For our August Member Spotlight, we talked to Clarkson College about its 3D Printing and Training Center. The Center supports a commitment to excellence in learning by creating pathways toutilize 3D print and visualization as a language in personalized healthcare.
Tell us about the 3D Printing and Training Center at Clarkson College.
The 3D Printing and Training Center at Clarkson College is a pioneering facility that uses advanced 3D printing technology to support healthcare education, research, and clinical practice. The Center offers various services, including the creation of FDA 510(k)-cleared presurgical anatomic models, orthopedics models, cutting guides, and radiation bolus models.
What programs do you offer that support Nebraska’s bioscience industry?
The 3D Printing and Training Center at Clarkson College offers several programs to support the Nebraska bioscience industry. These programs focus on leveraging 3D printing technology to enhance medical training, research and patient care.
We also offer customized training for healthcare professionals to learn more about medical 3D printing and visualization. We were one of the first in the nation to offer a Medical 3D Printing and Visualization Certificate. The Center also supports the biosciences by ensuring that we are nurturing the next generation of professionals by offering education and workshops to our middle and high schools.
The 3D Printing and Training Center also collaborates with industry leaders like Stratasys and 3D Systems to stay at the forefront of 3D printing technology. These partnerships enable the creation of FDA-approved, patient-specific devices on-site, which are then made available to medical professionals in the region. This integration of cutting-edge technology helps accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes at the point of care in our state and surrounding regions.
How does the 3D Printing and Training at Clarkson College engage with the local community to promote these programs?
The 3D Printing and Training Center at Clarkson College collaborates with various local institutions including the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Luminarium, and Omaha Public Schools to offer comprehensive 3D printing services and educational programs. These collaborations are aimed at expanding the reach and application of 3D printing technology beyond healthcare, enriching educational experiences and supporting community projects.
Additionally, the center provides critical services to Nebraska Medicine and other regional hospitals, offering FDA 510(k)-cleared patient-specific models, and custom medical devices. These services are instrumental in enhancing pre-surgical planning, patient education, and overall clinical outcomes.
How does the 3D Printing and Training Center at Clarkson College stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in bioscience to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and cutting-edge?
To stay up-to-date on the latest trends, the Center maintains relationships with industry leaders such as 3D Systems and Stratasys. By actively participating in national conferences and serving on various boards, The Center ensures that it remains at the forefront of 3D printing technology and innovation.
How does Clarkson College collaborate with other educational institutions, organizations, and businesses to advance bioscience in the region?
These partnerships with industry leaders like Materialise Stratasys and 3D Systems enable the creation of FDA-approved, patient-specific devices on-site which are made available to medical professionals in the region. This integration of cutting-edge technology helps accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes at the point-of-care in our state and surrounding regions. The collaboration also ensures that what we are teaching in our certificate is applicable to what is happening in the field to better prepare our students.
What opportunities do students have for hands-on learning, such as internships, co-ops, or lab work, in the bioscience programs?
The Medical 3D Printing and Training Center offers an externship in the program. It is an elective.
Does 3D Printing and Training at Clarkson College support continuing education and professional development for bioscience professionals in Nebraska?
The Center offers multiple workshops throughout the year for professionals interested in medical 3D printing, as well as a college credit bearing certificate.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the bioscience industry in Nebraska, and how is the 3D Printing and Training Center at Clarkson College addressing them?
The biosciences industry in Nebraska faces several significant challenges, and the 3D Printing and Training Center at Clarkson College is actively working to address them. Regulatory compliance is chief among them. Being the first in the nation to offer structured education for medical 3D printing helps educate professionals in how to safely manufacture devices that are patient specific. Navigating the complex regulatory landscape is a major hurdle for biotech companies. Ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and other legal requirements can be daunting. The Center helps by creating patient-specific models and devices that are 510(k) cleared, ensuring they meet stringent regulatory standards.
Second, staying abreast of the latest technological advancements is crucial. The Center collaborates with industry leaders like 3D Systems and participates in national conferences to stay updated on emerging trends. This allows them to integrate cutting-edge 3D printing technologies into their training and services, thus fostering innovation in the local biosciences industry.
Third, there is a need for a highly skilled workforce capable of leveraging innovative technologies. The Center addresses this by offering comprehensive training programs in 3D printing and related technologies. Collaborations with educational institutions like Omaha Public Schools ensure that students are exposed to these technologies early on, preparing a future-ready workforce.
Lastly, the healthcare sector often struggles with high costs and inefficiencies. By providing hospitals like Nebraska Medicine with customized 3D-printed medical devices and patient-specific models, the Center helps reduce costs and improve the accuracy of medical procedures, leading to better patient outcomes
Anything else you’d like to include?
Clarkson College is a private, non-profit, nationally accredited college founded in Omaha, Nebraska in 1888.Certificates and degree opportunities are offered in the fields of Nursing, Healthcare Business, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography, Medical Imaging, Imaging Informatics, Community Health, Healthcare Education and Leadership, Psychology and Community Advancement. As a mission driven institution, students and employees annually serve more than 12,000 hours in the community. In addition, more than 5,600 members of the community receive healthcare training and certifications (such as Basic Life Support) through the Professional Development division. Clarkson College is an educational partner with Nebraska Medicine.
