By the year 2022, west Michigan’s health care industry will grow by 23 percent requiring an additional 55,000 jobs. That’s the projection from the Michigan Bureau of Labor Statistics. Area colleges and universities are positioned to help train health care professionals.
This week, Grand Rapids Community has been awarded millions of dollars through a federal grant supporting its health care programs. Grand Rapids Community College is receiving $6 million through the U.S. Labor Department's America's Promise grant competition. It is distributing $111 million nationwide.
GRCC is one of two state institutions receiving money addressing the need for skilled health care workers. Bill Pink, GRCC’s School of Workforce Development dean and VP says, “West Michigan’s health care employers have been struggling to fill positions ranging from entry-level to highly skilled jobs.” To that end, GRCC says it will strengthen its Medical Assistance program certifying nursing assistance and sterile processing technicians. This will include forging dozens of partnerships with area employers creating new programs filling emerging medical industry needs.
The community college explains, “This grant will reduce some of the barriers to health care careers by reducing costs – or even offering training at no cost – to individuals.”
Patrick Center, WGVU News.