In 2001, the Health Sciences
building opened allowing for state-of-the-art
equipment/teaching/learning activities. The Health Sciences
Building has a realistic campus lab for skills that is among
the best in the Alabama Community College System.
The design of the skills lab reflects the mission
and philosophy of the Health Science Division: students should
learn in an atmosphere that is realistic and in an environment
which promotes trust and good working relationships with peers.
To accomplish this, we have adopted an interdisciplinary approach
to teaching/learning activities. Theory that is common to
all the disciplines was identified. In the lab, students
learn to work together with students from other disciplines.
For example, in one area of the lab, all students learn skills
associated with medication administration. There are no separate
labs for EMS and nursing students, except those that realistically
occur in the work setting.
The campus lab, designed as a small community
hospital, allows for a realistic teaching-learning environment.
Consider the following scenario. An ambulance pulls up to the
ambulance bay, and a patient is taken to a room in the Emergency
Department. EMS students help nursing students transfer the patient
to the ER bed. EMS students give report to the nursing students
on the patient's condition as it was upon arrival at the scene
and during the transport. As the EMS students prepare for another
run, nursing students take vital signs, start an IV, and place
monitor leads on the patient. Radiography is notified that X-rays
are needed, and radiography students transport the patient to
the Radiography Department for a series of X-rays. An ultrasound
of the abdomen is needed to rule-out internal injuries, so the
patient is transported to Sonography. Family members talk with
the patient briefly as he is transported to the Operating Room
for surgery. Following surgery, the patient is transported to
a five-bed ward where he will be cared for by nursing students
until he is discharged. To plan for discharge, nursing students
meet with the patient and family in the conference room. Follow-up
care is provided in the home.
Interactive learning in the classrooms is enhanced
with LCD's that project the Internet and all types of clinical
simulations available on CD-ROMs and videos. Two 24-station computer
labs are open for student use. With access to the Internet and
more than 200 computer programs, students enhance their learning
through tutorials, review, drill, and clinical scenario practice.
A student lounge provides a relaxing atmosphere for students before
and after classes.
Imagine learning to be a paramedic, radiographer,
surgical technician, or nurse in this environment! There's no
better place for you.
