Juniata College Breaks Ground on New Healthcare Education Center

HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Juniata College has commenced construction on the Gateway Center, set to become the focal point for their newly established nursing program.

The $16 million new facility will span three floors, with one level designated for educational purposes, and the remaining two levels intended for healthcare providers who will offer treatment services to residents of Huntingdon County.

The Director of Nursing, Jennifer DellAntonio, expresses enthusiasm about this period at the college and sees it as a fresh chance for students to obtain practical experience. Additionally, the institution already possesses much of the equipment that will be utilized in the upcoming facility. According to speakers, this new establishment aims to have a significant positive impact on hospitals.

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"What finer method exists for making an impact than assisting upcoming students? What greater way can one support their local community, enhance their state, and aid our great United States of America? In my view, this initiative represents just a fraction of that significance," remarked Board of Trustees member Dan Sunderland.

The primary focus is providing the local population with access to healthcare services. This isn’t the first instance where Juniata College has thought about initiating a nursing program. Across the nation, numerous hospitals grapple with nurse shortages. These shortages result in patient backlogs, extended wait periods, and increased traveling distances for those seeking particular treatments.

The scarcity is being experienced across the board, with particular impact on our rural areas. Nationwide, from 2022 onwards, over 138,000 nurses have departed the profession, and this exodus is projected to continue up until at least 2029," stated Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen.

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A lot of colleges and universities across the nation are experiencing a decline in student registrations, yet this particular institution reports having welcomed unprecedented numbers of new freshmen. Additionally, over 100 students are eager to begin their journey in the nursing program here.

"We aim for growth; however, we face certain obstacles such as low high school graduation rates and various demographic shifts ahead. Therefore, our new nursing program will cater to the needs of those students looking for this type of educational opportunity," stated President of Juniata College James Troha.

The construction is scheduled to start shortly, with the expectation that the building will be finished within 14 to 16 months.

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