While some students are attracted to the wide variety of course offerings at Chemeketa Community College, there are those who are overwhelmed at the prospect of having to choose.
Davida Mallette, 19, was one of the latter.
Health sciences facility, Salem Campus
If approved, $22 million, nearly 24 percent of bond funds, will be used to construct a dedicated health sciences building. The demand for capable nurses is on the rise as Oregon's population continues to age. A new health sciences building would increase Chemeketa's training space and include areas for emergency room replicas that simulate real-world environments. The 60,000 square-foot building would be used to continue meeting current and future workforce needs for these high-demand, high-wage jobs.
Workforce Trends-Health sciences
- Employment of healthcare workers, including Nursing, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Medical Office Assisting, and Pharmacy Technician, is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.
- Enrollments in health-related programs at all levels have increased more rapidly in the past few years as students seek jobs with stable employment.
- To attract and retain qualified nurses, hospitals may offer signing bonuses, family-friendly work schedules, or subsidized training.
- A large number of workers are attracted by the industry's relatively high wages and the flexibility of the work in this industry.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics