The new 95,000 square foot Nursing and Allied Health Facility at Baton Rouge Community College creates a state of the art learning environment that supports the region’s growing need for skilled healthcare professionals. The building brings the School of Nursing and the Division of Allied Health together in one place, giving students and faculty a shared home that strengthens collaboration and expands access to hands on instruction. It houses existing programs in Nursing, Sonography, Surgical Technology, and Medical Assisting, and it provides the flexibility needed for the College to introduce high demand programs in Respiratory Care, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training. The facility offers a welcoming setting where students can learn, practice, and prepare for careers that directly serve the Baton Rouge community.
Shape
Early design conversations centered on close collaboration with BRCC’s administration, including the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health and the program directors who understand the day to day needs of their students. Together, we reviewed space requirements, equipment needs, and the specific teaching methods that support each degree and certificate program. The design emphasizes flexibility, since the College is rapidly expanding both existing offerings and new areas of study. Adaptable labs, classrooms, and shared spaces give BRCC the capacity to evolve its programs while maintaining a strong foundation for hands on learning.
Inspire
Building on the success of our work at the Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health at Delgado Community College, our team was honored to collaborate with CHASM and Manning Architects on BRCC’s new Allied Health Facility. The partnership allowed us to draw on a deep foundation of health education experience while tailoring the design to the goals of the College and the needs of its expanding programs. The team worked closely with faculty and leadership to plan flexible spaces that support future growth and to create specialized simulation and skills labs that help each discipline meet its accreditation requirements. The result is a learning environment that prepares students for meaningful careers and strengthens the healthcare network across the Baton Rouge region.
This investment will impact not only our students and Nursing and Allied Health programs, but it will also have a significant impact in our community as we are able to provide more high-demand training opportunities and equip and educate more healthcare professionals in this region.
- Dr. Willie E. Smith Chancellor, Baton Rouge Community College
