INA, Ill. (Nov. 16, 2023)— Rend Lake College Allied Health students can now access a cutting-edge electronic atlas that provides comprehensive 3D and cross-sectional views. This invaluable resource has been made possible thanks to the ongoing support of the PATH Grant.
"We are thrilled that this grant provides us with the opportunity to purchase tools that will enhance our Allied Health programs," said Kim Wilkerson, RLC Associate Vice President of Career Technical Education and Student Support.
The VH Dissector Table is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that provides step-by-step dissection instructions, high-resolution photographs of each bone with labeled landmarks for students to study anatomy, and interactive clinical rotations. The 3D display of the human body provides real anatomical reference for students to better understand key concepts for surgical procedures, MRI, CT, and Ultrasound clinical imagining.
This equipment is already being utilized in the classroom. RLC Professor of Biology and Anatomy & Physiology Caroline Ragan said, “Technology already touches every aspect of our lives, and with the recent developments in artificial intelligence there will be even more applications, especially in healthcare. Having access to tools like the virtual dissection system in the classroom and online is important for rural students because it not only enhances learning and provides experience with technology, it also evens the playing field as they enter the job market.”
RLC is committed to preparing its students for their future. One way the college delivers on that promise is including modern technology to aid training whenever possible. Those interested in touring Allied Health programs and seeing the training facilities can sign up at rlc.edu/tours.
Rend Lake College was awarded a $516,169 state grant through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH). The grant will provide funding to remove barriers for students in specific programs, help fund a CTE Recruiter, and support success coaching for Allied Health students at RLC. In addition to providing support services, RLC plans to use the grant funds to host a pre-apprenticeship program in summer 2024 related to healthcare careers and numerous community outreach events throughout its college district. The grant also includes tuition assistance for CNA, EMT-Basic and the Nursing 1212 course.