A Closer Look at the Rasmussen University – Lake Elmo/Woodbury Campus
New to Rasmussen University? It’s only natural to want to get the inside scoop on what to expect from your local campus. We spoke with campus director Patty Sagert and asked her to highlight the important information every newcomer needs to know before stepping foot on the Rasmussen University –Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus.
What is the history of Rasmussen University and the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus?
Since 1900, Rasmussen University has been building community through education. From first opening its doors as the Rasmussen Practical School of Business in Stillwater, Minnesota, Rasmussen University has since grown to 24 campuses and has graduated thousands of students across its many programs of study. The University now offers dozens of programs across the Schools of Business, Design, Education, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, Nursing and Technology.
As Rasmussen University has continued to grow over the years, the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus was opened in 2007 to provide additional access to education for students east of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
“The campus itself is small in relation to many of the other campuses, but that allows everybody to work very closely with one another and to form closer relationships with our students,” says Sagert.
Where is the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus located?
The campus is located in Woodbury off of the intersection of Interstate 94 and Radio Drive and is in the heart of the retail area. It sits adjacent to the Oak Marsh Golf Course and is a mile or two from several large retail outlets, including the Woodbury Lakes shopping center, Best Buy, Cabela’s, The Home Depot, Gordmans and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Being part of the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, there is plenty to do and see for everyone. The campus is just 16 miles northeast of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, 11 miles west of the Hudson River and a quick, 12-minute drive from downtown Saint Paul.
“The local community is very diverse in a lot of ways, and being so close to the state’s border, about 20 percent of our students are from Wisconsin,” says Sagert.
Worried about parking? Don’t stress—the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus has plenty of free parking dedicated to students, faculty and staff of Rasmussen University.
What programs are offered at the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus?
The Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus offers the following on-campus programs within the School of Health Sciences:
School of Health Sciences
- Radiologic Technology Associate’s: The Radiologic Technology Associate’s degree program at the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).1
- Medical Laboratory Technician Associate’s: The Medical Laboratory Technician Associate's degree program at the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).2
- Health Information Technician Associate’s: The Health Information Technician Associate’s degree program offered at the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).3
School of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).4
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).4
Students can also enroll in any of Rasmussen University’s online programs through the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus and have access to on-campus support.
What resources and support services are offered at the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus?
The campus features dedicated study areas that encourages students to utilize. The Learning Commons is a quiet space, equipped with computers that students can use for doing homework or studying. The Student Commons is a more collaborative, social environment with round tables and couches for students to kick back and interact with one another. The campus also has a computer lab that is available to students and is used for classes.
Each of the Health Sciences programs has its own lab for students to learn and make decisions in real-world scenarios. These include the Radiologic Technology lab, Medical Assisting lab and Medical Lab Technician lab.
Additional tutoring support, Career Services and Library and Learning Services are offered online and are available to all students.
“Our students tend to say we’re very welcoming and that faculty and staff will do anything to help them out. We have great relationships with our work study students and consider them part of our team,” Sagert says. “We truly are a culture of inclusiveness.”
How is the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus involved in the local community?
At its core, Rasmussen University is dedicated to global enrichment and meeting the evolving needs of its diverse communities. The faculty and staff at the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus support this greater mission by volunteering with community partners on an ongoing basis. Partnering with organizations like Feed My Starving Children and the Jeremiah Program is an opportunity to give back and support those in the community who need it.
The University also partners with clinical sites in the area and has a strong relationship with the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, an association made up of local businesses and organizations that work together to strengthen business and civic interests.
“I love the people I work with—not just on our campus, but across the entire University. Everybody rolls up their sleeves and does what’s in the best interest of the students and the campus,” Sagert says. The campus is proud to be made up of a solid team of people who can be trusted to do the right thing for our students.
Quick facts about the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus:
- Need a bite to eat? Check out some of these spots:
- Crave, Osaka, Lakes Tavern & Grill and Olive Garden are all less than two miles from campus.
- Looking for something good and greasy? Smashburger or Five Guys are your best bet.
- If you’re keen on family-owned restaurants, check out Keys Cafe & Bakery off of Interstate 494 and Valley Creek Road.
- Looking for a new study spot or in need of a study break? Here are some of the students’ favorite hangouts:
- Coffee & Bagels, Dunn Brothers, Caribou Coffee and Starbucks are a hop and a skip across I-94.
- If you’re in the mood for tea, then check out Sencha Tea Bar, which is less than two miles south of campus.
- The local area is loaded with parks. If you need some fresh air, spend some time at one of these highly praised spots:
- The Lake Elmo Park Reserve of Washington County is three miles northeast of campus and offers over 2,000 acres of space for any activity you can imagine, including hiking trails, cross country ski trails, a fishing pier, swimming pond, picnic pavilions, a boat launch, canoe access and more.
- Colby Lake Park, Powers Lake Park, Kargel Park and Seasons Park are all nearby options for getting away to clear your mind.
Picture yourself at the Rasmussen University – Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus
At the Rasmussen University – Lake Elmo/Woodbury Campus, students are first priority, and the strong sense of community amongst them is evident.
“Our students are resourceful; they’re not afraid to ask for help when they need it, and when they do, our faculty is available. Our small, close-knit campus atmosphere fosters a great relationship among our faculty, staff and students,” Sagert says. Every day, the campus faculty and staff are proud to provide a supportive environment to help students reach their education goals.
If you want to learn more about how you might find your fit in this community of learners, check out the Rasmussen University – Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus Facebook page.
1The following Radiologic Technology Associate degree programs at Rasmussen University are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT): Fort Myers campus in Florida was awarded initial accreditation in 2021 for a period of three years; Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus in Minnesota was granted reaccreditation in 2021 for a period of eight years; Ocala campus in Florida was awarded initial accreditation in 2020 for a period of three years.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182 [email protected] 312-704-5300
2The Medical Laboratory Technician Associate's degree program at the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus in Minnesota is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). 5600 N River Road Rosemont, IL 60018, 773-714-8880
3The Health Information Technician Associate’s degree program offered at the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601, 312-235-3255
4The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degree programs at Rasmussen University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. (CCNE) 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791
