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LEWISTOWN -- When the Geisinger School of Nursing in downtown Lewistown opened its doors for its first class, nursing students discovered the most state-of-the-art technology and facilities in one location.
The students also found they also could continually collaborate on projects and studying by accessing study areas, a modern computer lab and a new library.
"There's an emphasis on collaboration among our students," said Beth Finkbiner, the school's director during a ribbon-cutting at the new school on Friday. The facility opened to its students about two weeks ago.
"Our previous school was located in three separate areas on the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital campus," she added.
The new larger home for the school is the former Bon-Ton department store at 111 E. Market Street.
Part of the new state-of-the-art school also offers the latest in technology, another positive of the new location. "We'll be getting two AI (artificial intelligence) generated simulation mannequins soon - there are very few in the state of Pennsylvania actually," Finkbiner explained.
"These mannequins will provide exceptional opportunities for students," she added.
Geisinger officials have noticed a significant increase in enrollment with the new school opening. Currently, there are 52 nursing school students. An additional 35 will be enrolling in the fall 2024. Add another 25 coming in the spring 2025.
"Because of expansion here in downtown Lewistown, we're doubling our enrollment," Finkbiner said.
She added the school's faculty has also doubled in size since the associate degree program started in the fall 2023. The Geisinger School of Nursing now has 11 full-time and one part-time faculty members.
The building map shows rooms for the library, group study, computer lab and science lab which have replaced racks of clothes and other accessories at the former retailer.
The inside has undergone an extensive renovation. A large lobby now greets visitors off the Market Street entrance. The main lobby is considered the side entrance closest to the large parking lot.
The new school also houses administrative and faculty offices, teaching labs and classrooms, student lounge and even a student café.
The Geisinger School of Nursing was founded to provide quality nursing education. It seeks to engage a diverse group of students and to help them become leaders in providing outstanding care.
Images on the interior walls show the school's growth over the years.
A variety of community and county leaders were invited for Friday's tour. Most noted the important commitment of Geisinger to the local area with the opening of the school.
"We are thrilled to witness the Geisinger School of Nursing relocating to downtown Lewistown," said Rhonda Kelley, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
"Geisinger's track record of excellence in the Juniata River Valley fills us with confidence that this project will be no different," she added. "Bringing this facility to downtown will not only stimulate our local economy but also fortify the businesses in the area. Moreover, it promises to ignite further enhancements and investments in downtown infrastructure, for which we are immensely grateful."
Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish echoed those sentiments, stating, "The opening of this new nursing school building is a wonderful occasion, promising to help shape the future of healthcare with dedicated and well-prepared nurses.
"Congratulations to Geisinger and may the new school thrive and produce graduates who will excel in their field and provide outstanding care," he added.
Hospital officials and community and county leaders can't understate the important role of educational facilities like this keeping future workforces in the Juniata Valley.
"This initiative once again demonstrates Geisinger's commitment to Mifflin County and the entire region," Kodish said.
"The establishment of this nursing school in downtown Lewistown will serve as a catalyst for additional economic growth and development and contribute to the overall vitality and health of the community," he added.