OWOSSO, MI — Baker College is the largest private college in Michigan. The non-profit higher education institution, serving more than 36,000 students on 12 campuses and in four satellite locations, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $6.5 million health science building on its main campus.
The United States is in the midst of a health care worker shortage that is expected to intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health care grows. According to the latest projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published in the November 2007 Monthly Labor Review, states that the health care practitioners and technical occupations are projected to grow almost double to all other occupations.
The publication also states that more than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2016. Government analysts project that more than 587,000 new nursing positions will be created through 2016 (a 23.5% increase), making nursing the nation’s top profession in terms of projected job growth.
“The number of students enrolled in our health-related programs has doubled over the past five years and is expected to exceed 1,200 students this fall,” said Peter W. Karsten, Baker College of Owosso president. “Our new facility will accommodate this growth and help us stay abreast of the ever-changing field of health science so we may continue to produce qualified and well-trained graduates.”
More technological advances will lead to the need of more trained health care professionals to assist with procedures traditionally performed by physicians.
The building project is being funded with a $6.5 million bond offering. Building and site renovations are estimated to cost $5.75 million, and the additional $750,000 will be used to purchase new furniture and health science equipment.
The new two-story, 40,000 square foot health science building and new parking area will be adjacent to the main Baker College of Owosso campus on the south end of the existing parking lot on Palmer Street.
Morgan Construction is contracted to build the new facility, which will house designated classrooms and medical labs for the following academic programs: diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, radiologic technician, therapeutic massage, pharmacy technician, medical assisting, patient care aide, and medical laboratory technician.
The health science building will also include 18 offices, a student lounge, several general-purpose classrooms, and additional space will be available for new health science programs. The facility is planned to be completed for 2009 fall classes.
For more information about the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections log on to www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2007/11/art5full.pdf
