San Diego Area High School Adds Healthcare-Focused Building

By Eric Althoff

SANTEE, Calif.—The Grossmont Union High School District has added a new building whose instruction will be devoted specifically to guiding students interested in the healthcare professions. A previous building for adult education on the site was deemed structurally unsound, and thus needed to be replaced due to Southern California’s seismically active environment. The new building fits within the footprint of the previous structure.

The Health Occupations Center Building will feature medical training laboratories that will accurately simulate scenarios students could eventually face in real healthcare settings. The facility will offer courses and certifications such as dental assistant, certified nursing assistant, pharmacy tech, vocational nursing, phlebotomy as well as a more intensive course leading to an EMT certification.

With nearly 20,000 square feet of space, the $6.58 million building will offer classrooms and support spaces in addition to the laboratories. The architectural design also features an exterior breezeway.

The Health Occupations Center Building was designed by architect HED and built by general contractor Conan Construction.

Said Barbara Brock, vocational nurse and instructor at HOC: “The new labs will help us to achieve our mission which is to provide affordable quality education for those interested in employment preparation, skill advancement, and/or personal fulfillment in health-related fields.”