Pictured (L-R): Denise Lash, Bill Summerfield, Shaquita Smith, Angela Greaves

With the acquisition of new training technology, Lakeland’s health care programs continue to stay at the cutting edge of this fast-growing field. Recently, Laerdal Anne simulation equipment was procured to give students in the medical assisting and state tested nursing assistant (STNA) programs hands-on experience in checking patient vital signs, administering injections and supplemental oxygen, drawing blood and reading electrocardiogram (commonly referred to as ECG or EKG) patterns.

“COVID-19 restrictions, including social distancing requirements and shutdowns, have peaked the need for simulation equipment in the classroom,” says Denise Lash, program director for Lakeland’s medical assisting certificate program. “With this state-of-the-art simulation, students can practice the skills required of medical assistants and nursing assistants working in clinical settings.”

The new equipment was procured through the Ohio Rapids grant in an ongoing effort to use simulated environments to provide real-world experiences to students in supervised training settings, improving graduates’ competence in clinical skills. With this equipment, instructors can create unique scenarios and closely monitor students in their training. In addition to practicing clinical skills, students also learn to work in teams under stressful situations in a controlled, do-no-harm environment.

Lash continues, “These simulations also help to give students the confidence they need to enter the workforce. We encourage on-the-spot critical thinking and allow students the chance to reflect on simulations to make improvements. The hands-on experience and practice are invaluable for our students.”

Learn more about Lakeland’s medical assisting and STNA certificate programs at the upcoming Health Programs Open House, April 7, 2022. Visit https://lakelandcc.edu/health to learn more and to register for the open house, where guests will have access to tour all of Lakeland’s state-of-the-art, hands-on health technologies labs; will be able to speak directly with program directors; and will have access to detailed information on Lakeland’s admissions process, available financial aid and more.

By: Adam Continenza, Mktg and Communications Spclst