Capital Community College is the recipient of a $75,000 grant from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) to enhance its radiologic technology laboratory at the Main Street campus.

CHEFA, a quasi-governmental agency that provides funds to improve the health and education of Connecticut residents, announced recipients of $1 million in grants on Wednesday, February 27th at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.  State Treasurer Shawn Wooden and State Senator Will Haskell, co-chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, joined CHEFA officials in a ceremony with representatives of  colleges, Workforce Development board and organizations receiving grants this year.

Capital CEO Duncan Harris thanked CHEFA for investing in CCC’s Health Professions program and for making the College a partner in the agency’s support of programs that “help drive economic and employment growth in the state.”

The grant will be used to acquire a fully equipped core radiographic room that will simulate the x-ray and radiographic labs in hospitals and clinical settings. Harris said current rad tech facility  relies on aging equipment that was donated by the University of Hartford in 2010. “A state of the art radiologic technology lab will give students the  experience and practice with equipment and technology they will be expected to use in their clinical placements and in entry-level positions after graduation.”

Radiologic technology is a major component of associate degree and certificate granting programs in the health professions (nursing, medical assisting, paramedic) at Capital with high rates of completion and career employment of its students. The College is a key educator and partner for central Connecticut’s hospitals and health care facilities. The nationally accredited radiological technology associate degree program is a 21-month program that includes five clinical radiology courses. Demand for

Capital CEO Duncan Harris accepting grant award from CHEFA officials at the Legislative Office Building February 27th. From left: CHEFA Board Chair Peter Lisi, Dr. Harris, CHEFA Executive Director Jeanette W. Weldon and CHEFA Grants Program Manager Betty Sugerman Weintraub

entry-level radiological technologists is estimated to remain above average through 2026, according to occupational outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the State of Connecticut. Professor Paul Creech, Esq. is the coordinator of the program .

Capital was one of five institutions of higher education to receive grants that support STEM education and careers. Others include Naugatuck Valley Community College, Central Connecticut State University State, Sacred Heart University and the University of Saint Joseph.

Established in 2002, the CHEFA Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential health, educational, cultural, and childcare services to the residents of Connecticut. More than $30 million has been distributed to Connecticut nonprofit organizations. CHEFA is the authority that manages tax-exempt bond financing and child car loan programs.