Marine veteran selects a Dental Assistant career

Brooklyn Park, May 24, 2022 – During the Hennepin Tech graduation ceremony, military veterans and current members of the military wear a special red, white and blue cord around their shoulder. The cord honors their service and sacrifice. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Nicole Harper was among the veterans in the Class of 2022.

Hennepin Tech: Thank you for your service. Describe your work as a Marine.

Harper: I was a Motor Transport Operator and I served in South Korea and Japan.

Hennepin Tech: The G.I. Bill offers terrific benefits for veterans who want to attend college. In addition to paying for tuition, there’s a housing allowance too. Are you surprised that some veterans don’t use the G.I. Bill?

Harper: I tell veterans to use all the benefits they earned. Go to college after you get out of the military because you don’t want your benefits to go to waste.

Hennepin Tech: You worked in transportation in the Marines but now you are launching a different career as a civilian. Why did you select Dental Assistant?

Harper: There are so many growth opportunities in this career. Plus, I’ll have the ability to help people as a Dental Assistant.

Hennepin Tech: What were your favorite memories of Hennepin Tech?

Harper: Faculty were great. And I’ll remember making friendships.

About Hennepin Technical College

Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College (Hennepin Tech) is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 45 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.