Forrest General Hospital’s Partnership with PRCC Leads to Successful Program, Jobs for Graduates

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (September 29, 2025) A partnership between Forrest General Hospital’s Radiology Department and Pearl River Community College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program has been a win-win for everyone, especially for patients. But graduates like Marshall Thornhill and Alandria Smith are also on the receiving end.

Since the start of the program in 2022, 27 have graduated; nine are students like Thornhill and Smith, who have come to work at Forrest General. Others are working in Forrest Health regional facilities, and some have gone on to employment at other medical facilities across South Mississippi.

A shortage of qualified sonographers at FGH and other area medical facilities sent Radiology Department personnel to PRCC’s Forrest County Campus in 2021 with their concerns and need for hirable employees in order to meet the needs of patients, according to Shannon Vega, director of Forrest General’s Radiology Department. It seems there weren’t enough schools offering these types of classes. Out of that meeting, and with the help of Accelerate MS, a workforce development initiative aimed at connecting Mississippians with training and employment opportunities, PRCC launched the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program to help meet the hospital’s needs, which in turn, benefitted patients.

Students graduating from the program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree as well as qualify to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) test.

Sonography is used in a variety of medical fields – from cardiovascular to obstetrics/gynecology. Sonographers must have knowledge of normal structure and functional anatomy of the human body and use independent judgment in recognizing the need to perform procedures according to sonographic findings.

Marshall Thornhill was in PRCC’s first graduating class of seven and was the first student Forrest General hired. Two years later, and Thornhill, still works the nightshift, where he attends to the Emergency Room and other routine scans for patients.

Alandria Smith first heard about PRCC’s DMS program while working in the hospital’s X-ray Department. “Ultrasound was always my end goal,” she said. “From the moment I walked into class the first day, I knew I had made the right decision for me.”

Smith said the program prepared her for a job at FGH by giving her a strong foundation in both technical skills and patient care. “Through hands-on training and clinical rotations, I was exposed to a wide range of exams and pathologies, which taught me how to adapt to different situations and provide accurate diagnostic images. The program also emphasized professionalism, communication, and critical thinking, all of which are essential when working in a hospital setting like FGH. Most importantly, PRCC instilled in me the importance of treating every patient with compassion and respect, ensuring that I carry that standard into my work at Forrest General.”

Smith said her teachers at PRCC weren’t just instructors, but mentors. “They believed in me, pushed me when I doubted myself, and celebrated my progress along the way,” she said. “The guidance and encouragement they gave me are a big reason I’m confident and passionate in my career today.”

As an ultrasound technologist, Smith performs diagnostic imaging exams using ultrasound to help physicians evaluate organs, blood flow, and soft tissues. Her role involves not only capturing quality images, but also making sure patients are comfortable, explaining procedures, and recognizing when something abnormal may need further attention.

“Being on the job has been a great experience,” she said. “I’ve learned so much more than I could in the classroom — especially how to handle real-world situations, adapt to different patients, and recognize pathologies in real time. Every day has helped me grow in confidence and sharpen my skills.

“PRCC gave me a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, but coming to Forrest General allowed me to continue growing,” Smith said. “The real-world experience, mentorship, and teamwork here have helped me build confidence and refine what I learned in school. Every day is a new learning opportunity.”

According to DMS Program Director, Micki Robertson, BS,RT(R)(AB, BR, OB/GYN), the partnership with Forrest General, especially the Radiology Department, has been invaluable to PRCC’s DMS students.

“From the very beginning, they offered a clinical affiliation to ensure our students had access to quality clinical education,” she said. “They also created a student tech position, which gives students a chance to gain real-world experience in the ultrasound department while completing the program. Most notably, FGH has already hired nine of our graduates in just the past three years, and we're confident this partnership will continue to open doors for future students as well.”

Robertson said they are especially proud of their average job placement rate during the past three years, which has been 97%. “This speaks volumes about the quality of our students’ preparation. Forrest General has also played an important role in supporting our graduates' continued growth by investing in enhancement of skills once they enter the workforce.” 

Robertson believes what really makes this program stand out is its impact and reach. “We're currently the largest program of its kind in Mississippi, which is possible because of our location here in Hattiesburg,” she said. “Being in the Pine Belt allows us to serve local residents while also attracting students who want to relocate here for the opportunity. Affordability is another key factor. Our Administration and Board of Trustees are committed to keeping workforce programs accessible, which helps support both our students and the healthcare industry. And finally, the clinical exposure our students receive is exceptional. While Forrest General is one of our largest partners, we are affiliated with 17 different facilities. That variety gives students the chance to adapt to multiple clinical environments and prepares them to succeed wherever their careers take them.”