Radiologic Technology program receives full re-accreditation status

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) recently awarded re-accreditation to the Radiologic Technology  program at Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley Health Science Institute.

The re-accreditation was awarded for eight years - the maximum duration that may be awarded by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology in this category.

"Kudos to our Radiologic Technology program for receiving the full eight years of re-accreditation status," says Sandy McIlnay, Health Science Institute director.  "Excellent work from Judy Taylor, Kim Siercks and Scott Sutherland. Thank you for bringing such excellence!"

The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. Specialized accreditation awarded by the JRCERT offers institutions significant value by providing peer evaluation and by assuring the public of quality professional education in the radiologic sciences.

Penn Valley welcomes KCMSD students interested in health care careers

MCC-Penn Valley, PREP-KC, and the Kansas City, Missouri School District recently launched the Health Sciences Accelerated Academy (HSAA). The program supports high school sophomores to not only complete high school, but also (during those three years) to complete college classes which prepare them for entry-level careers in health care, including Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training.

A reception to welcome HSAA students and their families was held last month in the atrium of MCC-Penn Valley’s Health Science Institute.

The HSAA is a new and unique collaboration designed to prepare urban students for success in post-secondary education and in the workforce. “The HSAA is an exciting new pathway for urban high school students who are interested in a career in health care. It also eliminates the need for these students to take remedial classes when they enter community college since their class work and testing during the HSAA will provide them with the supports necessary to be well-prepared,” says Susan Wally, president of PREP-KC. “From the early stages of designing this initiative it has been a priority for the PREP-KC team because this program, and others we’re piloting, can improve college success and meet workforce needs in Kansas City.”

HSAA students will gain hands-on experience within the MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute which includes a 10,000 sq. ft. virtual hospital that contains a fully functioning operating room, an emergency room, a neonatal intensive care unit, and patient rooms.

“The Kansas City, Missouri School District (KCMSD) is pleased to be part of a collaborative effort that will provide our students with college experiences and preparation for career opportunities,” said John Covington, KCMSD superintendent. “The HSAA program will give KCMSD students a significant competitive edge when applying for future positions in the health care industry.”

“We are very excited about working with PREP-KC and the Kansas City, Missouri School District to prepare urban high school students for careers in health care,” says Sandy McIlnay, director of MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute. “Our state-of-the-art health science institute is all about hands-on learning and real-life training to prepare students so they can hit the ground running when they start working at area hospitals and medical facilities.”

A critical shortage of well-prepared nurses and allied health workers is creating challenges for local hospitals and health care facilities. HSAA is one of several programs designed to meet this health care worker shortage.

Health Science Institute selection for simulation study featured in KC Nursing News

The KC Nursing News recently covered the MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute's selection to participate in the landmark national simulation study.
The article discusses how the study's outcome could possibly changing the delivery of patient care. To read the article, click here .

MCC delivers presentation at national workforce education conference

Metropolitan Community College recently participated in the National Council for Workforce Education Conference in Washington, D.C. MCC-Penn Valley Dean of Instruction Al Dimmitt, MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute Director Sandy McIlnay and MCC Executive Director of Workforce Development Margaret Boyd delivered a presentation on “Instructional delivery based on realism and partnerships.” MCC-Penn Valley Nursing Division Chairperson Karen Komoroski gave a preview of the presentation at the Newseum, a 250,000 sq. ft. museum that focuses on five centuries of news history along with the latest technology and hands-on exhibits.

MCC-Penn Valley’s Health Science Institute selected as one of the 10 sites nationwide to participate in simulation study

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) recently selected MCC-Penn Valley’s Health Science Institute to participate in a groundbreaking simulation study.

“We are honored to be one of only 10 schools in the nation selected to participate in this simulation study,” says Sandy McIlnay, Director of MCC-Penn Valley’s Health Science Insitute. “Simulation offers experiential learning opportunities for nursing students to learn how to manage patients with a variety of health care needs. Simulation also ensures patient safety and promotes better preparation of new nurses.”

As participants in this landmark study, HSI will experience extensive faculty training in running and debriefing simulation scenarios.

“Participating schools will have standardized, high-quality, validated scenarios they will be using throughout the study, as well as standardized assessments of clinical competency in both the simulation and clinical settings,” says Jennifer Hayden, NCSBN research associate and simulation study project director.

The HSI's Virtual Hospital is a 10,000 sq. ft. healthcare simulation center for students studying nursing, emergency medical services, physical therapy and other healthcare disciplines.

The suite includes: six learning areas that closely mimic hospital departments that provide a clinical environment for students and professionals to practice procedures such as intubation, IV insertion, cardioversion and lung decompression with 12 computer-operated human patient simulators that mimic various patient scenarios, such as: trauma, shock, collapsed lung, chest pain, cardiac arrest, pulmonary emboli, asthmas, neurological events, obstetrical emergencies and childbirth.

NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.