Calhoun Community College has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to purchase a SimMan 3G patient simulator.

The SimMan 3G will allow students in Calhoun’s Allied Health programs to experience the latest in hands-on simulation while incorporating theory taught in the classroom setting and strengthening clinical skills. Patient simulators are some of the best ways for health care students to receive proper training before working with actual patients.  Scenarios may include the moment of the patient’s injury, patient transport and treatment simulation. In addition to the purchase of SimMan 3G, the grant provides funding for an additional allied health laboratory assistant to be hired to assist the 300-plus students who will use the simulation equipment each week.

“Calhoun is experiencing unprecedented enrollment growth in our Allied Health programs.  In fact, there has been a 146 percent enrollment increase in the Nursing program alone between 2000 and 2009,” said Bret McGill, dean of the college’s Health Sciences division.  “The SimMan 3G will be used by students majoring in nursing, emergency medical technology, clinical laboratory technology, physical therapy, and surgical technology allowing them to gain the skills needed to meet the ever increasing employer demand for trained employees in health fields. And, college data indicates the majority of our graduates remain in the local area to work.”

According to McGill, Calhoun has incorporated the use of patient simulators in its health programs for several years.  “While we have made extensive use of these simulators for a number of years, the SimMan 3G incorporates the latest and greatest this field has to offer.  Our students and faculty are indeed fortunate to have the opportunity to include this technology in our programs,” McGill said.

ARC is a regional economic development agency, representing a partnership of federal, state, and local governments, that was established by Congress in 1965, to address local needs.