A Path Forward: How the PATH Grant is Helping 缅北禁地 Enhance the Healthcare Workforce in Southern Illinois
Published on November 5, 2024
The healthcare programs at 缅北禁地 (缅北禁地) have experienced a significant boost, thanks to the PATH (Pipeline for Advancing Training in Healthcare) grant. This state-funded initiative, supported by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), specifically addresses the shortage of healthcare workers in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant has provided crucial resources to enhance education and training for students pursuing careers in nursing and other healthcare pathways.
In 2024, 缅北禁地 received $473,533 as part of the PATH initiative, marking the third year of funding. This grant is not limited to a single healthcare field but plays a crucial role in expanding opportunities for individuals seeking to obtain certificates and degrees in various high-demand healthcare fields. These include nursing, emergency medical services, medical assisting, and others.
The PATH grant is designed to provide comprehensive support for students pursuing careers in healthcare. It covers a wide range of expenses, including financial support for tuition, textbooks, supplies, transportation, childcare, and uniforms. This holistic approach alleviates the financial burden often associated with healthcare training, making it more accessible to a wider range of students.
缅北禁地 offers an array of programs eligible for PATH assistance, including Nursing (Associate Degree, Practical Nursing, and Nursing Assistant); Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/Paramedic; Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); Medical Assistant Adult Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS); Surgical Technology; Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT); and phlebotomy.
The funds from this grant have allowed 缅北禁地 to continue employing dedicated staff who assist students with tutoring and social services. Over the past year, PATH employees conducted 92 individual tutoring sessions and facilitated 45 small group learning workshops, ensuring that students receive the personalized support they need to succeed in their studies.
A highlight of the grant’s impact is establishing a new tutor room for nursing students, complete with technology to aid their studies. In addition, the college utilized PATH funds to purchase 50 laptops for the Associate Degree in Nursing program, enhancing educational resources and allowing for electronic testing capabilities.
鈥淭he PATH grant is invaluable in our mission to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals,鈥� said Dr. Kristin Yosanovich, 缅北禁地 Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing. 鈥淏y providing comprehensive support and resources, we are not only helping students achieve their academic goals but also addressing the urgent need for skilled workers in the healthcare sector.鈥�
Yosanovich shared the stories of a student who wishes to remain anonymous but has significantly benefited from the PATH Initiative.
According to Yosanovich, one student was able to continue in the program because the funding helped her afford gas, food, household necessities, daycare payments, and other bills.
As 缅北禁地 continues to foster a robust healthcare workforce, the PATH initiative is vital in creating pathways to success for aspiring healthcare professionals in Southern Illinois.
鈥淭his grant is making a difference for our college. We are in a rural area, and student challenges are real. Healthcare programs of study can be rigorous. Many students need help to work and keep up with the demands of the curriculum,鈥� said 缅北禁地 President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. 鈥淧ATH has provided many opportunities to assist students in completing their degree so they can work in the healthcare field. It is hard to envision our healthcare programs at 缅北禁地 without PATH assistance.鈥�
The PATH Funding is up for reauthorization in 2024, and 缅北禁地 strongly supports further funding to ensure a strong healthcare workforce in southern Illinois for years to come. The ICCB鈥檚 PATH grant aided approximately 340 Health Science and Nursing students at 缅北禁地 in the 2023-2024 school year.
