The Wallace College Emergency Medical Services Program offers two levels of certification; EMT Basic and Paramedic. The EMT Basic level of training is completed in one semester and allows the entry level EMT to manage both medical and trauma patients. Paramedics build on the training of EMT Basics by adding advanced knowledge and skills. These include endotracheal intubation, interpreting EKGs, cardiac defibrillation, initiation of IV lines, and the administration of medications. EMT Basics and Paramedics work in a variety of settings including industry, fire-rescue, ambulance, aircraft, and emergency centers. In addition to training EMS professionals, the EMS program also offers courses for individuals , from the lay rescuer to the physician.

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 21-35% growth in the emergency medical profession.  This growth reflects a need for 74,000 emergency medical technicians and paramedics by 2014.

Since its beginning at WCC in 1976, the Emergency Medical Services program has prepared over 3200 individuals for employment in local health care agencies or service to their local communities. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP), the Emergency Medical Services program seeks to meet healthcare needs of the local community.

Admission to the EMS program is available each term and is not competitive, but it is limited by space availability.  For specific guidance contact Ms. Rebecca Burke, Program Director, or Ms. Tomi Sherlock, Allied Health Secretary.

This project was funded, in part, by a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.