2020 Annual Report

Gadsden State DMS program receives accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs notified Gadsden State Community College in March that the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program as well as its vascular concentration had been awarded initial accreditation. Gadsden State is the only college in Alabama that offers a comprehensive DMS program that covers abdomen, OB/GYN and vascular in one associate degree program. 

The DMS program, directed by Rebecca Southern, accepted its first cohort of students in Fall 2018. Fifteen students graduated from the program in December 2019 with 93 percent of them accepting jobs as sonographers. 

“I’m very proud of the DMS team for earning its accreditation, which is no simple task,” said Dr. Deborah Curry, dean of health sciences. “It took a lot of commitment, drive, knowledge and expertise from the DMS faculty. The accreditation is a testament to the top-notch education we provide students pursuing a career in sonography.” 

In a letter to Dr. Martha Lavender, president of Gadsden State, CAAHEP stated that it “recognizes the program’s substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards” after a peer review was conducted by the Joint Review Committee on Education in DMS and the organization’s board of directors. The Gadsden State DMS program will participate in another evaluation no later than 2025.

JSU, GSCC partner to support ultrasound techs

Jacksonville State University and Gadsden State Community College teamed up to support the education and training of sonographers, or ultrasound technicians. The two institutions signed a new articulation agreement in December that will allow Gadsden State alumni who have earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography to seamlessly transfer into JSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Studies program to earn an advanced degree, making them eligible for additional professional positions. 

“Gadsden State thoroughly prepares students for a career in diagnostic medical sonography,” said Dr. Deborah Curry, dean of health sciences at Gadsden State. “Following our program, Gadsden State students gain direct entry into the workforce or they can transfer to JSU. Earning the additional credential at JSU gives students an opportunity to take on leadership or management roles in the health care industry. Traditionally, we have a good partnership with JSU so that our students can seamlessly continue their education and earn a baccalaureate degree.” 

Gadsden State’s DMS program provides students with the knowledge and training needed to succeed in the sonography industry, including abdomen, small parts, obstetrics-gynecology and vascular sonography. 

JSU’s Integrated Studies program allows students to design and personalize their academic paths based on interests and professional goals not available through traditional majors. 

Through this new partnership, GSCC alumni may be awarded up to 21 hours of technical credit for their DMS courses, to be applied as integrated studies electives at JSU. Eligible students may transfer a total of 60 credit hours from Gadsden State, including general education courses and electives. Students then work with the INS advisor to design a degree program to provide a pathway to help them achieve their professional goals. 

“Often, experienced sonographers have the opportunity to move into sales, educational and leadership positions,” said Dr. Staci Stone, dean of JSU’s School of Arts and Humanities. “These positions usually require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification. The INS program provides this credential while allowing students to take health, science, marketing, leadership and/or education courses. Students tailor the major to their needs and aspirations.”