OTC to launch health care simulation center

Ozarks Technical Community College plans next week to open its Allied Health Clinical Simulation Center.

The simulated hospital environment, which cost about $246,000, is housed in Lincoln Hall  on OTC's Springfield campus. OTC has scheduled a grand opening ceremony Feb. 5, according to a news release.

The 2,000-square-foot, multidisciplinary simulation lab is designed to accomodate more than 600 students in 12 programs, including all of the school's allied health programs. It also will provide training for health care employees already in the workforce.

A portion of construction costs were supported by a $100,000 donation from Overland Park, Kan.-based The Sunderland Foundation, an organization that supports brick-and-mortar projects for nonprofits and educational organizations. The release also pointed to help from Ashley Furniture, Audio Acoustics, Brigitte's Wig Boutique, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, CoxHealth and Laerdal Medical Corp.

Designed by GHN Architects/Engineers, the simulation center has four specialized patient rooms, including a birthing suite and emergency rooms.