Internship with Walker Methodist led to first job after college

A summer-long internship as the Administrative Assistant at Walker Methodist Westwood Ridge led to Marisa Otto’s first job after college, working as the Sales and Marketing Assistant at Westwood Ridge.

“I enjoyed getting to know everyone who works and lives here and learning how I can make a difference in this field as a servant leader,” said Otto.

Otto graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, with a degree in Business and concentrations in Healthcare Leadership and Long Term Care Administration.

“I always knew I wanted to go into the healthcare field, but it wasn’t until my junior year of high school and one fainting spell in anatomy class that I knew my contribution to healthcare would follow the business track,” said Otto.

Otto’s alma mater recently became the ninth institution to receive the Health Services Executive accreditation. This designation, as part of the college’s Long-Term Care Program, will be an important aspect of the licensure process for graduates looking for careers in long-term care.

Dr. Dan Anderson, Concordia’s Director of Long-Term Care Administration and Healthcare Financial Management, says, “Some states, including Minnesota, do not require a separate license for administrators at Residential Care/Assisted Living facilities. In Minnesota, that’s changing in 2021, and administrators will need to have that Residential Care/Assisted Living licensure. Our students will be covered through this new accreditation.”

Located in West St. Paul, Walker Methodist Westwood Ridge offers assisted living, independent living care suites, and memory care living options. Our transitional care and rehabilitation services makes this a community with a true continuum of care, making it easier to stay at you home at Westwood Ridge for as long as you want.