Gadsden State EMS Program earns five-year accreditation, welcomes largest incoming class in more than 15 years

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Gadsden, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College is proud to announce that the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program has received full five-year programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

The five-year accreditation is the highest level of accreditation awarded and recognizes the EMS Program's commitment to excellence in education, continuous quality improvement, and adherence to rigorous national standards.

This achievement affirms that Gadsden State's EMS Program provides students with the knowledge, clinical experiences, and hands-on training necessary to become highly skilled emergency medical professionals prepared to serve their communities.

“This accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment for our EMS Program and a reflection of the dedication of our faculty and staff to providing students with an exceptional education,” said Dr. Joey Battles, dean of Health Sciences at Gadsden State. “At the same time, the record enrollment we are experiencing demonstrates the growing need for highly trained emergency medical professionals. We are proud to prepare students for these critical careers and to help strengthen the emergency medical services workforce throughout our region.”

The accreditation process involved a comprehensive evaluation of the program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, clinical and field internship experiences, and institutional support. Successfully meeting the accreditation standards reflects the dedication of EMS Program Director, John Hollingsworth and full-time faculty members Tracy Shew and Brian Selke.

The program also benefits from strong partnerships with regional hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments and other healthcare organizations. These partnerships provide students with valuable clinical and field experiences that complement classroom and laboratory instruction.

Gadsden State’s Health Sciences Division is celebrating another milestone as the EMS Program prepares to welcome 115 students for the Fall 2026 semester, marking the program’s largest incoming class in more than 15 years.

The record enrollment reflects the growing demand for highly trained emergency medical professionals throughout Northeast Alabama and demonstrates the community’s confidence in Gadsden State’s commitment to preparing skilled and compassionate first responders.

Students entering the program will receive hands-on instruction from experienced faculty while gaining real-world clinical and field experience through partnerships with regional emergency medical agencies and healthcare providers. Students also benefit from state-of-the-art training equipment, simulation experiences and extensive clinical education designed to mirror real-life emergency situations.

The program emphasizes clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, teamwork and leadership while preparing students for successful careers in emergency medical services. Graduates leave the program equipped with the knowledge, technical skills and confidence needed to respond effectively during some of the most critical moments in patients’ lives.

The growth of Gadsden State’s EMS Program also highlights the expanding need for emergency medical personnel as health care systems and emergency response agencies work to address critical workforce shortages.

“Emergency medical professionals play an essential role in the health and safety of our communities,” said John Hollingsworth, EMS program director. “With 115 students entering our EMS Program this fall, Gadsden State is helping meet that need by preparing the next generation of EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and paramedics. Our students are gaining the education, experience and confidence they need to make a meaningful difference when their communities need them most.”

The achievement of full five-year accreditation, combined with record enrollment, reinforces Gadsden State’s mission of providing high-quality workforce education and strengthens the College’s role in preparing qualified emergency medical professionals for Alabama and the surrounding region.

For more information about Gadsden State’s Health Sciences programs, visit gadsdenstate.edu/health-sciences.

    

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