Gadsden State Community College will highlight its growing role in healthcare education and workforce development with two events scheduled for April 27 at its Ayers Campus.

The college will host a ribbon cutting and open house for its Surgical Technology Program at 5 p.m. at the Ayers Cheaha Center. Attendees will get a first look at the program, including training spaces and equipment designed to prepare students for careers in the operating room.

Officials say the program focuses on developing skills in sterile technique, surgical procedures and operating room technology, preparing students to work as part of a surgical care team. 

The program is offered as an Associate of Applied Science degree at the Ayers Campus and is part of the college’s broader health sciences division. College leaders say expanding programs like surgical technology is key to meeting demand for healthcare workers across Northeast Alabama.

Following the ribbon cutting, the college will host its annual State of the College address at 6 p.m. in the Ayers Cheaha Center Lecture Hall. Alan Smith will deliver updates on enrollment, new academic programs and workforce initiatives.

The address will also highlight the college’s role in supporting economic growth through workforce development and community engagement.

Gadsden State serves students across multiple campuses in Northeast Alabama and offers a wide range of technical, academic and health science programs designed to prepare students for careers or transfer opportunities. 

The Ayers Campus, located at 1731 Coleman Road in Anniston, serves as a hub for several of the college’s technical and health-related programs. Officials say the combined events will celebrate the launch and expansion of the Surgical Technology Program while showing the college’s commitment to meeting workforce needs.

Both events are open to the public, and all are invited to attend.