Dr. Kathy Taydus, Jamestown Community College director of Nursing Education, is pictured during the recent Hewes LPN graduation ceremony held at JCC. Submitted photo

FREDONIA — A new, state-of-the-art health care training facility is preparing to serve as a pillar of support for the Greater Chautauqua area.

The Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Health Careers Academy and Training Center will open its doors to health care professionals on July 22 at the LoGuidice Educational Center in Fredonia.

“The creation of a state-of-the-art Academy such as this represents economic development for our region,” said David O’Rourke, E2CCB district superintendent. “By strengthening our curriculum and learning opportunities for students we can provide an industry, in this case, the health care sector, with a knowledgeable and skilled workforce that is in high demand.”

The Academy will enhance current Health Careers programming at the LoGuidice Educational Center for high school juniors and seniors while creating new opportunities for Adult Education students.

Students already benefitting from the current College Connections partnership between E2CCB and Jamestown Community College will receive expanded college credit opportunities and practical hands-on experience through the use of Human Patient Simulators purchased through the grant.

“With state of the art technology, virtual reality and patient care simulation, the Health Careers Academy and Training Center will offer high school students and adult learners opportunities to learn which challenge them mentally and allow them to perfect their patient care skills in the classroom/lab environment in a whole new way,” said Lori Poniatowski, Health Careers teacher. “The Academy is creating new and unique opportunities for learners in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie counties to access training and climb the health care career ladder.”

Students at all levels will benefit from new technologies provided through the program, including Human Patient Simulators for realistic patient care, modern and realistic nursing equipment to replicate patient environment and tools for diversified and specialized instruction for multiple cohorts including virtual reality learning stations, laboratory dissections and ECG certification preparation equipment.

“I am excited to be able to offer state-of-the-art simulation equipment and virtual reality to our students,” said Susan Sosinski, RN, BSN, Health Care Services Specialist. “This Academy will provide our high school and adult education students interactive opportunities that will enhance their education.”

The E2CCB Workforce Development division currently oversees three LPN programs at New Hope in Buffalo, Cassadaga Job Corps and Hewes Educational Center in Ashville. The creation of the Academy will expand opportunities for adult education students by offering classes in the following areas: Certified Nursing Assistant, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Licensed Practical Nursing, Phlebotomy Technician, and partner trainings in First Aid, CPR and AEDs.

“Our hope for the Academy is that area health care agencies, nursing homes and assisted living facilities take advantage of this opportunity by encouraging their CNAs and PCAs the chance to improve as health care professionals by entering the Practical Nursing program,” Sosinski said. “Together, we can provide an industry in need with well-trained, educated and compassionate professionals.”

Accuplacer testing for the July 22 Practical Nursing program is still underway. Interested students can take the entrance exam on Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. in Room 608 at the LoGuidice Educational Center. Applicants should bring $20 cash or money order and a valid photo ID the day of the exam.

The Academy is made possible through an Empire State Development grant secured by the E2CCB Educational Foundation Inc., in partnership with the E2CCB Workforce Development Division and health care industry leaders.