In January 2021, Southeast Community College is opening a brand-new health sciences facility on the Lincoln Campus to support its 16 Health Sciences programs. The new building includes respiratory, surgical, dental, pharmaceutical, and nursing labs. Below is more information on the benefits of going into a health care field in Nebraska, as well as the opportunities available at SCC.

Why Are Health Care Jobs Crucial in Nebraska?

There is currently a health care worker shortage in southeast Nebraska, especially in rural areas. In fact, the Nebraska Center for Nursing estimates that there will be a deficit of almost 5,500 needed RNs and nurse practitioners over the next five years. There also will be many openings for OB/GYN physicians and all types of emergency medical personnel. 

Shortages of needed medical personnel affect the health of southeast Nebraska communities, especially during public health crises like COVID-19 when doctors’ offices and hospitals are short-staffed and overworked. Going into the health care field means you’ll be part of a new wave of critically needed medical professionals. You’ll be entering a job field doing meaningful, needed work, with job stability and competitive wages.

What Will the New Facility Have to Offer?

SCC’s new facility incorporates advanced technology, providing the opportunity for hands-on learning. They’re introducing 14 new health science labs for those interested in dental assisting, health care services, medical assisting, medical lab technology, paramedic and EMT training, pharmacy tech studies, physical therapist assisting, radiologic tech studies, respiratory care, practical nursing, or surgical assisting. There also will be outdoor learning spaces, like the healing garden, as well as collaboration spaces for students and faculty to work across disciplines.

Besides this, there will be several active-learning classrooms, including environments that mimic actual medical situations, such as an apartment environment that simulates home health and emergency rescue and transport scenarios. 

While these in-person opportunities are incredibly valuable, SCC is aware of COVID-19 concerns, which is why the College also utilizes online learning and distance education technologies. 

If you’re interested in studying health care, enroll at Southeast Community College. SCC has campuses in Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford, with additional learning centers around the 15-county service area of southeast Nebraska. SCC offers affordable hands-on, transfer and online learning, with nearly 60 programs in which to choose. Discover more about SCC online. Call 402-471-3333 to schedule an appointment.