Santa Ana College - Health Sciences Building

Nurturing Talent to Meet Healthcare Demand

The new 55,563-square-foot Health Sciences Building at Santa Ana College addresses the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region.

State-funded through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) approval process, the three-story steel structure sits on the campus perimeter and houses programs for Nursing / Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Emergency Medical Services, and Pharmacy Technology. General classrooms, computer labs, offices, library, study spaces, and meeting rooms provide diverse opportunities for learning and engagement, while specialized simulation labs mimic real world healthcare settings to enhance student training.

The Health Sciences Building complements the adjacent Science Center (also designed by HGA), forming a cohesive science district that fosters collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning. Together, the two buildings replace the remaining program spaces of the existing Russell Hall, while considering the future growth of the Health Sciences programs. Informal gathering and study areas are integrated throughout, encouraging student interaction outside of class and supporting both independent and group work. The building also includes a variety of specialized spaces such as hospital-grade labs, a functioning outpatient pharmacy, and an EMT lab with a full-scale ambulance simulator.

HGA’s design prioritizes cost-effective, dual-purpose materials and finishes, balancing the project’s aesthetic and functional benefits. The architecture considers changes in teaching modalities and learning environments by offering spaces that are flexible and adaptable to different learning models thereby encouraging shared learning, interaction, and multidisciplinary collaboration. With this new facility, Santa Ana College strengthens its ability to train the healthcare workforce needed to serve the region for years to come.