JANUARY 10, 2012

Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU) Brings Lab Classes Nearer to Distance Learners in Clinical Laboratory SciencesUniversity System of Georgia (USG) and Gwinnett Health System Medical Center provided funds for the mobile teaching lab.

A fully-equipped mobile teaching lab makes it possible for GHSU College of Allied Health Sciences students in Augusta to complete the required two semesters of lab classes in the metro Atlanta area, where many of them live. For students who live in Atlanta and other parts of the state, including Eastman, Blue Ridge and Hartwell, the savings in time and travel make it easier for them to hold jobs while they earn their degrees.

“Most of our Clinical Laboratory Sciences students already have a degree,” says Dr. Anne Ranne, GHSU Assistant Professor. “Some have been working in hospital labs in their communities, and want more responsibilities and better pay.” One student from southern Georgia helps on his family’s farm while he pursues his degree through distance learning. He plans to continue living and working in his home community after graduation.

Previously, Georgia Gwinnett College provided GHSU with lab space, but in 2010 the college’s increased enrollment made it necessary for Georgia Gwinnett to use the space for its own students.

USG provided part of the funding for the $346,000 mobile teaching lab, as well as workforce development projects to prepare 53 graduates in nuclear medicine technology, diagnostic medical sonography, clinical lab sciences, health information administration and respiratory therapy programs. Allied health graduates work in hospitals, private clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and research facilities.

Georgia’s population is growing, and the demand for health services is increasing because of its aging population, increasing chronic disease and increased access to health services because of health care reform. In addition, more than 50 percent of Georgia’s health care professionals are older than 40, so retirements also will contribute to workforce shortages in the future. (Report on the 2010 Hospital

Workforce Survey by the Georgia Hospital Association).

The mobile lab can accommodate 10 students at a time. Gwinnett Health System Medical Center provided fi nancial

support to place the 11-by-53-foot lab at the Medical Center in Lawrenceville. Today, it supplies the lab with

samples for testing during class, and provides speakers for classes. Students often do internships with the hospital.

Dr. Anne Ranne (right) teaches microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, hematology,

blood banking and molecular diagnostics in the mobile lab. The lab includes a bio-safety

hood (below right) and a faculty offi ce with pocket doors that

double as dry-erase boards during instruction.

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIAEconomic Development

www.usg.edu/economic_development

economicdevelopment@usg.edu

404-657-0832

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