With the ceremonial first swing of commemorative sledgehammers, Olympic College leaders, project partners, and elected officials celebrated the start of construction on a project that aims to improve healthcare education in Kitsap County and beyond.

The college is embarking on a project to remodel the Poulsbo campus into a state-of-the-art home for proposed programs in Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Surgical Technologist programs, an OC news release states.

The remodel is part of phase 1 of an expansion project that includes new programs in Phlebotomy and a Corpsman/Medic to Practical Nursing pathway that launched in 2024. Both of these programs are currently being taught at the OC Bremerton campus.

“Today marks the start of a construction project that, when finished, will allow Olympic College to educate and train highly skilled workers who will fill desperately needed positions right here in our own community at hospitals like St. Michael Medical Center,” OC president Marty Cavalluzzi said.

The remodel is expected to be completed in August, with classes slated to begin Sept. 22 for the fall quarter. The campus remains open for existing programs and services, including partner programs with Western Washington University, during construction.

In December of 2023, OC announced the collaboration with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and Kitsap County to fund the healthcare expansion. Kitsap County Commissioners contributed $6 million in American Recovery Plan Act funding, and VMFH is contributing $2.5 million, with an additional $2 million from OC.

“We are deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality health care and strengthening the workforce that supports our communities,” said Ketul J. Patel, CEO of VMFH and president of CommonSpirit Health’s Northwest Region. “This partnership with Olympic College and Kitsap County is a transformative step in ensuring that future generations of healthcare professionals are trained right here in our region. By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, we are not only addressing the current shortage of skilled workers but also laying the foundation for innovative, patient-centered care for years to come.”

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 16,000 openings for radiologic and MRI technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

“By expanding healthcare education, we’re creating pathways to high-wage careers, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring better healthcare access for Kitsap’s future,” County Commissioner Katie Walters said.