Onvida Health and Arizona Western College (AWC) are celebrating a visible milestone in the development of the new Health Careers Center with the installation of exterior signage to the building. Building construction is scheduled to finish in early 2027, with students expected to begin using the facility that spring.
The Health Careers Center represents an investment in Yuma County’s future, expanding opportunities for local students to prepare for meaningful careers in health care without leaving the community. By bringing education, hands-on learning and collaboration with health care professionals together under one roof, the center will help strengthen the region’s workforce and build a healthier tomorrow.
“Seeing the Health Careers Center take shape makes the opportunity in front of us feel more real,” said Dr. Robert J. Trenschel, President and CEO of Onvida Health. “We’re confident this center will spark a passion for healthcare in the next generation. For students across our region, this will be a place to explore what’s possible, discover their potential and see the true impact they can make right here in our community.”
The two-story facility will include simulation labs and classrooms, including AWC training areas designed to mirror hospital environments. A mock apartment-style living space has been constructed where students can develop skills for real-world settings in areas including physical and occupational therapy. Flexible simulation spaces are also designed to be converted for emergency or overflow patient care needs, if necessary.
Student-focused amenities will include dedicated study and collaboration areas and proctored testing rooms for examinations and assessments.
“This partnership represents Arizona Western College’s continued commitment to building a stronger healthcare workforce for Yuma County and the State of Arizona. At AWC, we are focused on creating accessible pathways that allow students to begin their education locally, advance into high-demand healthcare careers, and continue seamlessly toward higher-level degrees,” said Dr. Reetika Dhawan, AWC President. “By working collaboratively, we can expand opportunities for our students, strengthen transfer and workforce pathways, and respond collectively to Arizona’s critical healthcare workforce needs. This is about building a connected statewide education ecosystem that creates opportunities for our students while strengthening the communities we serve.”
The Health Careers Center will offer a wide range of programs in areas including a certified medical assistant program, phlebotomy certification, research, data and analytics, informatics, healthcare administration, technology, patient care and facilities. It will serve students pursuing dual credit, short-term certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and beyond.
