Local & State Headlines

Darton eyes programs

• The University System of Georgia is to consider Darton College’s request for two additional degree programs.

Holly McCarthy

ALBANY — Darton College hopes to add two new associate of science degrees to its allied health division.

The University System of Georgia is scheduled to discuss Darton’s request to establish degree programs for cancer registry management and polysomnographic technology during its Board of Regents meeting today in Atlanta.

Darton officials declined to comment Monday, saying they were waiting until the Board of Regents makes its decision.

According to Darton’s Web site, the college currently offers certificates in each area.

Darton’s cancer registry management certificate prepares students for working at cancer registries, which systematically collect information about the type and extent of cancer, as well as the treatment methods used and the survival rate of patients. A student must already have an associate’s degree in health information technology to be admitted to the program.

The accelerated polysomnography certificate program trains students to work in sleep labs. Polysomnographic technologists help diagnose and treat sleep-related disorders.

According to the Regents’ meeting agenda, the polysomnography certificate Darton currently offers is only open to credentialed health care professionals and, because of that stipulation, new college students do not have the opportunity to become registered polysomnographic technologists.