The Washington State Community College on Monday hosted its board of trustees to review not only the college’s partnership with the Washington County Career Center in robotics, but also regarding the college’s health sciences wing renovation and upgrades. day of the physiotherapist’s service. assistant program.

Check out the local page for a preview of the first of two open house events highlighting the career center partnership, with a second open house scheduled today at 7 p.m. at the Marietta Community College campus on Colegate Drive.

* Renovations

With a construction budget of $ 2,012,825 for renovations to the college’s existing main building (health and science), council on Monday approved an additional maximum expenditure of $ 167,430 for architectural and engineering services.

Board members noted that while the overall contract is with Sol Harris Day Architecture of North Canton, an additional consultant on the project under the firm is the local company, Pickering Associates.

Facilities manager Brandon Herb told administrators that the Ohio State Control Board’s capital budget funding for the additional funds was approved by the state earlier this month, and after the Monday’s board approval would be submitted to Ohio. Attorney General’s Office for review and approval.

Board member Randy Barengo noted the $ 27,000 in reimbursable expenses, which Herb said was part of a contingency on the project.

* PTA Curriculum

Dr. Matt Ammons, recently hired at the college in November, briefed the board on changes to the school’s physiotherapy assistant program as the new principal.

He pointed out that both in response to the impacts of the coronavirus on student success and on mental health and well-being, test preparation and new admission criteria will be part of the changes being implemented. before the fall semester.

See an upcoming edition of The Times for a more in-depth review of this program and its changes to the entrance exam from using the ACT standardized test to a TEAS exam which is a test specifically designed to assess preparation for a studying to enter the fields of health sciences.

Ammons also highlighted the need for greater outreach and recruitment into high school programs as a way to increase enrollment and student achievement percentages for the program.

* Other business

The board has been told that more than 140 graduates are expected to receive their certificates and associate’s degrees from the college in person at an opening ceremony on May 15.

The board also heard about the health information technology management program being designed and revised for curriculum and medical billing programs with the goal of the new program starting classes at the fall of this year, pending state approval.

The national certifications the program would prepare students for would also allow distance work outside Ohio and West Virginia, according to college officials.