Gulf Coast State College is the recipient of a $24.3 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast, dedicated to expanding its nursing, health sciences, and public safety programs.
The funding will support the development of a simulation center on Gulf Coast’s Panama City campus that will feature state-of-the art technology and virtual reality training, encouraging hands-on skills, critical thinking, and inter-professional collaboration.
The new facility will increase enrollment capacity in Gulf Coast’s nursing, health sciences, and public safety programs, addressing a critical community need for healthcare professionals and first responders, and support economic growth as these trained individuals enter the workforce. It will increase the capacity for training associate degree RNs, RN-BSN, respiratory care, RN-First Assistant, and EMT/paramedic students.
“We are incredibly grateful for this grant from Triumph Gulf Coast,” said GCSC President Glen McDonald. “This funding will not only allow us to enhance our facilities but also expand our nursing, healthcare, and public safety programs to meet the growing needs of our community and workforce.”
In addition to expanding its health sciences degree and certificate programs, the simulation center will also offer space for continuing education and leadership training for healthcare professionals looking to stay current on their training and progress in their careers.
Gulf Coast will be adding faculty and staff to its health sciences, nursing, and public safety divisions as these programs expand. As jobs become available, they will be posted on gulfcoast.peopleadmin.com/postings/search.
For more information, please contact Dr. Keri Matheus, kmatheus@gulfcoast.edu, (850) 769-1551, ext. 6695.
