By By Dan Hounsell

Healthcare facilities managers generally have to learn about the challenges and intricacies of hospital engineering and operations on the job. Now, however, students in one California school district might be able to get a head start on the learning process, thanks to a new district building focusing on healthcare.

The Grossmont Union High School District in Santee, Calif., has added a new building whose instruction will be devoted specifically to guiding students interested in the healthcare professions, according to School Construction News. The Health Occupations Center Building will feature medical training laboratories that accurately simulate scenarios students could face in real healthcare settings.

The facility will offer courses and certifications, such as dental assistant, certified nursing assistant, pharmacy tech, vocational nursing, and phlebotomy, as well as a more intensive course leading to an EMT certification. The $6.58 million, 20,000-square-foot building will offer classrooms and support spaces in addition to the laboratories.