NGTC Currahee Campus Unveils New Health Care Wing

North Georgia Technical College unveils a new wing designed for students entering the health care industry in northeast Georgia.

The school cut the ribbon and officially unveiled its new health care wing at the Currahee Campus at a ceremony on Tuesday.

The 31,000 square foot addition at the campus on Highway 17 between Toccoa and Martin in Stephens County will house programs including practical nursing, EMT and paramedicine, medical assisting, along with other health care certificate programs.

North Georgia Technical College President Dr. Gail Thaxton said the wing houses both classroom and lab space.

“It is quite unique because now our students are going to train on state of the art equipment,” said Thaxton. “They are going to learn how to work in patient assessment rooms and an ambulance simulator.”

The building also includes up to date, modern science labs.

Thaxton recognized the past leadership at North Georgia Technical College and other local and state officials for getting the ball rolling on building the new wing.

She said the community played a major role in making this expansion at the Currahee Campus happen.

“The community wanted space for expanded programs that meets industry needs,” said Thaxton. “The community wanted programs that supply health care workers … and the community wanted higher education that is both accessible and affordable. Then, this community went to work as only northeast Georgians can, and got the $3.2 million project funded.”

Numerous local officials from both Stephens and Franklin counties attended Tuesday’s ribbon cutting.

Stephens County Commission Chair Dean Scarborough said the new wing is very important to the community moving forward.

“This wing will be so important to our local healthcare institutions, which are extremely strong and we want to continue to keep them strong so we have local health care in Stephens County and Franklin County as well,” said Scarborough.

Meanwhile, Toccoa Mayor Gail Fry said North Georgia Technical College is a boost and blessing to the community.

“Health care needs will not go away,” said Fry. “We appreciate your leadership and vision to carry it through.”

Health care leaders from the area also attended Tuesday’s ribbon cutting.

Stephens County Hospital Administrator Ed Gambrell said having a wide range of health care programs available nearby helps his facility and others.

“We constantly need new health care employees as old ones retire or move away,” said Gambrell. “North Georgia Tech keeps them going and with all of the health care in northeast Georgia, it is an extremely valuable commodity to have.”

Also on hand were state officials.

Addressing the students in attendance Tuesday, Technical College System of Georgia State Board Member Dinah Wayne said those students are the reason everyone is there to unveil the new wing.

“This new addition was built for you,” said Wayne. “It is here to train you for a new career, a better future, and your place in the Georgia workforce.”

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, the school opened the building for tours for those in attendance.