The center was intentionally designed to support innovative learning through hands-on clinical spaces and simulation technology, said Neil Matkin, Collin College’s district president.
“With the addition of this new center, Collin College is prepared to meet the needs of a growing health care industry with new medical imaging programs that are currently in development,” Matkin said.
The center’s first floor will house new radiology and imaging programs. The second floor will be dedicated to nursing with hands-on simulation technology and lab space. Once opened, the center will have about 34,000 square feet of shell space that will house future programs in the next five to 10 years, Matkin said.
The approach
Health care is one of the top three industries in Collin County.
Over the last several years, Collin College officials have met with every hospital CEO in the area to better understand the health care gaps, Matkin said.
"The allied health and nursing shortage is very critical, and discussions with area hospitals have reinforced that fact,” said Abe Johnson, Collin College senior vice president of campus operations, in a district news release.
The region’s aging population and an increased demand for care are the two primary factors creating critical health care workforce shortages, said Kris Boyer, Medical City Healthcare’s division assistant vice president of academic affairs. Local colleges and universities serve as a pipeline.
Dollars at work
The health science center is not the only way Collin College is addressing regional workforce needs. A $2 million grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and will allow the college to expand its Plano campus to construct health care instruction facilities.
This past spring, the Texas Workforce Commission awarded four grants totaling $1.35 million to Collin College to cover the cost of customized training for employees at 13 businesses, including several that are Plano and McKinney-based. The Skills Development Fund program supports businesses through training of existing or new employees in high-demand occupations in fields such as health care, accounting and manufacturing.
“It is a very exciting time for higher education as we embrace industry in a collaborative manner,” Matkin said. “I truly believe we are all partners who want to support our greatest asset—our students.”
Looking ahead
Collin College is in a position to deliver the education that supports industry and ensures the success of the region, Matkin said.
The Frisco health sciences center will help with expanding programs already offered at Collin College and will be the future home to in-development programs, he said. Potential programs being considered include Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Cardiovascular Technology, and Medical Laboratory Technician.
