Middlesex Community College is excited to announce the development of new simulation and laboratory spaces for students in the nursing associate degree and licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs. Funded by a Nursing Expansion Grant and Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant totaling $975,000, the renovation will allow the college to train up to 120 students annually.
“MCC’s nursing program is one of the most effective in the state, providing well-prepared, knowledgeable and experienced nurses to address the needs of a vital and in-demand workforce,” said Karen Townsend, MCC’s Dean of Health. “With a 100 percent NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) pass rate in recent years, clinical partnerships at local hospitals, and dedicated faculty, our students access opportunities in and outside of the classroom that pave a rich pathway for their entrance into the field. We are so grateful for this grant funding that will enhance our simulation and lab spaces, as well as strengthen the support, resources and curriculum we offer our students.”
Middlesex received a $525,000 Nursing Expansion Grant to develop an LPN program for students looking for faster entrance into the profession. Students complete their LPN, start working in the field, and can continue their studies at MCC to earn an associate degree or transfer to a four-year institution.
While graduates of the LPN program have the opportunity to work in the field and transfer their credits to the MCC’s compatible associate degree program, the workforce benefits from highly skilled and efficient nurses. The combination of the program options and the renovated simulation and lab spaces enhances students’ preparation and competency in patient care, according to Susan Lavallee, MCC’s Director of Nurse Education.
“The establishment of the LPN program, simulation and lab spaces addresses the growing employment gaps in healthcare brought on by the pandemic and other factors,” Lavallee said. “These initiatives ensure our students are exposed to diverse case scenarios; allow them to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes for high-level critical thinking and clinical judgement; and build students’ confidence with the ability to make critical decisions in a safe, simulated environment before entering clinical sites and the workforce.”
A $450,000 Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant is helping the college afford the costs of building the nursing simulation and lab spaces. The renovation will allow MCC’s nursing programs to collaborate on curriculum, simulation and equipment use. Training opportunities will be available to students in both nursing programs, MCC’s other health programs, as well as community employer partners.
Later this Fall, the college will be developing opportunities for the community to five to enhance the spaces beyond the physical construction of the lab. Funding will go toward manikins, high-fidelity simulators, Sim Pad Plus, hospital equipment for sim bays, complete nurses’ command stations, and nursing skills laboratory stations.
“Funding is crucial to ensuring our new shared simulation and laboratory spaces are built to the highest standards, providing the best possible environment for our students to learn and thrive,” said Sherri McCormack, MCC’s Dean of College Advancement. “Any donations will bring us closer to creating a state-of-the-art facility, help train the next generation of nurses, and ensure that our community continues to receive the highest standard of care from compassionate, dedicated professionals.”