WSU Tech proudly announced the grand opening of its newly renovated healthcare labs and classrooms at their South Campus, encompassing an impressive 27,000 square feet of state-of-the-art learning and training space. With a substantial investment exceeding $3 million, this renovation represents a major commitment to providing top-tier education and resources to students across its healthcare programs, including Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Short-Term Health, and Surgical Technology, all conveniently located under one roof.
Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech, emphasized, “The expansion and renovation of WSU Tech South Campus are not just about creating modern learning spaces; they are about addressing the critical workforce needs in our region’s healthcare industry. Our commitment to delivering top-tier healthcare education is driven by the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in our community. These enhanced facilities will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we can continue to produce highly trained graduates who are ready to meet the evolving challenges of the healthcare sector and contribute to the well-being of our region’s residents.”
Expanding Upstairs for Nursing and Short-Term Health Programs:
The second floor of WSU Tech South Campus, which has remained vacant since the closure of the Montgomery Ward retail store when the campus once served as a mall, now accommodates the Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Short-Term Health programs. This extensive transformation includes:
- Three skills labs, one exclusively dedicated to short-term health training.
- Four hospital simulation rooms.
- One simulation lab.
- Three clinic exam rooms.
- Five classrooms, with one specialized for short-term health.
- A spacious lecture hall.
These cutting-edge facilities offer students an immersive learning experience, combining hands-on training, simulations, and advanced equipment to prepare them for successful careers in healthcare.
“The new facilities are truly impressive,” said Suzy Vega, WSU Tech Registered Nurse (ADN) student. “They allow us to gain invaluable hands-on experience and prepare us for the demands of the nursing field. I’m grateful for the opportunities these renovations provide.”
Revamping the Former Bookstore into the Surgical Technology Space:
The former bookstore on the first floor has been repurposed to house the Surgical Technology program. This innovative space now features:
- Four fully functional operating rooms (ORs), including a hybrid OR that seamlessly transitions between hands-on lap procedures and a VR surgical suite.
- Four Surgical Training Surgical Simulators capable of simulating over 40 surgical procedures, complete with lifelike bleeding and breathing functions.
- Four Task Trainers designed to facilitate the teaching of new procedures, including interventional Radiology and Robotics.
- Three VR Surgical Simulators offering training in 16 different skill sets, with one being portable and mobile for flexible learning.
- Four Laparoscopic towers dedicated to teaching minimally invasive surgery skills.
- Live video recording capabilities in all suites for immediate learner feedback.
“Embracing our new space at WSU Tech South Campus opens up exciting collaboration opportunities for the Surgical Technology program”, said Logan Threet, Program Director of Surgical Technology at WSU Tech. “With these state-of-the-art facilities, we have the capacity to engage in dynamic partnerships with healthcare providers, industry leaders, and fellow educational institutions. Our goal is to foster a thriving ecosystem where students, faculty, and external partners can work hand in hand to advance the field of surgical technology and enhance patient care.”
With these renovations, WSU Tech South Campus is poised to elevate healthcare education, better serve the community, and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals for success.
Enrollment Event for Healthcare Programs:
In addition to the grand opening of our newly renovated healthcare labs and classrooms, WSU Tech is excited to announce an upcoming enrollment event for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. This event will take place on Wednesday, October 4th, at WSU Tech South Campus.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about our comprehensive healthcare programs, including Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Short-Term Health, and Surgical Technology. Knowledgeable advisors will be available during multiple sessions throughout the day, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm, to provide guidance, answer questions, and assist with the enrollment process.
Those interested may reserve a spot for this informative event, by visiting www.wsutech.edu/events and choosing from the available session times. For more information about WSU Tech’s healthcare programs visit www.wsutech.edu/healthcare
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WSU Tech is the state’s leader in modern technical education offering over 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, and business. In 2018, WSU Tech was named the 2nd fastest-growing college among two-year colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. WSU Tech serves as managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS and is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a Kansas Board of Regents institution. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu.
