Division of Health Sciences
Dental Assistant Program
The Dental Assistant program is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge and clinical experience to provide direct care of patients under the supervision of a dentist.
Dental Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. They work chairside as dentists examine and treat patients. Their roles include making patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, preparing them for treatment and obtaining their dental records. Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures and instruct patients on post-operative and general oral health care.
Dental Assistants may be responsible for preparing materials for impressions and restorations, removing sutures, applying topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, removing excess cement used in the filling process, and placing rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment.
Dental Assistants assist with office duties that include scheduling and confirming appointments, receiving patients, keeping treatment records, sending bills and receiving payments, and ordering dental supplies and materials. Upon successful completion of the Gadsden State program, graduates will be prepared to function as Dental Assistants in dental offices, hospitals and clinics.
The Dental Assistant program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements for dental assisting. Gadsden State Community College has not determined if the Dental Assistant program at Gadsden State meets the state education requirements in any other state, U.S. Territory or the District of Columbia.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Students accepted into the DMS program will spend four semesters (in addition to their required general education courses) learning the skills, patient care, professionalism, and didactic knowledge required to earn a successful career in the field of sonography. The DMS curriculum is a comprehensive program covering Abdomen, Small Parts, Ob-Gyn, and Vascular ultrasound. Sonographers are employed by hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices. The DMS Program is accredited by CAAHEP, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in accordance with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), in General and Vascular; 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043, Phone 443.973.3251, Fax 866.738.3444, Website: www.jrcdms.org; www.caahep.org.
The curriculum is carefully designed to provide students with the well-rounded knowledge and training needed to thrive in the Sonography industry. Students completing the DMS program will receive the Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students will be academically prepared and eligible to sit for registry exams with ARRT, ARDMS and CCI. The student will have obtained the necessary knowledge for credentialing in the modalities of Abdomen, OB or Vascular. Passing these credentials can greatly increase a student’s job and income potential and ensure professional status as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Detailed program information is available on the DMS webpage.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements for DMS certification in the State of Alabama. Gadsden State Community College has not determined if the DMS program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Emergency Medical Services Program
The College offers three related programs in this career area leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and three institutional program certificates in EMT, Advanced EMT and Paramedic.
The Emergency Medical Services Program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), 9355-113th St. N. #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; telephone: 727.210.2350; fax: 727.210.2354; website; www.caahep.org by recommendation from the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Profession of Allied Health Programs (CoAEMSP), 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Rowlett, TX 75088; telephone: 214.703.8445; website: www.coaemsp.org and by the State of Alabama Department of Public Health Office of EMS, 208 Legends Court, Prattville, AL 36066; telephone: 334.290.3088; website: www.adph.org. For information about the program, individuals may visit the EMS webpage or contact the Director at 256.549.8654, or e-mail jhollingsworth@gadsdenstate.edu.
The Emergency Medical Services program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements for EMS certification in the State of Alabama. Gadsden State Community College has not determined if the EMS program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Healthcare Linkage Programs
The Division of Health Sciences has articulation agreements with Jefferson State Community College and Wallace State Community College—Hanceville for various healthcare programs not offered at GSCC. Further information can be obtained by calling 256.549.8257.
Medical Laboratory Technology Program
Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) perform tests that analyze a variety of clinical specimens that include blood, tissues, urine, and other body fluids. They use complex instruments, specialized techniques, and scientific knowledge to provide critical information for diagnosis, treatment, and preventative health care. MLTs perform routine laboratory tests, perform and evaluate quality control tests, perform calibration and preventative maintenance of laboratory instruments and report test results. In addition, MLTs work with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, by providing appropriate information to establish modern, cost-effective diagnostic test profiles. Medical laboratory personnel are part of the healthcare team and must communicate effectively with patients, other healthcare professionals, and the public.
This program, which is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018; phone 773.714.8880; fax 773.714.8886; website: www.naacls.org), entails a five-semester/term curriculum leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT). Graduates of this program are eligible to write the registry examination offered for certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or by the American Medical Technologist (AMT). After passing the examination, graduates are certified as registered Medical Laboratory Technicians. This certification ensures professional status. For information regarding the Medical Laboratory Technology Program, individuals should visit the MLT Program webpage or call 256.549.8470.
The Medical Laboratory Technology program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements for MLT certification in the State of Alabama. Gadsden State Community College has not determined if the MLT program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
A Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) is educated and skilled in specimen collection, transport and processing of patient blood, urine and other body fluids for analysis. MLAs are knowledgeable of the pre-analytical factors which compromise the accuracy of patent test results. MLAs perform rapid, waived laboratory testing, and basic analyzer maintenance procedures. They are capable of preparation, performance, interpretation, and troubleshooting techniques necessary for quality control analysis. Though not required, employers prefer MLAs with a certification credential which demonstrates knowledge attainment and a commitment to quality patient care.
Upon successful completion of the MLA program, individuals are eligible to sit for the American Medical Technologist (AMT) national certification examination. After passing the exam, graduates are a Certified Medical Lab Assistant (CMLA).
The Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements for medical laboratory assistant certification in the state of Alabama. Gadsden State Community College has not determined if the MLA program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory or the District of Columbia.
Practical Nursing Program
The Nursing Education Program is a concept-based curriculum which is a stackable credential that can be completed in five semesters. If the student wishes to complete the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate only, the student must successfully complete NUR 112, 113, 114 and 115. These classes can be taken in three semesters. Once NUR 114 and NUR 115 are completed, the student may sit for the NCLEX PN exam. If the student wishes to complete the Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.), they may continue and complete the last two semesters. Should the student drop out of sequence upon completing the LPN component, the student has one year in which to reapply to complete the A.D.N. Summer admission for the nursing program will be at the Cherokee Campus for day and night classes. Fall admission will be at the Wallace Drive Campus for day classes.
Gadsden State's Practical Nursing Program, which is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing (RSA Plaza St 250, 770 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104; telephone 1.800.656.5318; website: www.abn.alabama.gov), and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326; telephone: 404.975.5000; fax 404.975.5020; website www.acenursing.org) is a certificate program that prepares students in the theoretical and clinical practice of basic bedside nursing.
Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After passing the examination, graduates will carry the title "Licensed Practical Nurse." Advisors are available in Helderman Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus and can be contacted at 256.549.8257 or nursing@gadsdenstate.edu. Group advising sessions are available. Please visit the website for specific date and times. Applicants are admitted without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, age, or religious preference. For more information visit the Practical Nursing Program webpage.
The Practical Nursing program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements for PN licensure in the State of Alabama. Gadsden State Community College has not determined if the PN program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Registered Nursing Program
The Registered Nursing Program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing (RSA Plaza St 250, 770 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104; telephone 1.800.656.5318; website: www.abn.alabama.gov) and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326; telephone: 404.975.5000; fax: 404.975.5020); website: www.acenursing.org to offer the A.A.S. degree in nursing. This career-entry program, to which qualified applicants are admitted without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, age, or religious preference, is a five-semester/term sequence of laboratory and classroom education and clinical experiences. Successful completion of this program prepares graduates to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure and practice as Registered Nurses. Group advising sessions are available. Please visit the website for specific date and times. For more information, visit the Registered Nursing Program webpage.
The Registered Nursing program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements for PN licensure in the State of Alabama. Gadsden State Community College has not determined if the RN program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Radiography Program
Radiologic Technologists (Radiographers) operate equipment using x-radiation to produce digital images of internal organs, bones and tissues. They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images to either diagnose or rule out disease or injury.
Radiographers utilize problem-solving and critical thinking skills to produce quality diagnostic images while keeping radiation exposure to patients at a minimum. Professional competence requires radiographers to apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning, radiographic technique, as well as radiation biology and protection in the performance of their responsibilities. Being an integral part of the healthcare team, they must also be able to communicate effectively with patients, other healthcare professionals and the public.
The Program is five semesters in length and culminates in an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiography. Graduates are eligible to challenge the national certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Passing this examination carries with it the privilege of using the title “Registered Technologist” and the abbreviation R.T.(R) (ARRT). The Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (20 N. Wacker St. Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606; 312-704-5300; www.jrcert.org).
For more information, visit the Radiography Program webpage or call 256-549-8217.
The Radiography program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements for RT certification in the State of Alabama. Gadsden State Community College has not determined if the RT program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Surgical Technology Program
The Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare competent entry-level graduates for employment as members of the surgical team in any surgical facility setting. Program instruction includes cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. Students may obtain their certification as a Surgical Technologist after successful completion of this program and upon passing the national certification examination. Students will relate theoretical knowledge to the care of patients undergoing surgery and will develop skills necessary to prepare supplies, equipment, and instruments; maintain aseptic conditions; and assist surgeons with surgical procedures. Employment opportunities may be attained in labor/delivery departments, inpatient/outpatient surgery centers, hospital surgery departments, physicians' offices, and central supply departments.
The Surgical Technology program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements for ST certification in the State of Alabama. Gadsden State Community College has not determined if the ST program at Gadsden State Community College meets the state education requirements in any other state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.