The FDTC CDS for New Healthcare Equipment will ensure that FDTC can meet the regional workforce demand for certified healthcare workers who are trained on the equipment used in the regional facilities - Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) is requesting $1 million to acquire state-of-the art medical equipment. The Health Sciences College at FDTC is a critical component of health care and workforce development for the Pee Dee Region. FDTC is the only public college in its three-county service area where students can obtain an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and then obtain their Registered Nursing (RN) credential. About 80% of practicing nurses in the Pee Dee are RNs. FDTC is the only college that supports the local hospitals and health care centers by preparing Surgical Technologists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Radiology Technologists, Respiratory Therapists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Assistants. The three closest public two-year colleges, other than FDTC, where one can receive credentials in Allied Health include Central Carolina Technical College (~50 miles away), Horry Georgetown Technical College (~80 miles away), and Northeastern Technical College (~40 miles away). The goal is to enhance and strengthen the Nursing and Allied Health programs at FDTC by improving student success, increasing licensure and certification pass rates, and better preparing graduates to meet regional workforce demands. Objective 1: Promote Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Invest in industry-standard medical equipment to ensure a safe, high-quality learning environment while aligning instructional practices with current healthcare regulations and professional standards. Objective 2: Foster Skills Development: Acquire medical equipment that supports comprehensive skill development, enabling students to practice, refine, and demonstrate clinical competencies across a range of healthcare scenarios and specialties. Objective 3: Strengthen Student Outcomes: Implement evidence-based instructional strategies and support resources to improve student retention, enhance clinical competency, and increase licensure and certification pass rates. Objective 4: Provide employment-ready healthcare professionals: align training with current industry standards, increase clinical placement opportunities, and improve employment outcomes for Nursing and Allied Health graduates. A variety of equipment will be purchased that is essential for strengthening FDTC’s Nursing and Allied Health programs to ensure students are prepared to meet the evolving technological and clinical demands. By integrating industry-standard equipment, expanding simulation-based learning, and aligning training with current healthcare practices, the College will equip graduates with the competencies needed to transition effectively into healthcare settings and meet the needs of employers. This region is served by multiple healthcare systems and employs more than 13,500 individuals. As a regional medical hub, Florence County provides critical access to healthcare services for residents across the Pee Dee. According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and regional labor market data, demand for Allied Health professionals is expected to grow significantly—approximately 13 percent through 2032, exceeding national averages. While regional projections for registered nursing indicate more modest growth, the need for highly skilled, practice-ready healthcare professionals remains strong. The strengthening of the Nursing and Allied Health programs at Florence-Darlington Technical College are driven by the intersection of three critical factors: regional healthcare need, workforce demand, and rapidly evolving healthcare technology. There is a continued need for highly trained healthcare professionals across the Pee Dee, along with strong demand from healthcare providers in Florence and surrounding rural communities. As healthcare delivery becomes increasingly technology-driven, it is essential that educational programs align with current clinical practices and equip students with the skills needed to succeed in modern healthcare environments.
