Rep. Andy Barr
A $1.57 million federal grant awarded to the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) in Lexington, Ky., will be used to increase the number of students participating in the college’s nursing program from 130 to 190, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) said on Tuesday.
“Right here in the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Hospital Association estimates that over 22 percent of nursing positions in the state remain vacant,” said Rep. Barr, who secured the federal funds during the latest appropriations process. “BCTC is stepping up to the plate to help fill these voids with qualified, well-trained, and skilled professionals.”
Additionally, the congressman announced that the grant award will provide resources to double the number of credentialed biotechnologists graduating from BCTC and will be used to buy improved training supplies across both programs.
“The nursing and BioTech programs at BCTC are key in addressing our nationwide shortages in both of these critical professions,” Rep. Barr added.
Dr. Koffi Akakpo, president of BCTC, said the college is “immensely grateful” to Rep. Barr for his efforts, which will ensure that students, particularly nursing students, in the region receive a high-quality education.
“Our campus will serve as a beacon of nursing education excellence, and we’re honored that our congressman recognizes that,” said Akakpo.
College officials said the funds specifically will help pay for a nursing simulation lab and state-of-the-art equipment, including mannequins for student trainings. BCTC also said the grant will help double the number of biotechnologists at the college’s Winchester campus.