Albany Tech event showcases health care programs

ALBANY – Albany Technical College officials have invited the community to attend a special event showcasing the college’s health care programs during an open house at the Healthcare Technology Building on Thursday from 4-7 p.m.

The event will feature a wide array of health care programs while also celebrating a significant milestone for the college with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new MEDSTARTX Van at 3:30 p.m. This van will be essential to ATC’s Community Outreach and Nursing Infrastructure Enhancement Initiative for the Allied Health Workforce.

During the open house, attendees can explore 11 distinctive health care programs, interact with faculty and students, and participate in interactive demonstrations. The featured programs include Dental Assisting, Healthcare Information Management Technology, Medical Assisting, Nursing Aide, Nursing, EMT/Paramedicine, Pharmacy Technology, Phlebotomy, Practical Nursing, Radiologic Technology and Surgical Technology.

“We are overly excited to invite the community to experience all that Albany Technical College’s health care programs offer,” Associate VP of Academic Affairs, Business/Healthcare Technology Lisa Stephens said. “The addition of the MEDSTARTX Van allows us to extend our impact beyond the classroom, providing real-world health care services and opportunities for students to grow in their fields.”

Community sponsors and partners, including Phoebe Putney Health System and Albany Internal Medicine, will be on hand to offer insights into career paths available through Albany Technical College’s health care programs. Prospective students also will receive support from the college’s Financial Aid, Admissions, and Student Affairs teams. Spring 2025 enrollment is now open, with classes beginning on Jan. 8.

The van will serve as a mobile outreach and recruitment tool, strengthening community engagement, particularly in rural and underserved areas. By bringing healthcare education opportunities directly to potential students, the van helps eliminate access barriers. It provides a convenient way for individuals to explore and learn about Albany Technical College’s healthcare programs.

The MEDSTARTX Van will travel to communities within Albany Technical College’s seven-county service delivery area, enhancing community engagement and focusing on individuals who may not have easy access to health care education opportunities. Recruitment staff will use the van to participate in community events, such as job fairs and college fairs, offering information, resources, and support to help potential students explore and enroll in health care programs.

The van will act as an express entry point for future health care students, providing them a first step in their educational journey. By visiting local communities, the van not only delivers information but also offers the initial resources and guidance individuals need to begin their careers in health care. This initiative is critical in increasing enrollment and addressing the regional nursing shortage.

By making health care education more accessible, the MEDSTARTX Van will support Albany Technical College’s goal of increasing the number of trained health care professionals. This initiative aims to attract more students to nursing and allied health programs, enhance retention by offering hands-on experiences and exposure to health care career opportunities, and ultimately contribute to the region’s health care work force by addressing critical shortages in nursing and other health care fields.

The first 100 visitors Thursday will receive special swag bags, and refreshments will be available throughout the event. For more information on how to register for this open house or for directions, please visit the https://www.albanytech.edu/healthcare-open-house link.

For additional details, contact JaNee Mobley at (229) 430-3596 or [email protected], or Brittany Dees at (229) 430-3508 or [email protected].

Special Photo: Albany TechSpecial Photo: Albany Tech