For Dean and Cassie Calicher, nursing has always been more than a career. It is a shared calling, a life goal and the foundation of their journey together.

From their first day in Northwest Technical College’s hybrid nursing program to earning their licenses and stepping into roles at Grand Itasca Hospital, the married couple has supported each other every step of the way.

“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse,” Cassie said. “Caring for others is fulfilling work and is something I never get tired of.”

Dean shared a similar sentiment. He was drawn not only to helping people but also to the stability and versatility the field offers.

“There are so many doors that open with a nursing license,” he said. “It’s a career with stability and room to grow.”

The Calichers were both working when they began exploring nursing schools. They needed a program that could adapt to their schedule and lifestyle. NTC’s flexible hybrid model made it possible to continue working while earning their degrees.

“Since we were both going to school at the same time, we needed a program that worked for us,” Dean said.

Cassie enrolled in the LPN step-in program while Dean joined the nursing generic track. Though they were in separate programs, they found success by learning together.

“We definitely studied together,” Cassie said. “We watched lectures, quizzed each other and filled in the gaps when one of us struggled.”

Their time at NTC was shaped by impactful instructors who helped prepare them for real-world nursing.

“Brenda Henrikson was so incredibly knowledgeable,” Cassie said. “We still use some of her mnemonics to this day.”

They also credited obstetrics instructor Erin Tatro for breaking down one of the most difficult subjects, and clinical instructor Christina Covier for helping them transition from theory to practice.

“Altogether, the staff at NTC genuinely drove us to succeed,” Dean said.

Tatro remembered both students for their commitment and determination.

“Dean and Cassie were hardworking, academically strong and truly dedicated to becoming excellent nurses,” she said. “They balanced the demands of nursing school and planning a wedding with focus and resilience. It was a joy to be part of their journey. They’re going to be incredible RNs.”

Dean and Cassie agreed that the combination of classroom learning, simulations and clinicals gave them the confidence and experience needed to thrive as new nurses. They even completed clinical rotations at Grand Itasca Hospital, the very place they now work.

“It feels full circle,” Dean said. “To be working at the same hospital and unit that brought us together, now as nurses, is really special.”

Cassie remembered feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety during her first shifts after graduation.

“It was nerve-racking but exciting,” she said. “It was amazing to finally put everything we learned into practice.”

For Dean, moving from CNA to nurse brought a new level of responsibility that required quick adaptation.

“Being a nurse means being a student and there is still so much I am learning in this profession,” he said. “But it’s also incredibly fulfilling to be trusted with the care of people in our community.”

Cassie, now a registered nurse, said understanding the differences in her new scope of practice was a learning curve. Despite the challenges, both agree that working together has been one of the most rewarding parts of their careers.

“Achieving our nursing licenses and working side by side has been a dream come true,” Cassie said.

Going through school and now sharing the same unit at work has only made their relationship stronger.

“Nursing and school are full of challenges and problem-solving,” Dean said. “Doing that together has made us stronger. After our wedding reception, we actually went home to study. It’s been a part of us since the beginning.”

Looking back, both say they are proud of taking that first step into the program at NTC, even when it felt intimidating.

“There were so many reasons to put it off,” Dean said. “We’re proud we just started.”

Looking ahead, they both have future goals. Cassie hopes to eventually work in obstetrics. Dean is interested in exploring ICU or a nursing specialty.

“NTC taught us to always be students,” Cassie said. “As long as we put our patients first and keep learning, we’ll continue to grow both personally and professionally.”