Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC) celebrated the opening of a brand‑new 30,000‑square‑foot health‑education building on Thursday. The Evelyn S. Dame Nursing and Allied Health Professions Center will serve as the hub for TVCC’s expanding health‑career programs, including a brand‑new Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN‑to‑BSN) pathway that begins Sept. 28 with an inaugural cohort of five students.
State‑of‑the‑art facility for future caregivers
The center replaces the college’s aging 1963 nursing building with modern classrooms, simulation labs, and clinical skill spaces designed to mirror real‑world medical environments. TVCC officials say the upgraded space will better prepare students for the demands of today’s health‑care workforce, from emergency medical services to certified phlebotomy technician work.
Program growth and community impact
TVCC already enrolls 46 students in its two‑year nursing program, which has long been a cornerstone of the college’s legacy offerings. The new RN‑to‑BSN program adds a clear pathway for licensed nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving the workforce, addressing a critical shortage of qualified nurses across Idaho.
Beyond nursing, the college offers roughly a dozen health‑profession certificates and degrees, ranging from emergency medical services to allied health technician tracks. The expanded facility will allow TVCC to increase enrollment capacity, create additional apprenticeship opportunities with local hospitals, and strengthen partnerships with regional health systems.
Funding and community support
The $14.6 million project was financed through a blend of sources. A federal grant covered a portion of construction costs, while generous donations from the Dame family and TVCC’s foundation filled the remaining gap. Spokesperson Justin Emerson highlighted the collaborative effort, noting that the community’s investment reflects a shared commitment to building a healthier Idaho.
Looking ahead
With the center officially open, TVCC plans to roll out the RN‑to‑BSN curriculum on Sept. 28. The college expects the new program to attract working nurses seeking advancement, while the expanded facilities will support existing students in their clinical training.
Local health providers have welcomed the development, emphasizing that a well‑trained nursing workforce is essential for delivering quality care in both urban and rural parts of the state. As Idaho continues to experience population growth, the addition of modern health‑education infrastructure positions TVCC as a key contributor to the region’s economic and public‑health vitality.
TVCC’s leadership also indicated that the center will serve as a venue for community health events, continuing education workshops, and outreach programs that promote wellness and preventive care throughout the Treasure Valley.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
