Medical Sonography Program Coming to Gaston

Gaston College is launching a new Medical Sonography program in Fall 2025 to help address the area’s workforce shortage.

“Gaston College is responding to a critical workforce need by developing a Medical Sonography program to address over 80 annual job openings in the local market,” said Leslie Pressley, Gaston College’s Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “With projected job growth of 26 percent in North Carolina and median salaries exceeding $84,000, this program will provide high-quality training to support the region’s healthcare industry.”

Local hospitals and healthcare facilities have shown strong support for the program. Pressley explained, “At the request of local hospital systems, Atrium Health Lincoln and CaroMont Health, Gaston College began research and planning for this program to address the shortage of medical sonographers. Currently, the region relies on graduates from colleges outside the service area, which does not meet employer demands. By establishing this program, Gaston College aims to equip students with the skills to fill these essential roles, strengthening the local healthcare workforce and enhancing patient care in our community.”

The program will begin offering the first six courses at Gaston’s Lincoln Campus this fall.

“The Medical Sonography program at Gaston College will be housed in a dedicated 1,595-square-foot instructional space on the Lincoln Campus, featuring specialized classrooms, labs, simulation areas, and state-of-the-art equipment to provide students with hands-on, high-quality training,” Pressley added.

If you’re interested in this growing field, applications for the program are now open and will be accepted until May 15, 2025. Visit gaston.edu/health-human-services/medical-sonography/admission-requirements/ to learn more and apply.