Public-Private Partnership

The University of South Carolina and Lexington Medical Center have opened a 52,000-square-foot brand-new facility to train the next generation of nurses. This building is located on Lexington Medical Center’s West Columbia campus. 

The new Satellite Clinical Education Building will be used by the university’s third—and fourth-year nursing bachelor’s students, as well as master’s program students. This new facility offers “cutting-edge technology and flexible spaces” to better prepare USC’s growing nursing student population for the transition into practice. By 2030, South Carolina is expected to have more than 10,000 nursing vacancies. This public-private partnership expands the College of Nursing training capabilities and opens more opportunities to reduce nursing workforce shortages.

On average, the university awards 900 nursing degrees per year. After 5 years of opening, the facility will train and graduate 400 nurses per year in the Midlands, an 80% annual increase.

Tod Augsburger, President, and CEO, says, “We’re proud to partner with the University of South Carolina to directly address the nursing shortage in our state,” and  “We are looking forward to growing the pipeline of skilled nurses for our organization and the state while continuing our mission to provide quality health services that meet the needs of our communities.”

Under this partnership, Lexington Medical Center has funded the new facility and is providing clinical instructors. The students will benefit from these instructors and have new collaboration spaces and private study spaces. 

The second level of this new facility offers an immersive simulation center that replicates clinical scenarios. Features include the Acute Care Suite, which mimics hospital rooms/intensive care units; the Community Apartment, which mimics home health scenarios, the Primary Care Suite, where students practice patient care/communication; and the Skills Suite, refining clinical skills. All of the above hands-on learning experiences prepare students for real-world settings. With the facility being near the hospital, students are offered a wide range of professional educational training and many opportunities for clinical immersion. 

Jeannette Andrews, College of Nursing Dean, says, “Our new satellite campus and its cutting-edge technology will elevate what our students can experience. We’re demonstrating our commitment toward a future that will attract the most promising and talented student and faculty minds.” 

The University of South Carolina’s nursing program, which is nationally ranked, has a mission of teaching, research, practice service, and policy. Since 1957, the college has graduated more than 12,000 nurses and continues to attract, retain, and train the growing workforce. USC’s Nursing Program is also a national leader in exam pass rates, which reflects the students who are prepared to address local and regional health needs while improving health care quality. 

Marilyn Chassie Sonnenberg, the first woman in her family to graduate with a nursing degree, also earned her master’s and doctoral degrees before joining USC’s College of Nursing. Sonnenberg began her leadership by being assistant dean for practice in 1986, then later becoming associate dean for academic affairs and student services in 1990. Additionally, she has chaired dissertations, served on the Cockcroft Fellowship committee, and worked closely with students as an associate professor. 

When discussing the new satellite campus, Sonnenberg emphasizes primary care practices, specifically advancing nurse practice and addressing community needs while “fostering the growth of future nurse practitioners”.” This new facility is one where technological advances in health care can align with a focus on patient-centered care. 

“Nursing is all based on building a relationship with the patient,” she says. “I hope this is well-incorporated into their education and that they learn to have a full vision on where to go with the patients.”