In a pivotal moment for healthcare education in West Virginia, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) visited Bluefield State University to tour the progress of its new Medical Education Center. The facility is bolstered by $7.4 million in federal funding, which Capito played a crucial role in securing. This funding is part of a larger initiative to enhance the state’s healthcare infrastructure and educational resources.
During her visit, Senator Capito emphasized investing in medical education. “This new center at Bluefield State University will provide students with the tools and training they need to succeed in the medical field while also helping to alleviate the healthcare workforce shortages we are seeing across the state and the country,” Senator Capito said. “Investing in medical education is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure that West Virginians have access to high-quality healthcare.”
The senator met with university and city leaders, faculty, and students as they discussed how the Medical Education Center is set to play an essential role in addressing the increasing demand for healthcare services, especially in underserved rural communities. The center will feature advanced simulation labs, cutting-edge medical technology, and innovative classroom spaces that support comprehensive healthcare education.
Interim President Darrin Martin expressed gratitude for Senator Capito’s continued support, calling the investment “a game-changer” for the university and the communities it serves. He noted that the new facility will allow Bluefield State to expand its medical programs and offer hands-on training opportunities.
How The Project Started
The Medical Education Center was established following Bluefield State’s acquisition of the former Bluefield Regional Medical Center in December 2020, when the hospital ceased its inpatient and ancillary services. Since then, the university has committed nearly $5 million to modernizing the facility, including the addition of a new cafeteria and dormitories providing on-campus housing for the first time in over 50 years.
The first construction phase is nearing completion, with plans to begin classes in the spring semester. This phase includes state-of-the-art classrooms and a simulation facility for all allied health programs offered at BSU. Looking ahead, Phase II of the project aims to introduce a respiratory therapy program into the university’s expanding portfolio of allied health degrees.
Phase II is expected to commence in early 2025 and be completed in late summer. As the construction progresses, BSU continues to broaden its offerings, including existing programs in nursing, radiologic technology, and sonography.