The center was first opened in 2006 in Paducah’s Elmwood Court and named for long-time community advocate and Superior Care Home founder, Mary Ellen Thompson. It is being rededicated in honor of Thompson and opened on the second floor of the college’s Anderson building.
“Being on campus, our students will have access to all campus services, as well as being able to integrate into the college community and participate in college events,” said Elizabeth Durham, WKCTC nurse aid program coordinator. “It will be easier to schedule classes with no commuting necessary, and they will have access to open computer labs...and have easier access to the faculty for advising and assistance as needed.”
The center will continue to house WKCTC’s certified nursing assistant program and will have state-of-the-art equipment to enhance both teaching and learning. The design of the center will allow for more hands-on education and practice for all students in the program. "Serving not only as an education center, but also as a regional testing center, the center will test all our regional high schools and technical schools in addition to the various nursing facilities that provide their own nursing assistant education," Durham said.
The open house and rededication of the Mary Ellen Thompson Health Education Center is free and open to the public, however the college asks individuals to send RSVP to Blair Travis by August 10 at blair.travis@kctcs.edu or (270) 534-3083.
Registration for fall classes at WKCTC is also underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Fall classes begin August 15.