GADSDEN– The Gadsden State Simulation Center has earned provisional accreditation, recognizing the college’s work to prepare future health care professionals through realistic training.

Gadsden State Community College announced the recognition Oct. 23 after receiving notification Aug. 10. According to the college, it joins Coastal Alabama Community College as Alabama’s only two community colleges with SSH-accredited programs.

What Provisional Accreditation Means

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare, or SSH, grants provisional accreditation for two years. Specifically, the designation recognizes a program’s established structure and processes for simulation education.

Full accreditation also requires demonstrated outcomes. As a result, provisional recognition provides an earlier accreditation pathway while programs develop that evidence.

Gadsden State said its review included self-study and peer evaluation. In addition, the process examined how the center designs, develops, delivers, and evaluates simulation experiences.

Simulation coordinator Dr. Evelyn Lightsey credited the team’s commitment to practical education. She also said those experiences help students develop confidence, critical-thinking skills, and clinical judgment.

From Classroom Lessons to Patient Care

The college’s Simulation Center gives students a controlled setting to practice clinical skills using realistic technology. It also includes an electronic health record system similar to those used in health care settings.

Beyond individual procedures, the center emphasizes communication, collaboration, and sound clinical judgment. Together, those skills help students connect classroom lessons with the demands of patient care.

The accreditation supports nursing and 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.

Practicing Teamwork During Emergencies

For example, the college held a mass casualty simulation April 17 at its Wallace Drive Campus. That exercise centered on a simulated bus crash involving multiple injuries.

During the drill, students and emergency responders assessed the scene, prioritized treatment, and coordinated care. Students from several health programs worked together, reinforcing the importance of understanding each profession’s responsibilities.

In addition, local emergency response partners helped create a realistic training environment. Students also practiced communicating and making decisions under pressure.

The Simulation Center team includes Lightsey, simulation specialist Dr. Nicole Tolbert, and part-time simulation assistant Katie Bryant. The team also recognized nursing program director Dr. Cynthia Mullinax and Health Sciences dean Dr. Joey Battles for their support.

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