This award provides funding to Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) to establish its new Cardiovascular Technology Program (CVT). The program will prepare graduates to become invasive cardiovascular specialists or non-invasive cardiac sonographers to address critical healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in cardiovascular care. The CVT will operate in a Vascular Surgical Services (VSS) Laboratory that will incorporate advanced medical simulation technology and industry-standard diagnostic equipment to meet accreditation requirements and support competency-based instruction. FTCC expects to enroll the first cohort of 25 students in Fall 2026, growing to 40 within 3 years. By the 2028-29 year, FTCC expects 32 students will complete the program annually. Ninety percent of graduates are expected to obtain an industry-recognized credential. Golden LEAF funds will be used for the construction and renovation costs related to the new VSS lab.
