The School of Nursing opened its health care center annex with all the trappings of a modern medical facility. Instead of desks, chairs and chalkboards, the room is filled with nine beds, bedside stands, overbed tables and curtains.

A high-tech console will allow access to the Internet, CD-ROMs, videos, PowerPoint presentations and much more.

"We added the annex to provide a setting for students to practice in a safe environment before being assigned in a clinical setting with patients," said Kay Hodson-Carlton, nursing professor. "Allowing the students to practice in a simulated environment in which they will be working will help develop more competent health care providers."

One reason for creating the new classroom is to make room for the influx of nursing students. This fall, the school admitted 63 students — the largest increase in more than 10 years.

The health care center annex is the latest addition in the school's clinical practice areas. Other practice areas include clinics and an in-home care setting.

"Everyone who helped design and construct the annex has been great," Hodson-Carlton said. "From the faculty planning and facilities management personnel to the representatives from Cardinal Health Systems who donated the beds, they've all been dedicated to creating an environment that simulates an actual health care setting."

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Hodson-Carlton at (765) 285-5583 or khodson@bsu.edu.)