(Wake Tech Community College)

Workforce Forward

In Buzz, November 2022 by Lauren KruchtenLeave a Comment

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One of the state’s premier providers of health sciences training, Wake Tech is planning a 120,000-square-foot facility on its Perry Health Sciences Campus if the Wake Tech Workforce Forward Bond passes in November. The $353 million bond will fund a four-year plan for growth, and also includes the construction of a permanent Western Wake Campus in Apex and a new cyber/science training facility on the RTP Campus. 

Perhaps the most significant plan for the new facility is a simulation hospital that will offer human patient simulation, virtual reality, task trainers and computerized simulation, complete with a nurses’ station, hospital rooms, control rooms and debriefing rooms. The facility will also house state-of-the-art labs for imaging programs, including medical sonography, radiography, CT, MRI and mammography.

“Our new building will be critical to taking Wake Tech’s health sciences programs to the next level,” says Wake Tech Provost Dr. Angela Ballentine. “The simulation hospital will allow students in multiple disciplines to learn in a real-life setting while incorporating new training technologies to prepare students for high-demand jobs.”

Wake Tech’s health sciences programs already serve nearly 6,000 students annually, and the Martha Mann School of Nursing is the largest associate degree nursing program in the state, enrolling 300+ students each year. The addition of the new facility—slated to begin construction in 2025, with expected completion by 2027—will help the community college prepare the many skilled professionals who are so vital to Wake County’s longevity and quality of life, according to Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. Wake Tech would also add new programs in areas like mental health, respiratory therapy and disability support.

“Wake County’s population is not only growing, it’s getting older,” says Ralls. “As one of our state’s premier providers of health sciences training, we’re committed to expanding capacity.”

Ultimately, this is up to you, Wake County. Don’t forget to vote Nov. 8. There are three bonds on the ballot: Wake Tech Workforce Bond, Raleigh Parks Bond Referendum and Wake County Public School System Bond.

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