Facility Expands Training for Nurses, Pharmacy Technicians, and Radiology Professionals
LARGO, Md. — Future healthcare professionals will be taking courses in the new Center for Health Studies at Prince George's Community College. The 100,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility will offer education and training for more than 1,000 students in high-demand health care occupations in the Washington metropolitan area.
"The college partnered with state and county governments to create the Center for Health Studies in response to a growing demand for trained healthcare providers," said Angela Anderson, dean of health sciences. "Opening the new center allows the college to expand and enhance existing clinical programs and develop new areas of specialization to address workforce shortages," she added.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment career growth for those in the healthcare field will grow significantly between 2010 and 2020. Job opportunities are expected to grow by 26 percent for registered nurses, 32 percent for pharmacy technicians, 28 percent for radiologic technologists and 33 percent for emergency medical technicians. To address the marketplace demand for training students in a wide range of healthcare careers, the Center for Health Studies provides class and laboratory space for new programs including medical assistant, physician's assistant and surgical technology.
Students have access to 26 state-of-the-art simulation labs that prepare them for clinical experiences in real-world hospital settings. Virtual health care facilities include high-fidelity patient simulator manikins, critical care and long-term care beds, picture archiving communications system (PACS), electronic medical records system and sophisticated diagnostic and interventional equipment. Existing programs transferring to the new facility include health information management and medical coder/billing specialist, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistant, radiography, respiratory therapy, nuclear medicine, emergency medical technician (basic, intermediate and paramedic), medical assistant, and pharmacy technician.
More than $43 million in funding was provided by the state of Maryland and Prince George's County for the construction project which began in July 2010. To outfit the new facility, the Prince George's Community College Foundation, Inc. and Prince George's Community College have raised more than $8 million as part of a $15 million, three-year strategic fundraising campaign, Purpose, People, Possibilities. Funds support academic and workforce development programs, state-of-the art teaching facilities and scholarships for diverse student populations.
(Source: PGCC Office Marketing and Creative Services)
