CNC has created a new dry lab at its Prince George campus to provide more space for students in the growing medical laboratory technology sciences program.
The term “dry” refers to activities that do not require the strict biohazard control measures that exist in the program’s main lab.
“In the last year, the size of our incoming medical laboratory technology class has grown from 24 to 36 students,” said Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, CNC’s dean of health sciences. “With the dry lab, we can provide more space for students, but also better tailor education activities based on what students need at specific times in their studies."
The new dry lab features 18 new permanently mounted microscopes and computer workstations to provide a quality space for microscopic work (and reduce staff time transporting and storing microscopes).
It also features a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, called a CellaVision, providing automated means of performing microscopic work.
It includes a digital library of scanned slides to build case studies. The new resource will also create opportunities to improve decision-making skills by combining their theoretical and practical knowledge.
The dry lab has three practice phlebotomy stations and a bed for venipuncture labs to promote hands-on learning experiences in a controlled setting.
“The addition of more advanced educational environments helps prepare graduates for their transition into the health care workforce with greater confidence and competence, and ultimately, success,” said Doreen Stewart, Northern Health’s regional manager of student practice education.
