NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College is receiving more than $5 million in federal funding to double the size of its radiography program and introduce advanced technical certificates in computed tomography and mammography.
PHSC earned the grant through its participation in FORGE, the Florida Oncology and Radiopharmaceutical Growth Engine.
PHSC’s IMPACT (Imaging Modality Pathways for Advanced Clinical Technologists) project will expand access to medical imaging education and prepare students for careers with Tampa Bay healthcare providers.
“As healthcare grows in our region, we want local residents to have a direct path to the careers that this growth creates,” said Eric Hall, president of Pasco-Hernando State College. “Through IMPACT, we will prepare more students to enter the imaging field and give working professionals new opportunities to advance their skills in CT and mammography. For PHSC, this is about helping our students build their futures here and ensuring our healthcare partners have the skilled professionals they need to care for our community.”
By implementing IMPACT, PHSC plans to support faculty, acquire instructional equipment, develop curriculum and expand clinical training partnerships.
The college said this expansion aligns with the growth occurring at Speros, Moffitt Cancer Center’s campus in Pasco County and a driving force behind FORGE. PHSC will help prepare the imaging workforce needed to support this growth while also serving other healthcare providers throughout the region.
The new certificates will also give imaging professionals opportunities to pursue specialized training in CT and mammography while remaining close to home.
“PHSC is building a healthcare workforce engine for our region,” said Prashanth Pilly, PHSC provost and chief academic officer. “With the FORGE grant and our healthcare partners, we will train more imaging professionals for high-wage careers and help local employers meet the growing demand for patient care.”
