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About the Health Science Center

Construction of the new Health Science Center was made possible through $12.75 million dollars in capital bonding funds as approved by the state legislature in 2005 and $1.5 million dollars in Rochester city sales tax proceeds. The project includes several construction components.

The first component was the renovation of the former Rockenbach Gymnasium into a Health Science Center. The construction has transformed vacated gym space into nursing and health science classrooms, labs, and office space.

The new facility will co-locate nursing programs and relocates the human services program. In addition, the renovation provides new space for student health services. Upgrades have also been made to biology and chemistry labs in the Science and Technology Building.

A second project component expanded the dental lab and clinic at Heintz Center from 11 to 18 operatories which opens in January 2008. Construction also created a new surgical technology space to include lab, prep rooms and a mock operating room.

The third construction component was the establishment of a Migrant Health Clinic at the Heintz Center. City sales tax contributions supported the development of the new clinic. The clinic, operated by Migrant Health, Inc., will provide medical and dental care. This increases clinical training opportunities for medical and dental students.

The completed Health Science Center addresses documented space deficits including: -239% in open labs, -47% in teaching labs and -24% in classrooms.

Future Program Development

1. Biotechnology Certificate (spring 2008)
2. Biotechnology Associate of Science degree (fall 2008)
3. Environmental Studies Associate of Science degree (fall 2008)
4. Histology Technician Associate’s degree (fall 2008)
5. Health Sciences Associate of Science degree (start date TBA)

Did You Know...

• Health Sciences related education represents 26% of enrollment at RCTC.
• The Associate Degree Nursing program is RCTC’s largest program with 142 FYE (full year equivalent) students.
• Approximately one-third of Winona State University Rochester students were enrolled in nursing and health science-related courses in the 2006-2007 academic year.
• Since fiscal year 2001, WSU Rochester’s enrollment in these courses/programs has grown thirty-one percent.
• According to the Minnesota Hospital Association, by 2008 demand for RN’s will exceed supply by over 7,000 RN’s.
• RCTC AD Nursing students have been #1 among two-year MnSCU colleges on national board pass rates in 2006 and 2007.