Key Highlights
• $4 Million Grant: Awarded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in May 2022 under the American Rescue Plan
• Expanded Capacity: Training for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), surgical technologists, and diagnostic medical sonographers.
• 100 New Graduates Annually: Doubling the number of healthcare professionals trained each year.
• Renovations to Sally Monserud Hall: New labs, classrooms, and updated infrastructure.
• Equity & Diversity Focus: Building a healthcare workforce that reflects Alaska’s communities.
In May 2022, the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) secured a $4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to address a pressing issue: Alaska’s healthcare workforce shortage. This grant, part of the American Rescue Plan, is fueling a major expansion of UAA’s College of Health, with a focus on growing programs for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), surgical technologists, and diagnostic medical sonographers.
The expansion aims to nearly double the number of healthcare graduates annually, producing an additional 100 trained professionals each year. By increasing local training capacity, UAA seeks to rescue Alaska’s reliance on out-of-state healthcare recruitment, a challenge that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project includes the construction of new laboratories and classrooms, primarily housed in Sally Monserud Hall, with updates to HVAC and electrical systems for modern functionality. While originally slated for completion in fall 2023, ongoing bidding and renovations now suggest finalization in 2024.
Cornerstone carpenter prepares to mount a face shield inside the construction site of Sally Monserud Hall. Each piece contributes to modernizing UAA’s healthcare training facilities, where future CNAs, surgical technologists, and monographers will gain hands-on experience.
Beyond increasing workforce numbers, UAA emphasizes equity and diversity, ensuring that the healthcare professionals trained reflect the rich cultural makeup of Alaska’s communities. This project isn’t just about buildings—it’s about building a sustainable Alaska healthcare ecosystem.
A glimpse into the ongoing renovations at the future Sally Monserud Hall. The construction site is bustling with activity as teams install critical infrastructure to support expanded healthcare training programs. Stay tuned for updates as UAA continues shaping the future of Alaska’s healthcare workforce.