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Memorial Hermann Addresses Workforce Shortage With Unique Technical Education Center

Only hospital-based program in Houston for LVNs, Radiography/Surgical Techs

Houston, Texas, March 24, 2003 -- With nurses, radiologists, surgical technologists and other health care professionals in short supply at hospitals nationwide, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System is expanding training programs to cultivate more of its own.

A ribbon-cutting and open house this Friday, March 28, marks the grand opening of the Technical Education Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital. The 18,000 square foot facility centralizes and broadens training programs for licensed vocational nursing, radiography and surgical technology that were previously offered at different locations throughout the System.

"This means we can bring them all to one campus and maximize our resources," said Judy Farmer, R.N., Technical Education Center director, who noted that this is the only hospital-based center of its kind in Houston. "We are also able to increase enrollment for each class."

The center houses three classrooms, which accommodate 50 students each, faculty offices and radiology, surgical technology and nursing laboratories that capture a real hospital setting as they provide valuable, hands-on training. The radiology lab features two functioning x-ray rooms for student practice as well as a state-of- the-art digital reader. The surgical technologist lab contains two mock operating rooms with overhead lights, surgical beds, scrub sink and equipment used in an actual OR. And the nursing lab holds 10 bedside units complete with beds, overbed tables and intravenous poles.

Students in the nursing and surgical technologist programs began classes in January, even as contractors were putting the finishing touches on the center. The next radiology program starts in July. And plans are in the works to offer courses in mammography and phlebotomy in the near future.

The Memorial Hermann Technical Education Center is located at 10201-C Katy Freeway, behind Goode Company Seafood and across the street from the Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital parking garage. For course and enrollment information, call 713-932-3799.

For more information, contact Media Relations.