\t\t\t\tA new health sciences center is coming to Collin College\u2019s Frisco campus and is set to support current programs and expand space for new programs.<\/p>\n
The center<\/a> was intentionally designed to support innovative learning through hands-on clinical spaces and simulation technology, said Neil Matkin, Collin College\u2019s district president.<\/p>\n \u201cWith 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,\u201d Matkin said.<\/p>\n The center\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The approach<\/p>\n Health care is one of the top three industries in Collin County.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “The allied health and nursing shortage is very critical, and discussions with area hospitals have reinforced that fact,\u201d said Abe Johnson, Collin College senior vice president of campus operations, in a district news release.<\/p>\n The region\u2019s 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\u2019s<\/a> division assistant vice president of academic affairs. Local colleges and universities serve as a pipeline.<\/p>\n Dollars at work <\/p>\n The health science center is not the only way Collin College is addressing regional workforce needs. A $2 million grant<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n