New state-of-the-art instructional hub opens for Folsom Lake College students

Folsom Lake College students who are pursuing the medical field now have a new, state-of-the-art facility to learn their craft like never before. Folsom Lake College officials joined members of Sutter Health on Wednesday, April 29, in celebrating the opening of an Instructional Healthcare Hub at the college's Rancho Cordova Center. The hub features four career education classrooms which are equipped with the latest in medical technology students must master, such as simulators and X-ray machines. The aim of the hub is to give students real-world hands-on training as they pursue careers in healthcare. The hub came to fruition thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Sutter Health. The new facility will provide instruction for FLC's Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Tech, Medical Lab Tech, Radiology Tech and Advanced Imaging Tech programs. FLC President Art Pimentel said he's thrilled at the opportunities the facility will offer students. "This partnership represents a powerful investment in both education and community health," said Pimentel. "By aligning our programs with industry needs and providing students access to cutting-edge equipment, we are preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals while strengthening the region's diverse workforce." The need for broader educational opportunities in healthcare training is only growing in the Sacramento region and nationwide. According to the Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research, the health sector will see about 7,560 annual job openings yet education programs in the area only produce about 460 potential employees ready to join the workforce each year. Rachael McKinney, president of Sutter Health's Greater Sacramento Division, said this new Instructional Hub will help address the need for a larger workforce in the field of healthcare. "Investing in workforce development efforts generates professional opportunities in the region and helps address California's healthcare workforce shortage," said McKinney. "Adding well-trained technicians into the field will also play a critical role in helping patients gain greater access to the healthcare services they need." The remodeled facility was open to tour for community members, including students and prospective students, so they could see firsthand the new healthcare training opportunities in action.