Anna Maria College was awarded $1,000,000 in community project funding secured by Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02) to upgrade its nursing and healthcare simulation lab and enrich the educational experience for future essential workers. Congressman announced the funds during a campus visit where he met with nursing students and faculty.
The simulation space at Anna Maria College prepares students in the nursing, paramedic, and EMT programs for real-world patient care and clinical situations. This funding will primarily cover the necessary construction and renovation costs to expand the space, allowing for the installation of a fundamental skill lab, obstetrics and gynecology skill lab, pediatric skill lab, paramedic skill lab, and ambulance box.
“Every person, no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they live deserves to get the medical attention they need, when they need it,” said Congressman James P. McGovern. “This federal funding will help teach students the necessary skills to succeed in their careers, using newly renovated classrooms and cutting-edge equipment. I was proud to personally secure this funding during the appropriations process and I’m confident that it will educate students to provide quality care not only in the Second District, but across the Commonwealth and country. We need more medical professionals. But perhaps more importantly, we need to increase access to quality and wholistic medical training. I know the students at Anna Maria are ready now more than ever to take charge and lead the next generation of health care professionals.”
The federal government projects an additional 275,000 nurses need to join the workforce by 2030 to prevent a significant workforce shortfall. Anna Maria College offers two baccalaureate program options for nursing students: a Pre-licensure four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing for entry-level students and the online RN to BSN completion program for Registered Nurses. Anna Maria nursing students have achieved an NCLEX pass rate greater than 90% over the past two years.
“The Anna Maria community is deeply appreciative to Congressman McGovern who was determined throughout the legislative session to secure this funding for the College and our students,” said Mary Lou Retelle, President of Anna Maria College. “Anna Maria has an outsized positive social impact when you look at the community-facing, caring professions our students pursue. We teach them to be curious and compassionate about their education and to bring our values to their service-focused professions. This support for Anna Maria is an investment in the communities we serve.”
“The new lab simulation space will greatly enhance student preparation for their clinical practice and future healthcare careers,” said Linda Esper, Dean of Nursing Education. “Our nursing faculty are especially grateful to Congressman McGovern for his advocacy and support.”
Anna Maria’s community project funding request received letters of support from State Senator Anne Gobi, State Representative Kim Ferguson, Worcester Chamber President and Anna Maria Trustee Tim Murray, Worcester Commissioner of Health and Human Services Matilde Castiel, Paxton Fire Chief Mike Pingitore, Paxton Select Board Chair Julia Pingitore, and Brad Newbury, President/CEO, National Medical Education & Training Center.
