In the News

 It's a Friday afternoon at Penn State Mont Alto and a woman is in labor. The nursing lab has a human birthing center with a life-like simulator. The students with the help of staff are able to deliver the baby. Congressman Dr. John Joyce was amazed at what he saw. 

"We actually saw a simulation of a birth with students, with nursing students who were there. These types of activities are what education needs to be about today," said Dr. Joyce. 

Dr. Joyce got to see everything from nursing to physical and occupational therapy. Dr. Joyce, who is a dermatologist, says he understands the importance of students receiving hands-on training in the medical field. 

"Hospitals are busy places, so when you teach your students how to deal in a simulated setting before their in the clinical setting...those pre-steps allow the students to be so much better when they do hit those clinical stages," said Dr. Joyce. 

Penn State Mont Alto officials pride themselves in training healthcare professionals. Dr. Francis Achampong, the chancellor, says having elected officials like Dr. John Joyce is critical for the growth of their programs. 

"So having him on campus, seeing what is happening here on this campus, the impact we're having. He met students, he saw the education that they're getting and how important it is," said Dr. Achampong.

With the Pennsylvania General Assembly around the corner, Dr. Joyce says he will take back what he learned on the tour. 

"Healthcare is an integral part of what we need to address in congress. You're going to see changes in healthcare. And I think Penn State is on the forefront of helping me understand the importance of the education of our students in this community," said Dr. Joyce.