Federal funds support healthcare education

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) College of Health & Wellness (CHW) will receive $700,000 of federal funding to expand clinical training capacity through new patient simulators and clinical education supplies at UNG's Dahlonega and Blue Ridge campuses. 

UNG applied for the Congressional spending funds at the invitation of Georgia's two U.S. senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, and the funding legislation became law Feb. 3. 

"There's no worse nightmare for any family than having a loved one who's sick, but who cannot get the healthcare they need," Ossoff said. "That's why Senator Reverend Warnock and I brought Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen healthcare services for Georgia families." 

Warnock also noted the importance of the funding, which was announced along with backing for four other groups. 

"I've long fought to strengthen healthcare in Georgia, and I am proud to have worked alongside Senator Ossoff to secure federal funding for these vital projects across metro Atlanta," Warnock said. 

UNG will use the funding to create simulation spaces at the Dahlonega Campus and purchase equipment and supplies for expanding its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to the Blue Ridge Campus this fall. That puts nursing students on four of UNG's five campuses. Dr. Carolynn DeSandre, CHW dean and professor of nursing, said these funds will make a major difference in UNG's efforts to supercharge workforce development in the healthcare space. 

“Improving healthcare workforce readiness in rural North Georgia is not just an academic goal. It is an economic and community imperative," DeSandre said. "This investment will expand hands-on training and increase the number of healthcare professionals prepared to serve in high-need communities across our region. We are grateful to Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock for their partnership in strengthening Georgia’s rural healthcare system." 

UNG will welcome more than 200 new BSN students this fall, as well as 55 new master's nursing students and 30 new doctoral nursing students. The CHW also has master's and bachelor's degrees in kinesiology, a master's degree in counseling and a doctoral degree in physical therapy. 

BSN students from UNG have a 100% job placement rate, and the university's graduates regularly rank among the best pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination.