Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees approved a series of major purchases totaling more than $360,000 to enhance the college’s Allied Health and nursing programs. The investments include advanced educational software to prepare students for licensing exams and new simulation equipment to create more realistic clinical training environments.

Allied Health Investments Key Points:

• Approved the purchase of educational support bundles from Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) for up to $290,225.

• Authorized buying a Demo Dose Med Dispense Unit for $43,197 from Pocket Nurse.

• Approved purchasing 12 non-functional teaching headwalls for $29,662.52, also from Pocket Nurse.

• Some purchases are funded by the Pipeline for Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) Grant.

EFFINGHAM — Lake Land College is making a significant investment in its healthcare programs, with the Board of Trustees approving more than $360,000 for new technology, software, and simulation equipment on Monday. The purchases are aimed at improving student outcomes and better mirroring real-world clinical settings.

The largest expenditure is for educational support bundles from Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) for up to $290,225. Dr. Ikemefuna Nwosu, Vice President for Academic Services, explained that nursing students use multiple ATI products to support their coursework and prepare for the NCLEX licensure examination.

The board also approved two purchases from Pocket Nurse Simulation and Education Supplies, both funded by a Pipeline for Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) Grant. The first is a $43,197 Demo Dose Med Dispense Unit for the Effingham Technology Center. Dr. Nwosu said the unit simulates modern medication dispensing stations used in hospitals, allowing faculty to teach safe medication administration.

The second Pocket Nurse purchase is for 12 non-functional teaching headwalls and accessories for $29,662.52. These units simulate the connections for oxygen, suction, and other medical equipment found at a patient’s bedside. Eleven will be installed in the Basic Nurse Assisting Lab.

“The Allied Health Programs give high priority to creating learning environments that mirror real-world health care settings, which promotes a smoother transition from the academic environment to real-world situations,” Nwosu stated in his recommendation to the board. All purchasing motions passed unanimously.