Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was awarded nearly $110,000 from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to purchase essential equipment for healthcare workforce training.
“EKU is grateful for this investment in our programs to strengthen Kentucky’s healthcare workforce,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “This funding allows us to place the latest tools directly into the learning environment and give students real‑world experience in healthcare settings.”
The award supports the following programs and equipment purchases within the College of Health Sciences:
Exercise and Sport Science
- Body composition analyzer to measure fat, muscle mass and metabolic rates
- Stair climber and weight storage to provide students access to equipment found in professional fitness settings
Center for Retention, Progression, and Graduation
- Anatomical models of the brain, spine, arm and leg muscles to support student learning in anatomy classes
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
- Splint pans to help students learn how to construct orthotics, an essential entry-level skill
- Replacement refrigerator, stove and hood in the Activity of Daily Living Lab, where students learn adaptations and accommodations, such as teaching patients with arthritis how to safely and independently prepare meals
Medical Laboratory Science
- Clinical chemistry analyzer to help students gain experience operating lab equipment
- Hematology equipment for classroom labs and faculty-led student research
“Students can use the equipment to apply what they have learned in clinical scenarios, helping to build their knowledge, reasoning skills and confidence,” said Dr. Dana Howell, Associate Dean and Foundation Professor in the College of Health Sciences. “This will help ensure students are prepared for their clinical and field experiences.”
This award comes as EKU continues planning for a proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, aimed at addressing primary care shortages across Kentucky. Together with existing healthcare programs, the proposed college would expand hands-on, collaborative training opportunities for students.
EKU’s College of Health Sciences offers programs in nursing, healthcare administration, medical laboratory science, exercise and sport science, occupational therapy and more. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, on campus and online, leading to careers in hospitals, clinics and community health settings.
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