It has been a busy few months for the Nursing & Allied Health Department. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, SCC strengthened its relationship with the St. Charles County Department of Public Health by actively participating in the Point of Distribution (POD) mass vaccination clinics. Nursing & Allied Health faculty and students were called upon to administer vaccinations and support operations at the St. Charles Family Arena. They will continue helping for seven weeks - and help provide thousands of vaccinations to the community. 

Meanwhile, big changes are happening at the SCC-Dardenne Creek Campus. In 2017, the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) at the Dardenne Creek Campus was established to create one central location that could act as a resource and research hub. In collaboration with strategic partners, the SCC-Dardenne Creek Campus would promote all things related to healthy and sustainable living. In 2020, that vision expanded with the introduction of the Culinary and Agricultural Center (CAC). More than just a space for SCC's new Associate of Applied Science degrees in Culinary Arts and Agriculture the building provides room for collaboration among campus programs and community partners. 

“The innovative space represents the opportunity for students to make connections between healthcare, food and sustainability,” said Amy Koehler, SCC-Dardenne Creek Campus provost, “while advancing their educational and career goals.”

The CAC will also allow SCC to partner with local healthcare providers and hospital partners to offer targeted nutrition and wellness courses.

“We are proud of the work we are doing to help address  local employment needs,” Koehler said. “The demand for healthcare workers continues to grow, and we are adapting our programs and expanding our partnerships to help meet that demand.”

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is a great example of how a few changes can lead to big results. Since creating a hybrid training course last summer, the program has seen full enrollment.

“We also began our first Patient Care Technician (PCT) cohort with SSM Health last year,” explained Koehler. “In just six weeks of combined on-the-job and in-class training, students are able to start their career in the healthcare field. Plus, once they successfully complete the program, they are guaranteed a job at SSM Health.”

In January, SCC started its first Health Occupations Program at the high school level. In partnership with the Wentzville School District, high school students are given the chance to explore all healthcare careers. At the end of the program, students are eligible to complete the Missouri CNA Certification Exam.

More exciting developments are on the horizon - including a pilot dental assistant program through a third-party partner, Career Step. A new Bridge to Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) program will also launch in March 2021 in partnership with SSM Health.