SOUTH PORTLAND — Southern Maine Community College is set to enhance its healthcare training capabilities with a significant investment of $4.1 million to establish a state-of-the-art Health Care Simulation Lab. This funding is part of the nearly $15 million in federal funding recently secured by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and U.S. Sen. Angus King for the Maine Community College System. The funding focuses on expanding healthcare training facilities and technology across Maine.
The Health Care Simulation Lab project at SMCC highlights a response to Maine’s pressing need for skilled healthcare professionals. With the state’s healthcare sector facing critical shortages heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, investment in advanced training facilities comes at a crucial time to meet industry demands.
“We are deeply grateful to Senators Susan Collins and Angus King for their unwavering support and commitment to investing in SMCC,” said Kristen Miller, SMCC president. “With this funding, our highly skilled faculty and staff can train students to help address critical healthcare staffing shortages in Maine and create a stronger workforce for a healthier future in our state.”
The Health Care Simulation Lab will provide students with realistic, hands-on, technology-based experiences, simulating various healthcare environments from home settings to hospital emergency rooms. By replicating real-world scenarios, students across SMCC’s health programs, including Nursing, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy, and Medical Assisting, will gain invaluable experiential learning opportunities.
“The Health Care Simulation Lab will increase the College’s ability to offer additional clinical simulations, testing, and patient-care training, giving students the essential skills needed to excel in the expanding landscape of healthcare careers in Maine,” said Matt Goodman, SMCC dean of Academic Excellence and Strategic Initiatives. “With our commitment to affordability and accessibility, as well as our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, SMCC serves the community through various degree and certificate programs, workforce training, and learning opportunities. This allocation of federal funding underscores the College’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of Maine’s workforce.”
In addition to the Health Care Simulation Lab, SMCC will also receive funding for the Maine Fire Service Institute storage facility, further enhancing the College’s ability to support vital public safety training initiatives.
Visit www.smccME.edu/healthsciencespathway for more information about SMCC’s Health Sciences program.
