Gadsden State Community College recently celebrated the achievements of its students in December through three distinct pinning ceremonies. These events honored graduates from various programs within the Skills Training Division and Health Sciences Division, recognizing their readiness to contribute significantly to the healthcare field. The ceremonies highlighted the college's dedication to preparing skilled professionals in diverse healthcare roles, including medication assistants, advanced nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). The graduates come from a wide range of communities, showcasing the college's regional impact. Special awards were also presented to commend exceptional academic performance and professional promise.
Skills Training Division: Celebrating New Healthcare Professionals
The Skills Training Division held its ceremony on December 17 at the Science Building on the East Broad Campus. This event celebrated the accomplishments of students who completed rigorous training in Advanced Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, and Medication Assistant programs. Graduates are now equipped with the skills necessary to provide essential healthcare services.
The Advanced Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy program completers underwent an intensive 11-week curriculum that prepared them for certification exams. Students from cities like Altoona, Attalla, Gadsden, Hokes Bluff, Munford, and Rainbow City successfully passed the Certified Nursing Assistant Examination, with some earning additional certifications as phlebotomy technicians. Meanwhile, the five-week Medication Assistant program trained students to administer medications in healthcare facilities. Graduates from Collinsville, Jacksonville, Piedmont, and Ragland are now eligible to sit for the Medication Aide Certification Examination. These new professionals bring valuable expertise to their respective communities, ready to enhance patient care and support healthcare teams.
Health Sciences Division: Preparing Future Nursing Leaders
The Health Sciences Division hosted two pinning ceremonies in December, celebrating the achievements of LPN and RN graduates. These events marked the culmination of intensive curricula and recognized the graduates' readiness to provide compassionate care in various settings. The ceremonies underscored the college's commitment to fostering skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals.
The LPN graduates were honored on December 18 at the Valley Street Campus. Representing communities such as Alexandria, Anniston, Ashville, Atlanta, Gadsden, Oxford, and Rainbow City, these students have completed a rigorous program and are now prepared to deliver high-quality care. Special awards were presented to acknowledge outstanding performance, including the Florence Nightingale Award to Riley Jones, Excellence in Academic Achievement to Allie Taylor, and Academic Achievement Awards to Lachantris Colton, Katherine Pearl, and Taylor Hood. The RN graduates were celebrated on December 16 at Gadsden State Cherokee. Coming from areas across Alabama and Georgia, including Anniston, Gadsden, Centre, Oxford, and Southside, these highly skilled professionals are set to enter the workforce. Top honors included the Florence Nightingale Award to Jhaylan Redwine, Excellence in Academic Achievement to Joshua McKenzie, and Academic Achievement Awards to Jessica Brumblow, Austin Burchfield, and Haley Foshee. As these graduates embark on their careers, they bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and professionalism to benefit their patients and communities.