Central Ohio Technical College completing $4.2M renovation to Pataskala outpost

Central Ohio Technical College says it will be better able to serve more students closer to Columbus after a $4.2 million renovation to its Pataskala campus.

The renovation, paid for using a combination of reserve funds and state of Ohio funds, will be complete in time for students to start classes there in the fall.

The interior of the 16,000-square-foot facility is being completely renovated, adding a new nursing and allied health skills lab, science and computer labs, a digital media design lab, classroom and academic support spaces, student collaboration spaces, a testing center and more.

“COTC changes lives for the better,” President John M. Berry said in a release. “This renovation will provide countless opportunities for students to start or advance their career paths or to begin a bachelor’s degree affordably.

“We will help empower students to overcome challenges and create their own brilliant futures – together, we will redefine what’s possible and make an impact that resonates far beyond this campus.”

Central Ohio students will be able to complete several associate’s degree programs and certificate programs at the center, as well as start any of more than 50 COTC programs in healthcare, business, IT, engineering, public services and safety, and transfer degrees.

“The renovation of COTC’s Pataskala campus will be a key economic driver for central Ohio and a tremendous benefit to students wanting affordable technical education leading quickly to in-demand jobs,” Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner said in the release.