DOTHAN, Ala. — Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) has been awarded more than $2.7 million from the Alabama Community College System as part of the Alabama Centers for Rural Healthcare Opportunity initiative.
The grant will fund “Neighbors in Health: Rural Healthcare Training Close to Home,” a program aimed at growing the rural healthcare workforce, expanding training opportunities in southeast Alabama, and supporting students from rural communities pursuing healthcare careers.
“This funding represents a transformative opportunity for our region,” said Dr. Kathy L. Murphy, WCCD President. “Neighbors in Health will allow us to grow our own healthcare professionals right here at home, while ensuring rural communities receive the care and attention they deserve.”
The program is a partnership between WCCD, area healthcare providers, high schools, clinical facilities, local governments, and regional workforce groups — all focused on the goal to “train close to home, serve close to home.”
“Our vision is to help students see themselves as part of the solution for their community,” Dr. Murphy added. “When students from small towns are given access to high-quality training and clinical experiences nearby, they are far more likely to stay, work, and invest in those same communities.”
Students in the Neighbors in Health program will progress from early career exploration to completion of degree and certificate programs in Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and Surgical Technology.
In partnership with Medical Center Barbour in Eufaula, students will gain hands-on experience through shadowing, facility tours, and clinical practicums at rural hospitals and clinics.
“Medical Center Barbour and other rural healthcare facilities are vital partners in this effort,” said Dr. Murphy. “They help us ensure that learning is not limited to the classroom—it’s connected to the real needs of our rural hospitals, clinics, and patients.”
WCCD will also expand short certificate offerings at both its Sparks Campus in Eufaula and the Wallace Campus in Dothan, including programs for Emergency Medical Services, EKG Technician, Medical Lab Assistant, and Health Sciences.
A new Associate in Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology will be introduced as a stand-alone program with stackable credentials, allowing students to earn short-term certificates as they advance.
Through dual enrollment, high school students across Barbour, Bullock, Dale, and Henry counties will be able to take pre-healthcare courses, with some earning certificates before graduation.
“This initiative gives high school students a head start on healthcare careers that can change their lives and strengthen our region,” said Dr. Murphy. “By creating pathways that begin in high school and extend through college completion, we’re building a true pipeline for rural healthcare excellence.”
Dr. Murphy said the program’s success depends on collaboration across the community. “This is what community looks like—educators, healthcare professionals, and local leaders working hand-in-hand to meet the needs of our people,” she said. “Together, we are proving that rural does not mean limited. It means opportunity, innovation, and pride in serving our neighbors.”
