The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers officially opened its new Naugatuck Campus at 1186 New Haven Road with a ribbon-cutting, reception and tours on December 14.
The 6,000 square-foot Naugatuck Campus is designed to provide the school’s Practical Nursing Program students with an exceptional teaching facility featuring state-of-the-art simulation technology and an experiential learning environment to prepare them to be the next generation of highly skilled and patient-centered caregivers. The simulation technology is incorporated in realistic laboratories for nursing students to practice as if they are in actual clinical situations. The experience provided prepares new nurses to thrive in a multitude of complex authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and provides exceptional healthcare education with knowledgeable and experienced teachers who are nationally certified or master’s prepared nurses.
The Naugatuck Campus will serve students of all levels, from undergraduates to continuing education students. The first year will be dedicated to former Stone Academy Students in the Connecticut State Office of Higher Education’s Teach-Out Program. There will then be the opportunity to expand practical nursing program to accommodate traditional practical nursing transfer students. In 2025, the Naugatuck Campus will be used for the school’s Allied Health programs, expanding capacity for training Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, Phlebotomists and Patient Care Technicians.
“This facility was conceived and constructed to fulfill a promise we made to the students of the former Stone Academy,” Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel said at the grand opening. “When Stone Academy abruptly closed its doors and left hundreds of individuals unable to achieve their goal of completing their education and begin a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, the Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers made a commitment to help them realize their dream. The School of Allied Health Careers’ curriculum reflects the latest advancements in nursing education to ensure graduates are well-prepared for their important and demanding care giving role.
“The Naugatuck Campus will also help address the significant nursing shortage in Connecticut by establishing a pathway for professional advancement that sets a new standard for nursing education consistent with Griffin Health’s mission to improve the health and well-being of individuals and the communities it serves.”
About the School of Allied Health Careers
Accredited by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Health, the Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers offers advanced hands-on training and personalized teaching in its Practical Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, and Phlebotomy programs. The school has helped graduates achieve a high rate of success on national certification exams and has a strong job placement rate with most graduates quickly finding positions at area hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and medical practices.
Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited. For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health/school.
Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers Executive Dean Amanda Bell, center right, and former Stone Academy student Anna Jarjura, center left, cut the ribbon on the school’s new Naugatuck Campus surrounded by state government leaders and Griffin Health representatives.
The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers Naugatuck Campus includes a high-tech simulation room where teachers can observe students practicing on patient care manikins.
The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers Naugatuck Campus features a six-bed Skills Training Lab with advanced patient care manikins.