The Health Professions Integrated Teaching Center was funded in part by a state bond. Watch video
PARAMUS -- Bergen Community College on Tuesday unveiled its new $25.5 million Health Professions Integrated Teaching Center.
The center will be a second home to more than 1,000 students enrolled in health professions programs at the college, which includes dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography and nursing.
The college received part of the $750 million Building Our Future Bond Act approved by voters in Nov. 2012. Those funds, plus a match from Bergen County, paid for the 63,000-square-foot building.
The center includes 13 laboratories and a simulation center allowing students to practice labor and delivery, ambulatory pediatrics, emergency room situations and long term and intensive care. Nearby residents can use a 24-chair dental clinc to receive low-cost oral healthcare from students.
"This building serves our community through providing education and is also an engine for economic development," Bergen Community College B. Kaye Walter said.
The health care industry is the largest employer in Bergen County, Walter said.
County Executive James Tedesco praised the voters who approved the Building Our Future Bond Act in 2012.
"The taxpayers got it right," he said. "The county, in matching the funds, got it right."
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.