Big Renovations at the Riverside Campus

Surgical Technology Lab

Big Renovations at the Riverside Campus

Surgical Technology program among updates that provide more healthcare training to Oshkosh area

| By: Britten, Casey

The dust has settled, the paint has dried, and most of the furniture and technology has been installed (supply chain issues notwithstanding). The FVTC Oshkosh Riverside campus has undergone major renovations this summer, bringing new opportunities to students in Oshkosh and the surrounding areas. 

At 66,000+ square feet, the Riverside campus is Fox Valley Technical College’s second largest facility. It’s located on a 12.6-acre site nestled along the Fox River and has been a pillar of the Oshkosh community since its construction in 1982.

Preparations for the latest round of renovations began in 2019, after taking a close look at current trends and needs in the area. “Healthcare professionals in the community indicated there was a need for surgical technologists in our area, and this was the perfect location,” says Ann Wilkes, Oshkosh campus associate campus manager.

The new 64-credit Surgical Technology associate degree program is the largest addition to the campus, which can be completed in its entirety at this location. In order to make this a reality, four operating rooms were added, as well as an additional classroom and rooms for pre-op, sterilization, and packaging. This 4,000+ square-foot space welcomed the first class of students in fall 2022.

To accommodate the Surgical Technology program and other program needs, over 3,800 square feet of science and cadaver labs were also constructed. As a result, Riverside campus now offers classes in General Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology and General Chemistry.

Remodeled facilities also include a Medical Assistant lab, a Nursing lab, a Nursing Assistant lab, and a Phlebotomy lab.

Other updates include a warm, welcoming space in the center of campus for the Student Life Center and the Diversity and Inclusion Services office. In addition, the Testing and Assessment Center has been relocated to the front of the building to provide better access to students and community members.

“It’s so exciting to see the plans come to fruition,” Wilkes says. “The Riverside Campus is a must-see location! And it’s just the beginning. Plans are already underway for more enhancements in the next two to three years.”

The full-service campus continues to offer program classes in business and marketing, information technology, as well as adult education, English language learning and community classes. Student services include admissions, advising, career and financial counseling, assessment and more.