The Michigan Coalition for Accelerated Healthcare Pathways (MCAHP) is leading efforts to increase the capacity and responsiveness of Michigan community colleges in providing a pipeline of skilled workers, and upskilling those already in healthcare, to address the needs of employers.

By investing in the workforce, this program will:

Identify gaps in existing education/training programs, systems and infrastructure.
Increase and improve employer engagement.
Enhance career pathway programs and accelerated learning strategies.
Strategically align with and create innovative system changes in Workforce Development.
Bridge high school/career tech programming to post-secondary institutions

Health occupations are in high demand

The demand for workers in health careers is the fastest growing industry sector in the State of Michigan, especially in Allied Health. Allied health professionals are involved with the delivery of health or related services such as the identification, evaluation, and prevention of diseases and disorders, dietary and nutrition services, rehabilitation and health systems management, among others. It is predicted that the demand for healthcare workers will grow nearly twice as fast as the national economy. The need is so great and varies among careers.

Through the Michigan Coalition for Accelerated Healthcare Pathways (MCAHP), strategic thinking is being put into creating vital education and training to meet the varied demand. Led by Grand Rapids Community College, the coalition is addressing barriers and building capacity to deliver online, hybrid training, and apprenticeships to those interested in entering the field of Allied Health.

What GRCC offers

GRCC has a long history of providing exceptional education opportunities in the professions of Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Occupational Therapy, and Dental Technician Assisting and Hygiene. In recent years, GRCC has expanded its offerings to include more Allied Health programs.

These programs include:

What's happening now

New programs have been, and continue to be, developed through the MCAHP Strengthening Community College program. Most recent programs include:

Cardiovascular Tech Apprenticeship, 2023
Anesthesia Technologist, 2023
Continuing education offerings in healthcare

What is the best way to get involved?

MCAHP needs you – Healthcare and long-term care employers

If you would like to connect to programs, students, training, or have input into the development of future programs, please contact Lorena Aguayo-Márquez, SCC Program Manager, at lmarquez@grcc.edu.

Partners

Workforce System Partners

Capital Area Michigan Works!
Oakland County Michigan Works!
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium
West Michigan Works!

Education Partners

Alpena Community College
Grand Rapids Community College
Lansing Community College
Muskegon Community College
Oakland Community College
Michigan Community College Association
Kent Intermediate School District

Questions?

Summer Madrid
Email: summermadrid@grcc.edu
Phone: (616) 234-3154

Lorena Aguayo-Marquez
Email: lmarquez@grcc.edu
Phone: (616) 234-2542

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor(DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA). The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DOL/ETA. DOL/ETA makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

Strengthening Community Colleges