Rep. Ted Budd Introduces Bill to Strengthen Health & Biotech Workforce

Press Release

Today, Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Critical Health Careers Act. The bill addresses the national shortage of health and biotechnology workers by focusing an existing federal grant program to help students achieve success in high-demand, high-paying careers.

Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary of Education to prioritize Innovation and Modernization program grant applications that focus on developing and credentialing students in health and biotechnology careers. 

Careers of focus include nurses, nursing assistants, physical and occupational therapy assistants, physician assistants, clinical laboratory technicians, clinical research associates, pharmacy technicians, psychiatric technicians, paramedics, ultrasound, and MRI technicians, and dental hygienists and assistants.

Many of these careers do not require a four-year degree while simultaneously delivering high-paying salaries.

Rep. Budd said in a statement:

"My Critical Health Careers Act will tailor an existing federal grant program to address a critical national need. As the pandemic made clear, our country desperately needs more health and biotech workers. This shortage is felt most severely in rural and underserved areas already struggling to access care. We can address this crisis and bolster North Carolina's impressive health and biotech institutions at the same time, and that's what my bill will do."

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