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Highlands Today

New Building Helps SFCC Meet Nursing Demand

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Construction on SFCC's health and science education center is scheduled for completion in July.

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: March 30, 2007

AVON PARK — With the demand for health professionals always increasing, South Florida Community College officials say they are excited the health and science education center is on track to open in July.

RL Geiger, SFCC building official, said the new building is a drastic improvement over current accommodations for the nursing programs and will allow SFCC to double the number of its nursing graduates.

"There's no comparison between the two buildings," Geiger said. "This building is at least three times the size of what they have now. They have more labs and classrooms and the ability to expand the program."

The 51,320 square-foot, two-story building on Lake Glenada features eight science labs, eight classrooms, two labs and classrooms for the nursing and radiology programs and 22 faculty offices.

The total project budget, including construction, landscaping, equipment, architectural fees and construction fees, is $10.9 million.

Painters worked Thursday to apply a coat of primer to the building, which will be painted white and gray next week.

The drywall installation is complete on the first floor and is about 35 percent complete on the second floor. Plumbing also is complete, and heating and cooling systems have been installed.

General science classes, such as chemistry and biology, will occupy the laboratories and classrooms on the second floor.

The nursing program, which is expected to have more than 100 students pursing certification next year, will move into the first floor of the new building.

Frank Hughes, building superintendent for Mathews Construction, said classrooms have patient rooms that simulate hospital rooms for training exercises.

The radiology program also will launch its inaugural year with brand new labs and training rooms.

"A company will be coming to install all the X-ray equipment," Hughes said. "All the walls, windows and doors have been lead-lined to prepare for the equipment."

Rebecca Sroda, director of dental education, said 27 students have already applied for 12 slots in the radiological technician program, which means admissions will be competitive.

"We will be able to be selective about who we admit to the program," Sroda said. "Students who don't get in may try some of our other allied health programs."

About 235 students will be enrolled next year in Allied Health programs, which include nursing, emergency medical services, dental education and radiology.

Shawn Korzep, director of human relations for Highlands Regional Medical Center, said many SFCC students work for the hospital after graduation from one of these programs. Highlands Regional Medical Center even offers scholarships that pay tuition costs in exchange for years of service.

"With the high turnover, we are always looking for nurses," Korzep said. "It's nice to have local kids who've grown up here and then come to work for us."

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