WORCESTER, MA – June 17, 2024 – Quinsigamond Community College was awarded $171,016 from the state’s Skills Capital Grant program to purchase industry-standard lab equipment for its Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate program and Surgical Technology associate degree program.
“This funding will be instrumental in helping to educate more students to meet the growing demand of skilled healthcare workers that are needed locally, regionally and globally,” said QCC President Dr. Luis G. Pedraja.
QCC’s Nursing Assistant and Surgical Technology programs prepare approximately 140 students each year for careers in the regional healthcare industry. This grant will allow QCC to add additional students to the CNA program and provide a pathway for more low-income, underrepresented, and entry-level workers to launch healthcare careers in the local community.
"Technology changes quickly, and QCC responds swiftly to these changes. This grant allows us to upgrade our equipment so students can learn using the latest technology available,” said Assistant Dean of the School of Healthcare Shanan Stratis, who oversees both programs. “This is crucial for helping students transition smoothly into the workforce upon completing their program, as they will have already spent months practicing on the equipment in our labs and clinical settings."
In the nursing assistant labs, electrical beds, headwalls (a room feature that manages patient care accessories such as cords and tubing) and vital sign machines that measure parameters such as heart rate, will be replaced to ensure that students are trained on the most current equipment used in regional healthcare facilities. Additionally, manikins will be purchased to allow students to practice safe patient care and transfer techniques.
In the Surgical Technology program, funds will be used to add a full surgical setup, including a surgical table, camera, laparoscopic mocks kit for various surgical cases and a manikin to practice different surgical cases. This equipment will provide students with the opportunity to practice and refine their skills using up-to-date, industry-standard surgical tools and techniques.
QCC’s nursing assistant and surgical technology labs are located in its Healthcare and Workforce Development Center at the downtown campus at 25 Federal Street in Worcester.