GADSDEN– Gadsden State Community College’s Simulation Center has earned provisional accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
The recognition marks a milestone for the center’s hands-on health care training. The college received notification Aug. 10 and announced the achievement in an Oct. 23 news release.
According to the college, Gadsden State joins Coastal Alabama Community College as Alabama’s only two community colleges with SSH-accredited programs. The college also reports that eight colleges and universities statewide have accredited programs.
What Provisional Accreditation Recognizes
Specifically, the accreditation recognizes established standards and best practices in simulation-based education. Through self-study and peer review, the process examines simulation design, development, delivery, and evaluation.
In addition, the review helps programs identify improvements that can strengthen student learning.
SSH describes provisional accreditation as preliminary recognition focused on a program’s structure and processes. It generally grants this status for two years, while full accreditation requires demonstrated outcomes.
Hands-On Training Across Health Sciences
The center also supports nursing students and learners across several other Health Sciences programs. These include Emergency Medical Services, Radiography, Medical Laboratory Technician, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant Technology, Surgical Technology, and Dental Assisting.
Together, students from different programs can take part in realistic scenarios that connect classroom learning with patient care.
For example, the college’s annual Mass Casualty Simulation gives students experience with emergency response, patient care, and teamwork.
Dr. Evelyn Lightsey, simulation coordinator, called the accreditation a significant milestone for the college and its Simulation Center. She also credited the team’s commitment to hands-on education that prepares students for health care work.
According to Lightsey, those experiences help students develop confidence, critical-thinking skills, and clinical judgment.
Recognizing the Simulation Team
The center’s staff includes Lightsey; Dr. Nicole Tolbert, simulation specialist; and Katie Bryant, part-time simulation assistant.
The team also recognized Dr. Cynthia Mullinax, nursing program director, and Dr. Joey Battles, dean of Health Sciences, for their support.
As a result, the provisional accreditation recognizes its work to build quality simulation training while supporting continued improvement.
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