Shawnee State University receives Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development Grant
The grant will help fund the renovations of the university’s College of Health and Human Services laboratory spaces, including its medical laboratory technology, radiologic technology, and respiratory therapy labs.
Shawnee State University has received an Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development Grant that will help the university’s College of Health and Human Services undergo necessary renovations and upgrades to ensure its healthcare students are being trained in a way that meets current healthcare standards.
According to an article on Shawnee State University’s website, Christine Raber, who serves as the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, was quoted as saying of the grant receipt, "This grant is a big help for our initiatives to renovate and expand our health science labs. These updates will allow students to train on equipment and in spaces that mirror real-world hospital and clinical environments, improving both the quality and quantity of graduates. These improvements will enhance the hands-on learning experience, enabling students to engage with equipment more efficiently and observe demonstrations in larger, more interactive settings. This grant represents a significant investment in the future of Shawnee State’s College of Health and Human Services. It allows us to expand capacity, improve our programs and better serve students and the community. Faculty are excited about the opportunity to enhance both teaching and learning."
The renovations will affect the inside of the Health Sciences Building, which has recently received an exterior facelift. Interior labs, including the medical laboratory technology, radiologic technology, and respiratory therapy labs, will receive redesigns to better accommodate students as they learn the skills necessary to enter into the healthcare workforce.
Teaching labs will be expanded, which will increase capacity for the number of students who can be enrolled in the radiologic technology program from 25 to 40. The labs will be reconfigured to improve workflow, allow for easier demonstrations, and improve access to training equipment.
Construction is expected to begin this year and will be completed by the end of 2027.
For more information about Shawnee State University, visit the school’s website.