Westminster College is getting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to expand its nursing program.

The $250,000 approved by the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners will be used for the creation of a nursing simulation lab and to support the RN to BSN completion program.

Some of the funding will also help develop Westminster's new pre-physical therapy program.

"These three programmatic additions will better enable Westminster College to train the next generation of nurses, which in turn will provide Lawrence County's regional health systems greater access to skilled local medical talent and enhance health outcomes for Lawrence County residents," said the commissioners in a prepared statement.

According to the release, the nursing simulation/3D anatomy and physiology visualization lab will give nursing students experiences needed to develop life-saving and wellness-enhancing skills.

The funding is part of more than $1.1 million in ARPA funding allocated to Lawrence County.

Westminster's nursing program is one of seven projects receiving funding.

"We are grateful for the grant support from the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners and look forward to the contribution the enhanced simulation lab and expanded nursing education programs will make to strengthening health care in our county and region," said Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson.