THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
DANVILLE – As Illinois approaches its State veto session, community colleges across the state, including Danville Area Community College (DACC), are highlighting the transformative impact of the PATH (Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce) program. This vital initiative is a solution to Illinois’ growing need for healthcare professionals, making education accessible to a diverse population and addressing the state’s critical workforce demands.
Through the PATH program, Illinois community colleges collectively enrolled more than 27,600 students in Fiscal Year 2023. Remarkably, 45% of these students were the first in their families to attend college, underscoring PATH’s role in creating pathways to life-changing careers for individuals from all backgrounds.
Among the program’s successes, 15,578 students statewide achieved healthcare credentials, including 96 graduates from DACC alone, completing programs across 11 distinct healthcare fields. DACC currently offers certificates and degrees in a wide range of healthcare programs, including Radiologic Technology, Echocardiography, Sonography, Health Information Technology, Health Information Technology Medical Coding, Healthcare Billing Management, Health Data Analyst, EMT Basic, Phlebotomy Techniques, Pharmacy Technician, Nursing, Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Cancer Registry Management, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Office Personnel, and Advanced Medical Office. This diverse array of programs allows students to pursue specific healthcare fields that align with their career goals and meet Illinois’ pressing workforce needs.
With spring term registration opening on Tuesday, November 12, prospective students have the opportunity to begin their journeys into these essential healthcare careers. For those interested in DACC’s nursing program, the application deadline is Friday, November 8. PATH’s reach extends beyond the classroom, with Illinois community colleges forging partnerships with 1,032 employers statewide. These collaborations have not only broadened training opportunities but led to the development of 27 new healthcare programs and the expansion of 74 existing programs to ensure students receive education in areas with the highest demand.
In these critical moments before the State veto session, community colleges urge lawmakers and community leaders to support the continued growth of PATH. Sustained funding will enable Illinois’ community colleges to further develop innovative healthcare training that benefits all communities and bolsters the state’s economic and healthcare resilience.
Source: ICCB PATH Grant Data
Danville Area Community College is a comprehensive community college serving Illinois District 507, which consists of Vermilion County and parts of Champaign, Iroquois, Edgar, and Ford counties. DACC’s main campus is located at 2000 East Main Street, Danville. The College has a higher-learning center in Hoopeston at 847 E. Orange. To apply to DACC, call 217-443-3222 or visit the Web site at www.DACC.EDU.
