Radiation Therapy celebrates graduation of second cohort

Hanceville, AL — Wallace State Community College’s Radiation Therapy program celebrated its second cohort of students, with 16 students receiving their pins at a ceremony held Thursday in the auditorium of the James Bailey Center.

“Today marks a milestone in your journey as a radiation therapist,” said Dr. Jim Malone, Associate Dean of Health Sciences at Wallace State and Director for the Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Therapy programs.

“The fact that you are here, that you have made it to this achievement, shows that you are gifted and serious minded with promise and high purpose for yourselves and the future,” Malone added. “Wherever life takes you, wherever you may work, I know that you will be great therapist and will make a difference in the life of your patients”

“These students are compassionate, and that is what is needed in all of healthcare, but especially this field,” said Leesa Cordell, Radiation Therapy Program Instructor and Clinical Coordinator. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to teach them, to encourage them, love on them, tough love them at times, cheer them on, pick them up, laugh with them, and walk beside them on this journey.”

Cordell recognized two students as award recipients during the ceremony.

Leah Taormina of Cullman was presented the Academic Award of Excellence for having the highest grade point average in the class.

Leah Taormina, right, of Cullman was presented the Academic Award of Excellence from Radiation Therapy instructor Leesa Cordell.

Bailie Hall of Oak Grove was presented the Clinical Award of Excellence for demonstrating superior performance during her clinical rotations.

Bailie Hall, right, of Oak Grove was presented the Clinical Award of Excellence from Radiation Therapy instructor Leesa Cordell.

The Radiation Therapy program at Wallace State is a three-semester associate degree program. Applications are accepted March 1 to June 1 each year for fall entry. Minimum application requirements include completion of two semesters of general required pre-Diagnostic Imaging courses with a combined GPA of 2.5 for those courses, a minimum 19 ACT composite score and be at least 18 years of age.

For more information about the Radiation Therapy program, visit www.wallacestate.edu/radiationtherapy or contact Mindie Sandlin at 256.352.8334 or mindie.sandlin@wallacestate.edu.

Registration for Fall 2024 classes at Wallace State Community College is underway, with regular and Mini Term I classes beginning Aug. 19. Flex Start terms begin Aug. 26 and Sept. 2. Mini Term II classes will begin Oct. 16. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call 256.352.8000 or come by Lion Central in the lobby of the James C. Bailey Center Monday-Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.