Suzette Martin, nursing assistant instructor, is going to use as much of the new technology of the Heath Sciences building as she can in her classes this fall.

“We’ve got bigger facilities, better facilities, state-of-the-art stuff in the labs and the classrooms,” Martin said. “It’s just really exciting.”

Wallace Community College officially opened its new 36,000 square foot facility, allowing members of the community to tour the labs and classrooms.

Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse and Nursing Assistance programs and offices are located in the building, along with the labs and classrooms for the programs. Technology in the labs and classrooms will be able to simulate the hospital experience for students.

“We didn’t do this because we decided to build a building,” said President Dr. James M. Mitchell. “We did this because we have an outstanding nursing program here. Our students need it because they are the best students in nursing in the world.”

Dr. Fredia Hill, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, feels that the new facility will better prepare students for the workforce because of the technology.

“I feel that it is critically important to provide current technology for students,” Fredia said. “What we’re seeing today, we are putting into the hands of our students and our workforce in this area, and I am so pleased for that.”

The project began in March 2008, costing the college $5.5 million to complete. Funds from the school’s bond paid for the building, plus moneys from the college budget to cover the annual bonds payable from investments and also maintain the contingency fund that is required by the state board.

The building should be paid off within a year, according to Johnny Moss, director of office of marketing and college relations.