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Roane State TCAT to Expand Nursing Training with $27 Million Facility

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 5:26 GMT by Knoxville News Sentinel

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Roane State TCAT Poised to Significantly Expand Nursing Training with New State-of-the-Art Facility

Roane State Community College's Technical Career Academy (TCAT) is on the cusp of a major expansion that promises to address critical nursing shortages in East Tennessee and beyond. The institution will soon move into a brand new, $27 million facility designed specifically for healthcare training, marking a significant investment in workforce development and regional health infrastructure. The project, slated for completion in late 2025, represents a pivotal moment for Roane State and the communities it serves.

For years, Roane State TCAT has been a vital provider of technical education, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare. However, existing facilities have struggled to keep pace with the growing need for qualified nurses. The current nursing programs are operating at capacity, often turning away potential students due to limited space and resources. This situation is exacerbated by the ongoing national nursing shortage, which has been further intensified by factors such as an aging workforce, burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased patient demand.

The new facility, located on a 20-acre site in Harriman, Tennessee, will dramatically increase Roane State’s capacity to train nurses. It's designed with modern healthcare simulation labs, advanced technology, and dedicated classroom space – all crucial elements for providing students with the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in today’s demanding healthcare environment. The design incorporates features that mimic real hospital settings, allowing students to practice procedures and interact with simulated patients under realistic conditions. This includes a mock emergency room, operating suites, and patient rooms equipped with advanced medical equipment.

According to Roane State President Dr. Richard Maples, the new facility will allow the college to increase nursing enrollment by approximately 75%. Currently, Roane State TCAT trains around 120 nurses annually across its various campuses. The expanded capacity is projected to boost that number significantly, potentially adding over 90 additional graduates each year. This represents a substantial contribution to addressing the regional and national nursing shortage.

The project has been a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. Funding for the $27 million facility comes from a combination of state appropriations, local fundraising efforts, and private donations. Roane County officials have expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing its potential economic impact and contribution to community health. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) played a key role in securing state funding, highlighting the importance of this project to the state’s workforce development goals.

The need for increased nursing training is not unique to Roane County. Across Tennessee, healthcare providers are struggling to find qualified nurses. According to data from the Tennessee Department of Health, the state faces a projected shortage of thousands of registered nurses in the coming years. This shortage impacts access to care, particularly in rural areas where healthcare resources are already limited. The new Roane State TCAT facility is seen as a crucial step towards mitigating this crisis.

The impact extends beyond just increasing the number of graduates. The advanced simulation technology and modern learning environment will also enhance the quality of nursing education. Students will have access to cutting-edge equipment and training methods, preparing them for the challenges they’ll face in real-world healthcare settings. This improved preparation can lead to higher pass rates on licensing exams and increased job satisfaction among graduates.

Furthermore, Roane State TCAT plans to expand its offerings beyond traditional registered nursing programs. The new facility will also accommodate training for other healthcare professions, such as medical assistants, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). This broader approach aims to address the wider spectrum of healthcare workforce needs in the region. The flexibility of the design allows for adaptation to evolving industry demands and emerging healthcare technologies.

While the construction is nearing completion, Roane State TCAT is already planning for the transition and curriculum adjustments needed to fully utilize the new facility. Faculty are being trained on the advanced simulation equipment, and partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers are being strengthened to ensure graduates have access to clinical placement opportunities. These placements are vital for providing students with real-world experience under the supervision of experienced nurses.

The opening of the new Roane State TCAT nursing facility represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in East Tennessee. By expanding capacity, enhancing training quality, and broadening program offerings, Roane State is poised to play a critical role in addressing the nursing shortage and ensuring that communities have access to high-quality medical care for years to come. The project serves as a model for other technical colleges across the state seeking to address workforce needs through innovative facility design and strategic partnerships.

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