BREMERTON, Wash. – Olympic College marked a significant milestone on Sat., Oct. 18, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community open house to celebrate the remodel of its Poulsbo Campus into a state-of-the-art hub for healthcare education.
Olympic College leaders, project partners, elected officials, employees, community members and future students celebrated the completion of the first phase with tours of the facilities, live healthcare training demonstrations, family-friendly activities, refreshments, and OC Healthcare promotional items.
Interim Olympic College President Joan Hanten addressed the crowd and joined fellow dignitaries in cutting the ceremonial ribbon, officially opening the facility to students and the community.
"Olympic College is deeply rooted in the Kitsap Peninsula and invests in programs that respond to the most pressing needs of our community," said Hanten. "We are proud to be part of the solution to local healthcare workforce challenges by preparing students for high-demand, living-wage careers. These programs will open doors to new possibilities for our students and the communities we serve."
Phase 1 Complete
The remodel was a key component of Phase 1 of the Healthcare Expansion Project, an ambitious plan to expand access to essential healthcare programs at Olympic College's Bremerton and Poulsbo Campuses.
OC’s northernmost campus is now home to leading-edge educational labs for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Surgical Technology and Radiologic Technology.
Along with the major renovation, Phase 1 included the launch of five new academic programs in Phlebotomy, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technologist, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Corpsman/Medic to Practical Nurse.
The expansion helps meet the local demand for nurses and healthcare workers, addressing shortages in clinics, hospitals and long-term care facilities.
An instrumental leader in the expansion was Dean of Nursing & Allied Health Dr. Alecia Nye. In her remarks, she expressed her gratitude to those who believed in the project’s vision.
“There’s a workforce shortage that we need serious help with, and that’s why we built these programs,” said Nye. “Olympic College is here to help with the workforce needs and demands of our community. Nobody’s going to do it for us except us.”
The remodel was made possible through a collaboration with the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), and Tim Ryan Construction Inc. The Kitsap County Commissioners contributed $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, VMFH provided $2.5 million, and Olympic College added another $2 million. Tim and Bev Ryan generously donated $1 million this past August, with the sonography lab named in their honor. Olympic College also received $214,000 in annual funds to support high-demand faculty positions for these programs.
Kitsap County District 3 Commissioner Katie Walters was instrumental in securing ARPA funds for the project.
“Kitsap County’s investment of American Rescue Plan Act funds in this project reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community. By enhancing access to healthcare and creating clear career pathways for local students, we’re not just expanding a facility — we’re investing in people,” said Walters.
”This campus will help build a robust healthcare workforce pipeline, strengthen our local economy, and ensure that residents across our region have access to the skilled professionals they depend on. It’s a lasting investment in both opportunity and community wellbeing.”
Alexandra McLaughlin, Olympic College alumna and the Vice President of Operations at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, was on hand to celebrate this historic milestone.
“We all understand the challenges facing counties like Kitsap, and we know to effectively address our healthcare needs, fuel local economic growth, and to nurture the next generation of talent needs, we must commit to a collective vision and working together,” said McLaughlin.
“Developing the next generation of healthcare professionals is the top priority for us at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, to meet the care needs of our growing population and enter equitable access.”
The Next Phase in Healthcare Education
The Poulsbo campus welcomed its first cohort of students this Fall, many of which are first-generation students. There are currently 45 students in the inaugural programs, with 20 enrolled in Radiologic Technology, 8 in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and 17 in the Surgical Technologist program. Applications for next Fall open in Feb. 2026.
Nicole Boyd, a Digital Medical Sonography student in the inaugural cohort, described her cohort as a small but mighty group.
“On our very first day, we defined our culture with three words – Respect, collaboration and compassion,” said Boyd. “We respect each other’s journeys because every one of us took a different path to get here.”
“As the first cohort of these programs, we’re not just learning in these classrooms. We’re helping build a legacy the future students will carry forward.”
With Phase 1 complete, Olympic College sets its sights on Phase 2 of the expansion, which would pave the way for proposed programs in Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic and Respiratory Therapy.
Visit the Olympic College Healthcare Expansion webpage for all the latest Phase 2 project news and information.
###
About Olympic College
You’re on a journey and Olympic College will help you reach your destination. Leading-edge programs. World-class facilities. Small class sizes. Professors who know you by name. A welcoming community. We offer all of this and more at a fraction of the cost of universities. Your first stop is the Olympic College Welcome Center, where you’ll receive one-on-one help with every step in the admissions process. Start your journey at Olympic.edu.
