College of the Canyons Receives $400,000 Grant to Launch New Allied Health Program
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has awarded a two-year $400,000 grant to College of the Canyons that will help fund the college’s Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program. The college was one of 17 colleges to receive an economic stimulus grant in the state.
Medical lab technicians work in hospital labs under the supervision of Clinical lab scientists. An MLT assists with collecting and running lab specimens, which quickens the process of getting information back to physicians, nurses and patients.
“This is a great opportunity for us to show how stimulus funds can be used effectively to equip people with new skills and help them launch careers in high-demand, high-paying fields,” College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook said. “That’s what sets community colleges apart, and we look forward to helping revitalize the region’s economy.”
Students who complete the two-year program will earn an associate of science degree.
“We are very excited about this new program since we recognize the need for medical lab technicians in our region,” said Sue Albert, dean of allied health at the college. “This grant will help fund a full-time instructor and supplies.”
The MLT program is expected to start in January.
The grant is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Economic Stimulus Program) that was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in February to provide federal tax relief and expand unemployment benefits and domestic spending in education, health care and infrastructure.
For more information about the college’s Allied Health division, visit the college’s website at www.canyons.edu.