ISU-Meridian debuts expanded nursing skills lab, anatomy space

MERIDIAN – Students training in the health sciences field at Idaho State University’s campus in the Treasure Valley will be able to expand their knowledge and skills this semester, thanks to some construction that recently wrapped up.

The new digs are part of a nearly $7 million, 12,000-square-foot build-out of the first and second floors of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center at ISU-Meridian, 1311 E. Central Drive.

According to a news release, the cadaver lab expansion — located in the Treasure Valley Anatomy and Physiology Laboratories — spans 4,490 square feet and includes 12 anatomy stations, high-definition cameras and distance-learning technology. On a front wall is a large video screen —12 feet wide by 7 feet tall—visible from every corner of the room.

“Everyone can clearly see what is being pointed to and what is being talked about,” said Lorinda Smith, clinical assistant professor and laboratories manager.

Instructors have the option of teaching individualized lessons to a small group or sharing content with the entire class, said David Anes, the instructional media specialist who helped design the lab and install the equipment.

Idaho State students using the new anatomy space — which complements the existing anatomy, bioskills and virtual labs housed in the TVAPL — include students in the physician assistant studies, nursing, communication sciences and physical therapy programs as well as students from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, a private medical school housed on the Meridian campus.

The second-floor addition covers 7,646 square feet in the health science center’s east wing and houses a nursing skills lab, research space and faculty offices to accommodate the accelerated nursing program.

The project’s general contactor/construction manager was Andersen Construction Company of Boise. Also working on the project, which took 12 months to complete, were subcontractors Lea Electric, RM Mechanical, DeBest Plumbing, Summit Wall Systems, Quality Concrete, TMC Masonry and D&A Glass

Funding included a $3.85 million gift from the ALSAM Foundation, the charitable trust of drugstore entrepreneur Sam Skaggs and his wife, Aline; a $2 million collaborative agreement with ICOM and university funding, according to ISU Facility Services.

Idaho State University-Meridian opened in August 2009, offering approximately 20 undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate degrees in the health sciences and professions.  Today, ISU-Meridian offers more than 35 programs, including pharmacy, nursing, physician assistant studies, counseling, speech language pathology and medical laboratory science.

The campus serves approximately 1,000 students and working professionals.