ECC makes big plans for new health center
Nearly one-third of Elgin Community College's $178 million expansion program will go toward building a new health careers center.
In a recent interview, Mathematics, Science and Health Dean Tony Miska outlined what the new facilities will tentatively hold.
Q. Tell us about the aesthetics of the new, $60 million building.
A. We wanted to build a center that can be the most innovative, the most cutting edge, so when people come into the building there is a wow factor. Nothing is completely set in stone yet, but we've had some discussions from the beginning about a level of LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification.
Q. With more space, what additional programs do you plan to offer?
A. We need programs that can connect and branch out from our current ones. We already have dental assisting; a dental hygienist program isn't going to be a big stretch. Dental lab technician, health information technology, magnetic resonance technologist, mortuary science/funeral director, ophthalmic assistant, respiratory therapy assistant and veterinary technician programs are also planned for the future.
Q. What new technology will the facility feature?
A. Students 20 years ago weren't coming in with laptops. We need more space for equipment. We want to have facilities that mirror the environments students will be working in. For example, we'd like to see an energized lab for the radiology program, where students can practice taking X-rays on campus. We're also looking at an operatory room where it's an exact replica of what any student would see in a hospital; and a dental assisting lab that would mimic a modern dentist's office. For nursing, we're looking at simulation rooms where mannequins act like actual humans and tell you there's a pain in his stomach, or his leg hurts.
Q. Where will the new building be located?
A. It's going to be at the north end of the Student Resource Center building.
Q. How many more students will you be able to accommodate right away?
A. We currently have between 700 and 800 students in health careers. We admit 80 students in the fall, and 40 in the spring. This spring we had 85 students apply to the nursing program; 45 did not get into the program because of space reasons. We'll be able to grow as we add more faculty and establish more clinical sites with area health care facilities.