Beaufort Opens New Career Development Center for Healthcare Professionals
Beaufort has officially launched a new state-of-the-art Career Development Center aimed at addressing the growing need for healthcare professionals in the region. The facility opened its doors on July 22, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local and state officials, along with educational leaders.
What the Center Offers
The 6,340 square-foot facility, constructed through a partnership involving the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB), Beaufort County, the City of Beaufort, along with the Beaufort Memorial Foundation, will serve as a hub for hands-on training and formal education for current and future healthcare workers. A key feature is the projected increase in the annual graduation of nurses from USCB’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which is expected to rise from 42 to 72 students each year.
In addition to training new nurses, the center will also support mid-career and aspiring healthcare professionals through BMH’s People Achieving their Highest (PATH) program. This program includes opportunities for professional development, education, and certification testing, enhancing the skill sets of healthcare workers at various levels.
Facilities andTechnology
The Career Development Center is equipped with two large classrooms and four clinical simulation labs. These labs offer students immersive learning experiences led by trained practitioners. Each lab features replicas of hospital rooms outfitted with realistic, interactive patient manikins and actual medical equipment. This setup allows students to gain practical experience in a safe learning environment.
During the opening ceremony, members of the media were given an exclusive tour which included a live demonstration using one of the high-tech manikins. This technology enhances the educational experience and plays a crucial role in preparing students for real-world medical situations.
Investment in Community Education
BMH President and CEO Russell Baxley emphasized the importance of this project. “This project is a critical investment in the future of our community,” he stated. This educational center aims to strengthen BMH’s mission of improving the quality of life in the Lowcountry by training future healthcare professionals directly on their campus.
The planning for this center began in late 2021 as hospital and educational leaders recognized an urgent need for enhanced training facilities due to ongoing nursing shortages following the pandemic. Initial funding was secured in 2022, with Beaufort County and USCB each contributing $500,000 towards construction costs, part of a larger investment facilitated by federal resources.
Moreover, the Beaufort City Council approved an additional $1.5 million budget amendment for healthcare workforce development programs operating within the facility in 2023. Following this, $1 million was secured in 2024 from the South Carolina’s Fiscal Year General Appropriations Act to support scholarships and educational initiatives for healthcare careers.
Achieving Success
The PATH Program, a collaborative endeavor between BMH Foundation and Beaufort County, provides various training and certification opportunities across different healthcare fields, including patient care technicians and medical assistants. Since launching in May 2022, the program has seen 57 graduates with a remarkable national certification pass rate of 97 percent, significantly higher than the national average.
Dr. Christina Beall, chair of the USCB nursing department, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, stating, “This partnership is a critical step toward addressing the nursing shortage in both the Lowcountry and beyond.”
This innovative center serves as a vital resource for both aspiring and current healthcare professionals, contributing to a healthier community overall.
For more information about available programs and career opportunities at Beaufort Memorial, visit their official website.
