. Facilities like this one will provide students with invaluable hands-on training and will help meet the demand for medical professionals not only in the region, but across the state.”
Williston has experienced rapid growth over nearly 15 years due to energy expansion, which has led to rising demand for essential services such as education and healthcare. The college broke ground on its Healthcare Training Facility in May 2024, opened it in January, and began courses during the spring semester. The expanded capacity allows WSC to prepare more skilled professionals who can support hospitals, clinics, and other providers throughout the area.
Previously known for nursing and massage therapy programs, Williston State College now offers additional options including medical assistant, EMT, and paramedic training at its new facility. More programs are planned with partnerships across the North Dakota University System expected to further expand opportunities.
Cramer assists North Dakotans with federal agencies to resolve issues and provide information; he serves on Senate committees covering Environment and Public Works, Veterans’ Affairs, as well as Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; he grew up in Kindred; earned degrees from Concordia College and University of Mary; served three terms as U.S. House representative before joining the Senate; together with his wife Kris raised five children—all according to the official website.
