Through a Tennessee GIVE grant, Chattanooga State Community College has been able to bring better healthcare education services to three rural communities through high-tech learning tools, leading to growing enrollment in Medical Assisting programs offered by the college.
Officials at Chattanooga State Community College recently announced the ongoing impact of a Tennessee GIVE grant awarded to the college in November 2019. The funding helped Chattanooga State expand healthcare training opportunities to the rural communities in Bledsoe, Sequatchie, and Marion counties. Rates of certification in multiple healthcare disciplines have increased, and local instructors report improved engagement from students due to access to high-tech learning tools.
The GIVE Act was signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee with the goal of ensuring that the degrees and certifications offered at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and community colleges meet the needs of local employers. Grants were awarded to institutions based on their plans to achieve this goal, and to encourage career success for students upon completion of degree and certification programs.
According to a press release from Chattanooga State Community College, in the time since the grant was awarded, certifications in CPR, OSHA, and Certified Patient Care Technician programs have been granted to high school students from all three rural counties targeted by the program. Students in those counties also were given access to a 3D system known as zSpace, which enables users to view human systems virtually. Additionally, students were able to perform laboratory dissections and prepare for the ECG certification program. Nancy Draper, director of Chattanooga State's Medical Assisting program, explained the impact of the new learning opportunities, "The schools are fully utilizing the equipment provided by the GIVE Grant and very appreciative. This has resulted in an enhanced bond/partnership with the College."
The press release also stated that the Medical Assisting program at Chattanooga State prepares students for all aspects of a career as a medical assistant. Draper noted, "A typical medical assistant will work well with others in a professional atmosphere working as part of a team focused on excellent patient care."
Registration is still open for the 2021 program but the college expects spaces to fill before classes begin in the fall.