A Path Forward: How the PATH Grant is Helping John A. Logan College Enhance the Healthcare Workforce in Southern Illinois

Published on November 5, 2024

The healthcare programs at John A. Logan College (JALC) 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, JALC 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.

JALC 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 JALC 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.

“The PATH grant is invaluable in our mission to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Kristin Yosanovich, John A. Logan College Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing.  “By 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.”

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 JALC continues to foster a robust healthcare workforce, the PATH initiative is vital in creating pathways to success for aspiring healthcare professionals in Southern Illinois.

“This 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,” said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “PATH 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 JALC without PATH assistance.”

The PATH Funding is up for reauthorization in 2024, and John A. Logan College strongly supports further funding to ensure a strong healthcare workforce in southern Illinois for years to come. The ICCB’s PATH grant aided approximately 340 Health Science and Nursing students at JALC in the 2023-2024 school year.