MONTAGUE — Construction of a new nursing simulation lab that Franklin County Technical School had planned to open this fall has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the school still expects to have the lab available at some point during the next school year.

The high-tech nursing lab will expand on Franklin Tech’s existing health technology program, and will provide students in all four grades a means to pursue a certified medical assistant degree.

“Certified medical assistant is one of the most in-demand jobs in the medical field and in Franklin County,” noted Franklin Tech Superintendent Richard Martin.

Franklin Tech also expects to eventually use the lab for evening classes for students to earn a practical nursing certification through Greenfield Community College, Martin said. The discussions are in early phases, and the two schools do not yet have a date for starting the program.