SC Biz News Top Projects 2025 – Lexington Medical Center and University of South Carolina College of Nursing Clinical Education Building

The 52,000-square-foot Clinical Education Building in West Columbia represents an innovative partnership between Lexington Medical Center and the University of South Carolina. Completed in June 2024, the $20.2 million facility serves as a satellite campus for USC’s College of Nursing, providing clinical training for third- and fourth-year bachelor nursing students and master’s program participants.

The three-story simulation center addresses South Carolina’s critical nursing shortage through specialized education areas including acute care, community apartment, primary care and clinical skills suites. The facility replicates real-world health care settings using advanced simulation techniques and cutting-edge technology.

Landmark Builders of South Carolina led construction alongside architect LS3P and multiple engineering firms. The project team employed innovative cost-saving solutions, including a simulated medical gas system using compressed air and vacuum with copper lines rather than expensive traditional medical gas infrastructure. Advanced power and data systems support sophisticated simulation manikins in the acute care suite.

Safety innovations included a 360-degree camera monitoring system and comprehensive contractor onboarding programs exceeding OSHA standards. Strategic construction entrance placement minimized disruption to adjacent medical facilities.

The facility directly combats South Carolina’s projected 10,000-plus nursing vacancies by 2030. According to project partners, the building will train and graduate an average of 400 nurses annually in the Midlands region, representing an 80 percent increase from current capacity.

Despite challenges including structural steel issues resolved through collaborative engineering solutions, the project team met critical timeline requirements for USC’s academic schedule.