Local & State Headlines

Darton adds 2 programs

• Darton now has two new degree options for students interested in pursuing health careers.

Holly McCarthy

ALBANY — Darton College received word Wednesday that the Board of Regents approved its request for two new associate of science degree programs.

The decision means that Darton will offer associate degree tracks in polysomnographic technology and cancer registry management, in addition to certificate tracks already in place.

Jeff Etheridge, dean of allied health, said the transition would begin immediately for students in the certificate tracks who want to earn two-year degrees.

“All of the classes students have already taken will transfer,” Etheridge said. “The last thing we would want is for anyone to have wasted their time.”

Etheridge said being able to offer associate’s degrees benefits beginning students because the existing certificate programs are only available to students who already have health care credentials.

Each of the programs currently has eight students, and instructors expect those numbers to grow as word of the degrees gets out.

“We may max out at 15 (students) for a while, but we are looking at expanding as the demand grows,” Don Hall, director of the polysomnography program, said.

The polysomnographic technology degree will prepare students for careers in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

“Seventy million Americans have some type of sleep disturbance, so those jobs are in demand,” Etheridge said.

Students in the cancer registry management program prepare to become tumor registrars, who compile information about the type, incidence and treatment of cancer.

Linda Parks, health information technology program director, said cancer registry management is “an ideal field for someone who doesn’t necessarily want to work hands-on with patients, but who still wants to work in the fight against cancer.”

Etheridge said the college is excited to be able to offer the degrees and that Regents’ approval was not a surprise.

“I was confident that they would approve the tracks,” he said. “But we didn’t want to count our eggs before they hatched.”

Students can register for prerequisite courses beginning Oct. 6.