Gadsden State Receives Accreditation for Two Health Care Programs

GSCC LogoActing President Bill Blow commended the instructors and administrators for keeping the standards high and achieving accreditation in the Associate Degree Nursing and Therapeutic Massage programs.  “We are pleased that the conscientiousness and dedication of our Health Science Division has been rewarded with these prestigious awards.  Gadsden State is an integral part of the health care industry in our service area and we feel these accreditations contribute to validating the quality of our students,” remarked Blow.

The Board of Commissioners of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) recently granted continuing accreditation to Gadsden State’s Associate Degree Nursing Program and scheduled the next evaluation for Fall 2021. The ACEN is the entity responsible for the specialized accreditation of nursing education programs,  which offer either a certificate, a diploma, or a recognized professional degree.

The Commission supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved.  The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules, and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession.

The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) accredits both educational institutions and programs offering instruction in massage therapy, bodywork, or esthetics and skin care.  The Commission was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting agency in 2002, an acknowledgement of its expertise in ensuring quality education and allowing programs to access federal student aid funds.  The standards of accreditation are set by practitioners and educators in the profession.

COMTA has awarded accreditation to the Therapeutic Massage Program for seven years, which is the maximum award allowed.  Gadsden State’s program is the only nationally accredited program in the state and in most of the Southeast.

“COMTA and ACEN accreditation procedures have included a self-study manual and an on-site visit by professionals.  We are extremely proud of these awards and feel they are the result of quality instructors, meticulous procedures, and uncompromised standards,” said Connie Meloun, assistant dean for Health Sciences.

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