SGMC Health is proud to announce the donation of three ultrasound units to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to help establish its new Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. This milestone marks the culmination of nearly two years of collaboration between SGMC Health’s Imaging Department and Wiregrass leaders to bring advanced sonography training opportunities to South Georgia.
Initial discussions began approximately two years ago when SGMC Health and Wiregrass explored the feasibility of launching a sonography program. SGMC Health quickly began working through state requirements for both educational and clinical components and, earlier this year, submitted a formal Letter of Intent to provide ultrasound units. This commitment allowed Wiregrass to move forward in the approval process, which has now been approved by the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia. Wiregrass is actively recruiting a program director to lead the new initiative, which is set to begin in the spring semester of 2027, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Wiregrass’ accrediting agency, and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
“Supporting the growth of local healthcare education benefits not just SGMC Health and our patients but also the broader region,” said Brenda Alexander, Vice President of Physician Network and Chief Human Resources Officer at SGMC Health. “Students will now have the chance to train close to home rather than relocating for two years to attend sonography school.”
The three donated ultrasound units will equip the Wiregrass ultrasound lab, providing students with hands-on experience using the same technology deployed in modern healthcare settings. SGMC Health credits the partnership and persistence of Jennifer Ray, Dean for Academic Affairs for Health Sciences at Wiregrass, and the support of SGMC Health Chief Clinical Officer Dallas Miller, MD, for making this collaboration possible.
“This partnership strengthens the Health Sciences Department at Wiregrass and ensures a pipeline of skilled sonographers for SGMC Health and neighboring health systems,” said Ray. “Together, we are creating opportunities for students and improving access to quality care across our communities.”
SGMC Health’s donation underscores its ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare education and supporting workforce development throughout South Georgia.
To learn more, visit sgmc.org.
