$4.3 Million Grant Sets Off Nursing Program Expansion to Douglas Campus

Western Nevada College News

To meet the growing regional demand for skilled nurses, Western Nevada College is expanding its nationally recognized Nursing Program to its Douglas campus through a $4,392,000 grant awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The expansion will significantly increase access to high-quality healthcare education for students in Douglas County and surrounding rural communities, ensuring that more Nevadans can pursue careers in nursing without leaving their region.

"This project represents a major step forward for WNC, our students and the communities we serve," said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. "By expanding our Nursing Program to Douglas County, we are opening doors for more individuals to pursue their passion for healthcare while directly addressing Nevada's critical workforce needs."

The Douglas campus upgrade will include the creation of a state-of-the-art simulation lab, designed to replicate both acute and long-term care settings, providing essential, hands-on training opportunities for students. The project will also feature dedicated testing rooms, upgrades to support modern technology, and funding for new equipment to ensure that graduates are fully prepared for the realities of today's healthcare environment.

"This expansion will directly respond to the need for skilled healthcare workers in Douglas County, benefit WNC students, and have a lasting impact on the health and vitality of our entire region," said Dr. Dana Ryan, WNC Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs. "It is a project that directly reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals for Nevada."

The expansion of WNC's nursing program to Douglas County is creating a buzz in the professional healthcare community.

"We are excited to see the WNC nursing program expand their facility in Douglas County," said Carson Valley Health Chief Executive Officer Jeff Prater. "A program of this caliber in our community encourages local nursing workforce development. This, in turn, addresses local, regional, and national nursing shortages and elevates healthcare overall for generations to come."

Current tenant of the campus, Aspire Academy, has used this space to provide high school students an alternative education. Aspire Academy's lease to use this facility will end on June 30, 2026.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with project completion expected in September 2027.

With this expansion, WNC continues its tradition of providing exceptional, community-focused education that equips students to succeed while improving access to healthcare across the state.

For more information about WNC's Nursing Program, visit wnc.edu/nursing or phone 775-445-4425.