North Carolina Community Colleges allocates $55 million to boost healthcare talent pipeline; FTCC announces plans to expand two existing programs

By Staff Report, posted Nov 12, 2024 on BizFayetteville.com

Ambulance purchased by Sampson Community College for EMS program. Photo courtesy of NC Community Colleges.

All 58 community colleges across North Carolina have been awarded grant funding as part of a $55 million initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce pipeline. The funds, appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2023, will help launch new programs and expand existing ones in high-demand nursing and health-related fields.

“Grant funding empowers community colleges to directly meet their local healthcare industry’s evolving needs. By providing funding for faculty, state-of-the-art equipment, and program development, these grants ensure that healthcare programs align with workforce demands, producing graduates who are ready to fill critical roles,” said Melissa Smith, State Director of Health Sciences Programs at the System, in a press release.

Fayetteville Technical Community College has been awarded $1.5 million in grant funding to support its health programs over the next two years.

FTCC’s portion will expand two existing programs — Nursing and Respiratory Therapy — and help launch a new Cardiovascular Technician program scheduled to begin classes in Fall 2025.

All three areas have been identified as having a high need for workforce development in the healthcare industry, especially in rural and underserved areas.

FTCC’s Cardiovascular Technician program and Respiratory Therapy program, both part of the College’s Allied Health offerings, will receive $500,000 and $400,000, respectively.

Dean of Allied Health Michelle Walden said the funds provide “a tremendous boost” to the two programs, both of which are in response to critical healthcare needs in the local community.

“These grant funds will allow us to expand resources, enhance hands-on learning opportunities, and support our students with advanced training that prepares them for the healthcare workforce,” Walden said. “This investment not only strengthens our programs but also empowers our students to build rewarding careers in these essential healthcare fields.”

In 2022, FTCC doubled its enrollment capacity in Respiratory Therapy from 24 to 48 students, as need for the field grew following the Covid-19 pandemic. This funding will help pay for program equipment, instructional supplies and materials, and continued faculty preparation and professional development.

FTCC’s Cardiovascular Technician program will welcome its first cohort in Fall 2025 with an enrollment capacity of 30 students. FTCC will also partner with three other community colleges — Bladen, Robeson and Sandhills — to expand educational opportunities to students who live closer to those colleges. Students enrolled in the partner colleges will be able to attend FTCC classes in-person or through synchronous virtual attendance. Labs will be scheduled to minimize travel for students at partner colleges, and students will participate in clinicals at locations close to their residences.

The Associate Degree Nursing program will receive $600,000 to increase enrollment capacity from 280 to 400 students, including funding new faculty positions, and help fund a regional partnership with Bladen Community College to help address the need for high-quality healthcare workers in Bladen County. That partnership will start in 2025.

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