Advanced Technology Brings Hands-on Training to the Next Level at A.W. Beattie Career Center

Students at A.W. Beattie Career Center have recently been introduced to a variety of cutting-edge technology upgrades to provide the best educational, hands-on experiences possible.

Among the major advancements, a life-sized ambulance has been installed in the Emergency Response Technology classroom to give students the opportunity to respond to staged and simulated emergencies, replicating real-life scenarios. 

“We can have the crews treat the patients, load them onto the stretcher and finish their assessments inside the ambulance before transporting them to the Health and Nursing Sciences program where they can give a hand-off report,” Mr. Silnutzer said. “This will allow students to see a call from dispatch to delivery and get hands-on experience that will help ensure they are ready for the field.”

The ERT program also received mannequins that will allow staged scenarios from overdoses and hemorrhaging to asthma attacks and much more, enabling students to practice their skills while getting realistic, real-time feedback within the classroom. Additionally, students will use new SCBA Air Packs, which will be used in simulations to train for dangerous situations in their future careers.

These are just a few of the many new upgrades across Career Center programs.

The Health and Nursing Sciences program has introduced two new pieces of equipment to its state-of-the-art Hospital Suite lab.

The Emergency Crash Cart will be vital to teaching HNS students the importance and purpose of a crash cart during emergency situations inside a healthcare facility. The emergency crash carts are stocked with simulation medications by Pharmacy students and handed over to the HNS students to simulate everyday collaboration between these two professions to enhance patient care and safety.

The new SimVS Hospital Pro in HNS is a comprehensive, virtual simulation platform for healthcare education and provides realistic, tablet-based digital patient monitors and nurse call systems that instructors control to create dynamic scenarios for students, allowing for real-time feedback and skill practice in a safe environment.

“We are bringing real-world scenarios to our students to give them a meaningful and applicable education,” Health and Nursing Sciences instructor Doug Moran said.

The Dental program has continuously added high-tech equipment.

Students now use a Panorex machine, which takes full mouth X-rays, and a new 3D Printer and Scanner, which are used to make impression models in the field.

Dental students are also experiencing new equipment to master essential dental radiography skills to prepare for their future careers. 

In the Dental program, students learn radiation safety, core principles, and advanced techniques to ensure they’re ready to sit for certification through the Dental Assisting National Boards. Hands-on training includes practicing on Dexter mannequins, taking both digital and traditional films, panoramic imaging, and operating the Nomad handheld X-ray system. 

“This comprehensive experience equips our students to enter the workforce immediately after high school or begin their dental post-secondary education with a competitive edge,” Dental instructor Paula Gibson said.

Some the most significant new pieces of equipment being utilized in the Career Center are a combined 12 welding booths in the HVAC and Automotive Collision Technology programs.

Two of the new welding booths in the HVAC program have Lincoln multi-task welders.

“The two new Lincoln welders give each student the opportunity to learn a variety of new welding processes,” HVAC instructor Charles Wike said. “The Lincoln welders can be used in welding processes such as MIG, TIG or stick. They can also weld ferrous metals, stainless steel and aluminum.” 

There is a new Lincoln Fresh Air Welding Booth System and MIG Power260 welders in the Automotive Collision Technology program, which has led to greater student outcomes.

Advertising Design students now utilize a new Roland TruVis VG3-540 Printer/Cutter and an Epilog Fusion Maker Engraver to enhance student work and develop industry specific skillsets. 

“The advanced technological versatility of the printer/cutter and engraver gives students an authentically hands-on experiences with industry-grade equipment,” Advertising Design instructor Mrs. Lingsch said.

The new equipment being utilized at the Career Center was made possible through the assistance of Pennsylvania Department of Education grant funds.

Through their continued investment in technology, A.W. Beattie provides real-world training and an immersive education environment to tomorrow’s health professionals. Students can graduate with confidence in their skills, ready for the workforce or to pursue post-secondary education. These advancements in technology reflect the Career Center’s dedication to career-first education and providing real-world experience that prepares their students for a fulfilling career. 

Prospective and current students and their families are encouraged to attend A.W. Beattie’s Spring Open House from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Meet Career Center staff and current students, explore programs, and experience hands-on demos.