October 29, 2024

Forsyth Technical Community College is thrilled to announce the award of $400,000 in funding from the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to expand our healthcare program offerings at the Forsyth Tech Stokes County Center. This funding will support two significant initiatives: enhancing our Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to address workforce shortages in Stokes County and launching a new Central Sterile Processing program to fill a critical need in healthcare support services.

These initiatives represent our commitment to providing career-aligned, accessible education while meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our region. Through this grant, Forsyth Tech is positioned to address the nursing shortage in Stokes County and equip students with essential skills for the high-demand field of sterile processing, ensuring the safety and quality of medical care.

Expanding Nursing Education in Stokes County

Stokes County has long faced a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs), a challenge impacting healthcare services and patient care in the area. The expansion of our ADN program is designed to address this issue by:

  • Increasing the number of Registered Nurses: Our goal is to train new RNs to meet the demands of local healthcare facilities.
  • Providing career advancement opportunities for LPNs: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) will have a seamless path to further their careers as Registered Nurses.
  • Creating a pipeline for future nurses: This program expansion will attract high school students to pursue nursing as a career, fostering a sustainable talent pipeline in the community.

Implementation Timeline: Our ADN program expansion is set to launch in Spring 2025, with key steps such as equipment procurement, hiring staff, and coordinating with clinical partners throughout 2024. By creating an accessible pathway into nursing, we aim to improve healthcare quality and enhance career opportunities for students in Stokes County.

Launching the Central Sterile Processing Program

In tandem with our nursing program expansion, Forsyth Tech is launching a Central Sterile Processing program to address another essential area in healthcare. Central Sterile Processing ensures the cleanliness and sterility of medical instruments, a crucial function that protects patients and healthcare workers alike. This new program offers students a pathway into a specialized, in-demand healthcare role, providing training in the latest sterilization techniques and equipment.

Why Central Sterile Processing? Central Sterile Processing is essential in every healthcare setting, from hospitals to clinics, and the demand for skilled technicians is projected to grow by 5.5% in the Triad region over the next five years. Technicians in this field earn competitive salaries, with average earnings around $38,014 locally and a national median of $41,475, offering a sustainable wage for graduates. The program is designed with accessibility and affordability in mind, and Forsyth Tech is committed to offsetting some of the costs to make it attainable for students from marginalized communities.

Program Development and Partnerships:

  • Summer 2024: Acquisition of state-of-the-art sterilization equipment, followed by the identification of program leadership and administrative staff.
  • Fall 2024: Recruitment of experienced clinical instructors and partnership establishment with local hospitals for hands-on instruction.
  • Spring 2025: Launch of the first term of instruction.

Through collaboration with healthcare providers like Atrium Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health, Medical Park, and the local Health Department, we are ensuring that this program meets industry needs and remains relevant to evolving best practices. We’re also establishing an industry advisory board to provide ongoing input from healthcare professionals, ensuring our curriculum and instruction stay current with the highest standards.

Meeting Industry Demand and Offering Career Support

Forsyth Tech recognizes the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals and the need for accessible educational opportunities. Our Central Sterile Processing program responds to a steady hiring trend in the healthcare field, with key local employers already supporting the program’s development. Clinical partnerships will not only provide essential hands-on learning experiences but also create pathways for internships and employment after graduation.

To ensure student success, we’ll offer specialized career advisement and holistic support services that address students’ individual needs. This wrap-around support helps students stay on track and achieve their educational and career goals. Additionally, outreach efforts will be conducted at healthcare facilities, local career fairs, and through engagement with program graduates, making it easy for prospective students to learn about the career advantages this program provides.

Building Workforce Capacity for the Future

This funding from NCCCS enables Forsyth Tech to create a lasting impact on healthcare education in our community. The $400,000 grant represents a critical investment in workforce development for Stokes County and the surrounding areas, ensuring students have access to high-quality education in two essential healthcare fields. Through this funding, Forsyth Tech can expand opportunities, provide specialized training, and meet the healthcare demands of our region.

As we move forward, Forsyth Tech is committed to building programs that align with industry needs and create new career pathways for our students. The ADN expansion and the Central Sterile Processing program are prime examples of how targeted funding can lead to transformational educational opportunities. We look forward to welcoming our first cohorts and supporting them as they embark on these impactful, rewarding careers.