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AUGUSTA, Maine — May 13, 2013– Kaplan University's Augusta, Maine campus officially opened its new advanced simulation nursing lab today with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and area hospitals attended the ceremony. In addition to the new lab, the event also honored National Nursing Week, which began May 6 and concludes May 12 on the birthday of Founder of Nursing, Florence Nightingale.
Kaplan University's new simulation nursing lab features sophisticated technology, including high-end simulation manikins–VitalSim(R) and SimMan3G(R). With lungs that breathe spontaneously, heart and lung sounds comparative to real life, eyes that move, and the capability to recognize over 180 different drugs among other impressive features, the life-like manikins enhance Kaplan University Nursing students' training with realistic medical scenarios.
"The lab's interactive features offer our nursing students an exceptional training experience," said Dr. Colleen Dutile, KU-Augusta's Director of Nursing. "It will help our nursing students acquire the vital skills and knowledge they will need while complementing our nursing and medical programs' rigorous curricula."
During the event, attendees learned about the benefits of healthcare simulations in a presentation by Dr. Dutile. Attendees also enjoyed a reception and were given a tour of the school's new 19,500 square foot campus.
The introduction of the lab and Kaplan University-Augusta's Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program (which began in March) comes at an important time for Maine. According to the Maine Department of Labor, healthcare careers are ranked among Maine's fastest growing occupations. It is anticipated 8,000 medical jobs and 2,325 registered nurse positions will be added in Maine by 2018. Increasingly, these positions will require advanced degrees and training. Today, nationally as well as in Maine, approximately 20 percent of nurses have baccalaureate degrees, well short of a national goal of 80 percent by 2020 established by thought leaders in the field.
"Nursing has long been an integral part of the medical profession and continues to transform the way medical care is administered," said Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of Kaplan University's Maine campuses. "Kaplan University's innovative nursing programs are designed to prepare students to meet the unique challenges and evolution of healthcare careers."
Kaplan University's nursing programs offer a mix of online and on-ground classes, with year-round schedules and shorter terms. The nursing programs are designed to cater to the needs of nontraditional students.
To learn more about Kaplan University-Augusta's Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and other programs offered, visit www.kumaine.com or call 207-213-2500.
About Kaplan University
Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves approximately 44,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.
Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education Group and Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan, Inc. serves approximately 65,000 students online and through approximately 70 campus-based schools across the United States. Kaplan's higher education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K-12. Kaplan, Inc., is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company and its largest division. For more information, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu today.
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