50 Years in the Making: Healthcare Through the Years

Health care training has been a part of LBCC since the college started classes in 1967. There were 2,800 students enrolled that year, with 37 students eventually graduating as nurse’s aides and orderlies, the only medical program offered at the college at the time.

In the 2016-17 school year, more than 19,000 students were enrolled at LBCC, with over 200 earning degrees and certificates in the medical field. From that one program in 1967 to 11 medical programs today, LBCC continues to meet the needs of our communities as graduates go to work in local medical offices, dental offices, hospitals and clinics.

Training takes place at LBCC’s newest facility - a 42,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Healthcare Occupations Center in Lebanon, made possible in part by a voter-approved bond passed in 2014. Programs include diagnostic imaging, nursing, nursing assistant, medical assistant, coding and reimbursement specialist, dental assistant, polysomnographic technician, phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, occupational therapy assistant and surgical technician.

Students are trained using the most up-to-date technology. The center’s location on the Samaritan Health campus, adjacent to COMP-NW Medical School and just down the road from the new Veteran’s Home in Lebanon, provides students with opportunities for real-world training and collaboration. 

To learn more about LBCC health care programs and other programs offered, visit online at www.linnbenton.edu/programs. Watch for the next LBCC history story in the Dec. 13 issue.