Nursing student Liz Howell shows Mary Kraus and Bonnie Janssen what the newborn patient simulator is capable of.
The Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership helped the college welcome donors, legislators and the community to a ribbon cutting for the new Health Sciences Simulation Center Jan. 19.
Visitors toured the state-of-the-art education center and viewed the nine patient simulators that bleed, breathe and move. Some even witnessed a simulator give birth.
The simulators were made possible through $425,000 in private donations from donors like Mary Kraus, a longtime supporter of the college and Appleton Museum of Art. Kraus donated in memory of her husband, the late Daniel M. Kraus, M.D.
Also at the ribbon cutting, Dr. Stephanie Cortes, dean of Health Sciences, announced plans for a fast-track associate degree in Nursing that would cut time-to-degree completion from 24 months to 17 months.
“Since 1963, more than 9,700 students have earned a certificate or degree in health sciences from the College of Central Florida,” said Dr. Mark Paugh, vice president of Academic Affairs. “We take great pride these CF graduates, who are the heart and soul of our health care community.”
The Health Sciences Simulation Center allows for more clinical opportunities, which in turn increases the capacity of CF Health Sciences programs by 40 students.
“The high-tech environment, accessibility of highly credentialed faculty, affordability, availability of scholarships, and focus on student success make CF the first choice for health sciences education in our community.”