Grant will Help Healthcare Professionals Advance Their Careers

The state has awarded a $314,000 grant to William Paterson University to help fund training programs for workers in the healthcare industry.

State and university officials announced the distribution of the grant Tuesday afternoon.

The university will use the grant to help train 375 nursing assistants, medical assistants, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals who want to upgrade their skills and earn certifications to advance their careers.

“In so many professions things change so rapidly, even every five years, it is important to stay current and keep one’s skills updated,” said Bernadette Tiernan, executive director of the Center for Continuing and Professional Education at William Paterson. “In a down economy everything changes so rapidly. People need to be on top of their game.”

The grant will help fund classes in business communications, food safety, and occupational health hygiene.

“We want to see money put into a program where we will see results come back out of it,” said Assemblyman Scott Rumana. “One place where we are assured of that happening is here. We know the dedication of the staff and the students.”

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