A strength of CTE programs, such as MLT, is the flexibility for students to enter the workforce, continue their education, or both. “After successful completion of the program, students may also further their education from our two-year MLT program to a four-year program using online curriculum, often which may be partially or completely paid for by an employer. The MLT program is helping alleviate current staffing shortages in our health care system and promotes future education endeavors for laboratory professions," said Health Sciences Specialist Julie Dehart. The Department of Education reported that eight years after their expected graduation date, students who focused on CTE courses had higher median annual earnings than students who did not. According to the National Skills Coalition, two-thirds of jobs in the U.S. economy are middle- skill jobs that require education beyond high school but not a four-year college degree. Many of these jobs are in CTE fields such as health care, advanced manu- facturing, and IT, which are among the fastest growing occupations. "The CTE programs are the backbone of the system to fill job vacancies and place graduates in good,
high-paying jobs. Most graduates have little issue finding employment and it's fair to say the FCC CTE programs are the beginning of what could be a reward- ing and in-demand career for many students," said Automotive Technology Lead Instructor Rodney Maxey. Additionally, FCC's CTE programs provide a diverse range of skills to help them continue their success following graduation. "FCC's CTE instructors have years of experience in their respective fields and teach their students what it takes to be successful in those industries. Through their teaching and their time in the well-equipped labs, the students get the hands-on experience but also gain skills in the classroom such as how to effectively communicate with customers, patients, employers, etc.," said FCC Academic Advisor Kara Blanton. CTE programs at Illinois community colleges offer a cost- effective way for individuals to pursue their career goals by costing a fraction of the tuition at four- year institutions, making it a more accessible option for many students.
ABOVE: A first-year Medical Lab Technician student during one of the last lab days of the semester.
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