WATC receives federal grant to expand health programs

Wichita Area Technical College said Thursday it has received a $2.25 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve and expand its health science program.

College officials said the grant, part of the Department of Education’s “Pathways to Success in Health Sciences” initiative, enables WATC to improve its health care simulation labs and develop new programs such as veterinary technician, cardiac sonography, paramedic and emergency medical technician.

The new programs will provide students more choice in the school’s health care offerings, which include surgical technology, dental assistant and health care administration and management.

“We are grateful to the Department of Education for recognizing WATC’s strong commitment to building a more robust college for healthcare, strengthening our institution through continuous improvement in services for our students and building a diverse student body,” Sheree Utash, interim WATC president, said in the release.

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 5:27 PM with the headline "WATC receives federal grant to expand health programs."