“By partnering with the Texas Workforce Commission, we are not only preparing students for success. We are also contributing to the growth of this part of Texas’ job market and the overall economy,” said Dr. Neil Matkin, Collin College district president. “This JET grant is instrumental in purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for our workforce development programs and resources for our students. We are excited to see how this new equipment will empower our students.”
Collin College’s grant funds have been used to purchase patient simulator devices that will help students master medical assisting. Medical Assisting Advanced Practice Program Director Leon Deutsch described the simulators in detail, explaining that the simulators allow students to identify irregular heartbeats, check pupil dilation, properly place IVs, draw blood, and respond to emergent situations they may encounter in a medical facility.
Deutsch said that Medical Assisting, which is currently being taught at four Collin College campuses, prepares students to be “the right-hand person for the doctors they work with.”
Collin’s grant was one part of a larger group of regional grants worth $580,758 awarded by TWC. Denton ISD and Dallas College also received funds for their logistics and heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers programs. Attendees from both institutions attended the check signing ceremony held at the Collin Higher Education Center.
Collin College serves more than 60,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Clinical Operations Management, and a new Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Software Development. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visit www.collin.edu.