A shortage of trained medical professionals is becoming a national epidemic. In the nursing field alone, the "Occupational Outlook Quarterly" Summer 2002 edition projects that between 2000 and 2010 there will be an astounding 1,400,000 new job openings, for registered nurses and 322,000 job openings for licensed practical nurses. To combat this growing healthcare worker shortage on a local level, Austin Medical Center is taking action.

"Competition for well-trained staff is very intense," said Tim Johnson, M.D., president of Austin Medical Center. "We require a trained pool of employees to fill needed positions. Locally training people increases the likelihood of keeping people living and working in the area."

To help produce a pool of qualified job candidates, Austin Medical Center has partnered with Riverland in various ways such as scholarships and grants to enhance science and medical training education at the College. Recently Austin Medical Center matched a grant awarded by Riverland Community College Foundation Program Enhancement Fund to purchase a $2,300 KnowBody® life-size human torso model. This will be used in biology and anatomy and physiology classes. An estimated 400 students per year will benefit from this gift.

"Students are better prepared when they learn from visual representations, rather than computer animations," said Dr. Al Erdahl, Riverland biology department faculty member. "Students must be exposed to current, up-to-date equipment so they are prepared to use the latest technology in the medical facilities in which they will work."

Don Brezicka, executive vice president of Austin Medical Center recognizes the benefit of the grants programJune 24, 2005 3:05 PMof partnerships between business and education, which is necessary for both entities to be successful in the future," said Brezicka. "Secondly, it enhances the education of individuals we hire in the future. And, ultimately, giving to the College benefits the overall quality of care that is provided to patients in the future."

In order to keep pace with the latest technological advances, equipment must be replaced or upgraded. During the 2001-02 academic year, the Riverland Community College Foundation awarded more than $6,000 in grants to faculty and staff through the Program Enhancement Fund that enriches the learning environment with up-to-date equipment and materials.

• Biology department - A.D.A.M. Interactive Anatomy software.
• Customized training fire safety division - ten pairs of structural firefighting boots to train Fire Fighters.
• Theatre department - Mixed Blood Theater Company touring performance of the production "Daughters of Africa."
• Physical education department - body fat scale, reach flexibility, polor heart and cardio-pacer monitors.
• Construction electrician program - Virtual Electrician software and equipment with branch circuit panel boards to assist in the classroom.
• Music department - performance-quality piano.