Nursing/Health Science Students Run Open House at New Career Center Wing
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(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
Question: What's the nation's top profession in terms of projected job growth?
Answer: Nursing!
That's why Delta College, Saginaw Valley State University, and now, the Bay Arenac Career Center, are beefing up health and science education and training programs.
MyBayCity.com was on hand recently as the Career Center opened its new 36,000 square foot, $6.2 million Health/Science Wing to the public and conducted a ritualistic ribbon cutting.
Programs offered in the Health Sciences area include dental occupations, health technology/medical science, physical therapy, occupational therapy and sports medicine, veterinary science, forensic science and nursing assistant.
Among speakers were Delta College President Jean Goodnow, Alice Gerard, CEO of Bay Regional Medical Center, State Sen. Jim Barcia, and State Rep. Jeff Mayes.
Dr. Goodnow said the new wing helps "meet the needs of a changing society," commenting that health care "is an economic engine driving new growth in mid-Michigan."
Ms. Gerard, a registered nurse, noting that Bay Regional Medical Center has served about 500,000 patients since October 2006, said the hospital employs about 2,000 persons and is the largest employer in Bay County. With about 5,000 direct care workers in the county paid about $240 million a year, health care "Is a huge industry with a growing need for workers who graduate from programs like this." Such workers are "desperately needed because of the large volume of patient needs and the fact that they contribute to the economic success of the community."
Senator Barcia called the new wing "achieving a milestone in history of BAISD and in the history of education in Bay and Arenac counties." He said the Legislature is considering additional capital outlays for health care and science facilities in the area.
Rep. Mayes said he was impressed with the young men and women he encountered on his tour of the new facility, addressing them: "We have great expectations of you; your generation will have a great impact on society."
The claim by Frank Davenport, dean of the Bay Arenac Intermediate School District board, that the local Career Center "is the greatest skill center in the whole darned United States" was applauded. He noted that the board and nursing director Shirley Patzwalt "had to move mountains" with the State Board of Nursing in Lansing to get the nursing program approved initially back in the 1970s.
BAISD Supt. Mike Dewey credited Principal Mike Rivard with having the "vision about this program and applying creative energy to make it a reality."
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
Also on hand and receiving recognition was Ed Morelli, first principal of the Skill Center, opened in 1972 by the Bay City Public Schools, and his wife, Dee, a former teacher. After the center had been open a few years, the school district under then Supt. Alvin N. Zachrich turned operations over to the BAISD.
Mr. Dewey explained that partnering with Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University is an integral part of the Career Center training plan. Students who get basic grounding at the Career Center can build on their knowledge, skills and interests in the higher education area.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the United States is in the midst of a nursing shortage that is expected to intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health care grows.
Compounding the problem is the fact that nursing colleges and universities across the country are struggling to expand enrollment levels to meet the rising demand for nursing care.
Students were prominent in all phases of the open house and ribbon cutting, in keeping with the "hands on" approach of the Career Center.
Outside, students in rain gear directed visitors to parking spots.
Inside, students like Drew Good, 16-year-old Central High junior pursuing a nursing career, and Jessica Newvine, 17-year-old Garber High senior, joined with counselors and teachers to explain the uses and equipment of the new facilities.
For his part, Good is eagerly awaiting completion of his training at the Career Center, passing the CENA (Nursing Assistant) state test, and going to work in a hospital or nursing facility. "I'm taking Health Technology and interning with Bay Medical that is a good foot in the door," he said.
"They've already learned hand-washing, the most important skill, and next is medical terminology and medical math," said Karen Neill RN, student support specialist in the nursing assistant program. She explained facilities in the nursing assistant classroom laboratory to visitors. Ms. Neill earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University and has worked at the Career Center for five years.
Special class features of the health technology/medical science program include hospital based partnerships, medical specialty rotations, leading edge health careers and medical observations, opportunity to earn college credit, second year in-depth study options, scholarships and national organization opportunities. Students in business dress presented brick mementos to board members and other dignitaries at the event.
Everywhere in the halls were students pointing the way; and students were busily serving delectable eatables like tiny gourmet salads and petite fours.
The tasty delicacies were tribute to the food preparation skills of students in that facet of the Career Center.###
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
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