Augusta Technical College and Piedmont Hospital of Augusta celebrated the opening of the college’s School of Health Sciences Summerville Campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan.5.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson joined a host of other dignitaries to celebrate the opening and to take a tour of the campus.
Augusta Technical College President Jermaine Whirl says the opening is a “big deal” for the college as its entire health sciences school will be moving to the location.
“Our students not only have access to lecture classrooms but also a functioning hospital to allow for clinical education,” Whirl said.
The campus is located at 2260 Wrightsboro Road in what was once St. Joseph’s Hospital. The building has largely gone unused due to the nationwide shortage of nurses.
The Augusta Technical College School of Health Sciences is home to more than 23 programs of study including nursing, surgical technology, respiratory care, radiologic technology, cardiovascular technology, occupational therapy assistant and other high-demand health sciences programs, according to a press release sent in advance of the event.
Piedmont Augusta CEO Jim Davis, who retires this week, says that Piedmont Augusta having the empty space was a perfect fit for both institutions.
“We can’t get enough nurses. That is not just here in Augusta but all over the country. So, if we’re going to solve this problem in healthcare, the first thing we have to do is train more nurses,” Davis said.
Piedmont Augusta Foundation is establishing a $1 million endowment to help fund the expansion.
Under Whirl’s leadership, Augusta Technical College has undergone a large expansion in just the past year. The college is set to open its 65,000 square foot automotive training facility this year at the former Johnson Motor Company at Walton Way near 11th Street.
Whirl has also worked with the Columbia County Commission to bring an advanced manufacturing and engineering technology campus to the county in the future.
Scott Hudson is the senior reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
