Myrtle Beach, SC, February 15, 2026
News Summary
Horry-Georgetown Technical College has secured a $2 million federal investment aimed at expanding its imaging sciences programs. This funding addresses the growing healthcare workforce shortages in South Carolina by enhancing educational opportunities for students. Sponsored by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, the investment will allow HGTC to acquire advanced medical imaging equipment, expand training capacity, and refine facilities and technology for students. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the state’s healthcare system and economic growth by preparing skilled professionals to meet local demand.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) has recently secured a substantial $2 million federal investment, marking a significant step forward in addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages across South Carolina. This funding is specifically earmarked to expand HGTC’s high-demand imaging sciences programs, promising enhanced educational opportunities for students and a vital boost to the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
The college’s proactive approach in securing this investment underscores its commitment to academic excellence, practical training, and direct community impact, aligning seamlessly with the broader goals of strengthening South Carolina’s educational and economic ecosystem. This federal support arrives at a crucial time, as the demand for skilled professionals in imaging sciences continues to grow within the healthcare sector.
HGTC’s initiative not only expands its capacity to train more students but also reinforces the institution’s role as a cornerstone of technical education in the Myrtle Beach area. By investing in specialized equipment and increasing student enrollment in these essential fields, HGTC demonstrates a disciplined focus on meeting tangible workforce needs, fostering personal responsibility among its graduates, and cultivating leadership through highly trained professionals ready to serve their communities.
Strategic Investment in Healthcare Education
The $2 million federal funding for Horry-Georgetown Technical College was championed by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. This investment is dedicated to expanding the college’s high-demand imaging sciences programs, a move that directly tackles a significant workforce shortage in the healthcare field across South Carolina. The funds are intended to support the acquisition of advanced medical imaging equipment and expand training capacity.
Addressing South Carolina’s Workforce Shortage
South Carolina, like many other regions, is experiencing a critical shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, particularly in specialized areas such as imaging sciences. HGTC’s expansion aims to directly mitigate this challenge by increasing the pipeline of qualified technicians and specialists entering the workforce. Data indicates that a substantial majority, over 90%, of HGTC healthcare graduates choose to remain in-state, ensuring that this investment will quickly translate into improved patient care and stronger healthcare systems throughout South Carolina.
Enhanced Programs and Training Capacity
The federal investment will benefit several key imaging sciences programs at HGTC. These include Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and EKG programs. The funding will support the purchase of state-of-the-art imaging sciences equipment, providing students with advanced training tools that align with current clinical standards. For instance, the expansion will allow HGTC to increase enrollment in its Radiologic Technology program from 25 to 30 students per cohort.
Advanced Equipment and Facilities
Beyond increasing student capacity, the funding will facilitate the acquisition of new imaging equipment and the implementation of high-fidelity simulation labs. This ensures students gain hands-on experience with the same technology they will encounter in professional healthcare settings. Additionally, the initiative supports renovations and reconfiguration of classrooms and laboratories, along with the integration of modern instructional technologies, to create an optimal learning environment.
Impact on the State’s Economic Ecosystem
Technical colleges play a vital role in South Carolina’s economic health, providing essential workforce training that meets industry demands. A study by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business highlighted that the state’s 16 technical colleges collectively generate an approximate $6.4 billion in annual economic impact statewide. These institutions support over 38,000 jobs annually and contribute $2 billion in labor income. The expansion of HGTC’s imaging sciences programs contributes directly to this impact by supplying a highly skilled workforce crucial for the sustained growth and effectiveness of South Carolina’s healthcare sector.
The federal funding received by Horry-Georgetown Technical College represents a significant commitment to strengthening the future of healthcare in the Myrtle Beach area and across South Carolina. By focusing on academic discipline, hands-on training, and direct workforce solutions, HGTC continues to empower students with the skills needed to make immediate and lasting contributions to their communities. Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse range of programs offered at HGTC and stay informed about how local colleges are shaping the future of South Carolina’s economy and public well-being.
Keywords: Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, HGTC imaging sciences, SC workforce development.
Key Program Expansion Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | $2 Million Federal Investment |
| Championed By | U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham |
| Primary Goal | Expand imaging sciences programs and address workforce shortage in South Carolina |
| Benefiting Programs | Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, EKG programs |
| Equipment Upgrade | State-of-the-art medical imaging equipment and high-fidelity simulation labs |
| Radiologic Technology Enrollment Increase | From 25 to 30 students per cohort |
| Graduate In-State Retention | Over 90% of healthcare graduates remain in-state |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recent federal investment received by Horry-Georgetown Technical College?
Horry-Georgetown Technical College has secured a $2 million federal investment.
What is the purpose of this federal funding for HGTC?
The funding is earmarked to expand HGTC’s high-demand imaging sciences programs, addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages across South Carolina.
Which U.S. Senator championed this investment for HGTC?
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham championed this federal investment for Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
What specific programs at HGTC will benefit from this funding?
The funding will benefit high-demand imaging sciences programs, including Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and EKG programs.
How will this investment impact student training at HGTC?
This investment will provide advanced medical imaging equipment, support renovations of classrooms and labs, and implement high-fidelity simulation labs, ensuring students train on state-of-the-art technology.
How does this funding help address South Carolina’s healthcare workforce shortage?
By expanding programs and increasing student capacity, HGTC will train more qualified professionals in imaging sciences, with over 90% of healthcare graduates typically remaining in-state to fill critical roles.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
