INA, Ill (August 23, 2024)—With the assistance of the PATH Grant, Emily Crews, a 2024 RLC Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program graduate, has been able to make a major, successful step in the medical field and in her nursing goals.
Crews pictured with nursing instructor Sarah Hopfinger at the 2024 LPN pinning ceremony
During her high school years, she diligently worked toward becoming a Veterinary Technician. However, before graduating high school Crews decide to follow in her grandfather's footsteps by joining the army. After being medically discharged, Crews viewed this as "a blessing in disguise."
Within a week of returning home, Crews registered for the Basic Nursing Assistant class, embarking on a new journey in the medical field. While working part-time as a phlebotomist at Franklin Hospital, she focused as much as possible on her nursing school studies. Crews struggled to pay bills and afford gas for commuting to classes and clinicals, frequently relying on her family's generosity for school supplies and other necessities.
During the 2023-2024 academic year, she applied for student loans to ensure enrollment in her program. However, Crews received the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Health Care Workforce Program (PATH) project grant.
The PATH grant, funded through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), supports and expands opportunities for individuals in nursing and select healthcare pathways to obtain credentials and degrees that enable them to enter or advance their careers in the healthcare industry. This grant aims to address worker shortages in the healthcare field that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the PATH grant can cover tuition, fees, books, course materials, gas cards, exam fees, and tutoring.
Without the PATH grant, Emily Crews says she would have faced greater financial strain from having to take out an additional private student loan, as she does not qualify for financial aid.
Crews, a recent graduate of the RLC Practical Nursing program, joined the Franklin Hospital's Med-Surg floor. Seeking further advancement, she now plans to enroll in RLC's Associate Degree Nursing program, with the goal of becoming a fully certified flight nurse.
"Healthcare is a very rewarding field," says Crews. "Everyone plays an important part in caring for their community."
For more information on the PATH grant, potential students can learn more by visiting: www.rlc.edu/path.
For more information about the program, contact Dr. Susan Wiley at wileys@rlc.edu or call (618) 437-5321, ext. 1763