St. Martin’s University gains another grant for nursing program growth

Saint Martin’s University has been awarded a grant of $105,231 by the Washington State Achievement Council (WSAC) to enhance its nursing program.

The school announced in its press release that the funding will aid in acquiring supplies, training, and equipment to expand simulation learning capabilities and increase the number of nursing students in the university.

Dr. Roy Heynderickx, interim co-president of Saint Martin’s University, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with WSAC, emphasizing the importance of preparing graduates to address the nursing workforce shortage in the region.

Heynderickx stated, “With this grant, not only are we able to upgrade facilities, but we are also investing in the future of compassionate and skilled healthcare.”

This is not the first time Saint Martin’s University has received support from WSAC.

In 2022, the university was awarded the WSAC Nursing Simulation Lab Modernization Grant.

The current grant will be utilized to educate simulation staff, maintain learning manikins, and procure new equipment and supplies for simulation learning labs.

Father Kilian Malvey, OSB, interim co-president, stated, “Our program will continue nurturing healthcare professionals who not only possess the technical nursing skills to be successful but also the deep sense of responsibility to heal and serve others with compassion.”

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Saint Martin’s University offers three pathways to earn a BSN degree.

The university has facilities like the Bruno and Evelyn Betti Nursing Education Center, including state-of-the-art learning and simulation labs.

Dr. Teri Woo, professor and director of nursing, emphasized the significance of the grant in meeting the rising demand for nurses, stating, “As the demand for nurses increases, this grant equips us with the tools and technologies essential for shaping our students into leaders of the field, ready to make a profound impact on the lives of patients and communities.”

Last month, Saint Martin’s University received a $296,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to further enhance its nursing program.