WNC Expanding Nursing Education Opportunities in Fallon

Western Nevada College News

Western Nevada College is expanding nursing education opportunities in rural Nevada through a major renovation of the Piñon Building on its Fallon campus. Design and permitting are already underway, and construction will begin in January 2026.

When complete, the upgraded space will include modern clinical training areas, advanced simulation labs, and dedicated study and testing rooms, giving nursing students in Fallon greater access to hands-on learning close to home.

"In speaking about the expansion at our Advisory Board meetings, our clinical partners are excited about the prospect of educating more nurses in the rural community," said WNC Nursing and Allied Health Director Dr. Audrey Auer.

Currently, WNC accommodates eight Associate of Applied Science Nursing students in Fallon, many of whom travel 140 miles roundtrip to Carson City to complete required coursework. Once the renovation is complete, the campus will be able to serve 24 first-year and 24 second-year nursing students, significantly increasing access to healthcare education for students in Churchill County and surrounding areas.

"The goal is for Fallon students to have all required classes held on the Fallon campus," Dr. Auer said. "The expansion will provide additional lab and simulation space and also open the potential for recruiting more students from Fallon and the surrounding areas."

This project is made possible through support from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and generous philanthropic investments from the William N. Pennington Foundation and the E.L. Cord Foundation provided through the WNC Foundation. Their commitment to strengthening Nevada's rural healthcare workforce has played a vital role in moving this project forward.

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe emphasized the importance of this milestone.

"This renovation represents a tremendous investment in the future of healthcare in rural Nevada," Dr. Dalpe said. "The organizations that support this project recognize how vital it is for local students to access education close to home. Together, we are expanding opportunities and strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals who will care for our communities."