Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH)

PATH logo

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the PATH grant is providing limited financial support to a selected number of Health Careers programs.

The Health Careers programs eligible for financial support in Fall 2025 are listed below. Starting July 8, 2025, the students enrolled in these programs will be contacted by email by the PATH team to complete the PATH application and discuss their needs and the available PATH support.

  • Basic Nurse Assistant Training
  • Emergency Medical Technician (Basic and Paramedic)
  • Medical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy
  • Sterile Processing Technician
Whether you are enrolled in one of the above-named programs or a different Health Careers program, we encourage you to apply for other financial aid opportunities available. Please visit our Paying for College page for more opportunities.

 

Who PATH Supports

The Illinois Community College Board awarded Oakton with the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce grant (PATH) to expand opportunities for students to enter and/or advance their careers in the healthcare industry.

The project focuses on three populations: 

  • Incumbent workers who are already in the workforce and looking to continue their education and advance their careers in the nursing or healthcare pathway in Illinois.
  • New, entering students on a nursing or healthcare pathway with an identified need for support.
  • Low-income, first-generation, and minority students as a subset of both of the aforementioned target population categories.

What PATH Provides

PATH may provide support with tuition and fees, course materials, and other personal expenses according to students' needs and funds availability.

Health Careers students have access to comprehensive support to help them achieve their educational goals. Students are connected to a wide range of resources both on and off campus. This includes:

  • Mentoring
  • Time management coaching
  • Guidance on navigating college policies and procedures
  • Assistance with FAFSA or other scholarship applications

 

  • Food or housing resources
  • Transportation assistance
  • Healthcare and childcare resources
  • Mental wellness resources

Contact a member of the PATH support team.

Do You Have Questions?

If you want more information or have questions, please use the form below and someone will be in touch.