Aiken Tech Kicks off Construction of $24M Nursing Education Center

Work started this week on Aiken Technical College's $24 million Nursing Education Center. The 30,000-square-foot building should open its doors in 2027.

"This moment marks more than the construction of a new building. It is the beginning of a new chapter in our commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals who will serve our community with skill, compassion and dedication," said college president Forest Mahan to the Aiken Standard.

Students will train in modern skills labs and simulation rooms. The building includes an auditorium and offices. Future nurses will learn practical skills through hands-on training in specialized programs.

By 2035, South Carolina might lack 13,000 nurses. Current space limits student enrollment to 160 nursing candidates within accreditation rules.

State funds cover $11.5 million of costs. The rest comes from federal aid, gifts, and school savings. South Carolina got the money from a $600 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Energy in 2020.

Aiken Regional Medical Centers CEO Matthew Merrifield praised the timing. "We're ahead of the game in getting a new facility set up for training," he said.

Hannah Williams runs the nursing school. She sees the center as a gift that will help local health for years to come. Gary Bunker leads the County Council. He thinks the center will boost job skills: "This is a tremendous asset for Aiken County, particularly in terms of job training and bringing people into the workforce with critical skills."

The Nursing Education Center sits near Jefferson Davis Highway on the campus's southeast corner.