Funding for Health Sciences Clinical Simulation Center

Senate Bill 61, sponsored by the Board of Technical Education, seeks to make an appropriation of $4.5 million to the Board of Technical Education to support the purchase of simulation equipment for a health sciences clinical simulation center on the campus of Southeast Technical College.

Here are the key points of the bill:

• The proposed appropriation of $4.5 million would be matched with private/local funds of $4.5 million
• Impacted programs: Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing, Sonography, and Surgical Technologist
• Increased student capacity: 150 additional students per year in high-demand programs
• Equipment: Appropriation will support equipment, while local and industry dollars will fund renovation and leasing costs for the existing space
• Additional benefits: Collaboration among Avera Health, Sanford Health and others that will impact access to training throughout the statewide network.

The bill had its first hearing in the Senate Education Committee this week (Jan. 21) and passed out of committee with a unanimous vote. The Chamber thanks our members who reached out the Senate Education Committee urging their vote in favor of SB 61.

Update: Jan. 28, 2022

Senate Bill 61 was approved by the Joint Appropriations Committee this week.

This post will be updated as the bill progresses.