Columbia State Community College recently celebrated the graduation of the first class of Emergency Medical Technician dual enrollment graduates.

The first class of Columbia State EMT dual enrollment graduates included Makayla Cook, Keilei McCrory, Tapanga Hayes and Abigail Howell, all from East Hickman High School in Lyles, Tennessee. These students are also only the second class of its kind in the state, which is made possible as a result of the Governors Give 2.0 grant, which provided funds for the instructor and equipment required to operate the course.

“We are extremely proud of this group of young ladies who chose to take this step in completing this EMT training,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS Academy program director. “They selflessly gave up many traditional senior year activities to further their education, gain college credit, and become a needed responder for the Hickman County community. Instructor Charlie Seay did an incredible job molding these young ladies into excellent clinicians and providing a foundation of medical knowledge that will further them in the medical careers they choose.”

The course allows students to complete the training necessary to become certified emergency medical technicians. Students must be 18 years of age by the end of the program and must be a high school senior to be eligible for course enrollment. Students enrolled complete the traditional 15-week, semester long program over the course of their high school’s fall and spring semesters. Students often give up senior social events, athletic competitions and their personal time to complete the course.

“Columbia State continues to lead the way by taking EMT credentialing classes to high school seniors,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “Communities also benefit from the availability of qualified EMTs to meet area needs for vital services.”

An EMT provides basic life support at the site of illnesses and injuries, assisting with transport to the hospital.

“The EMT program is one of many programs at Columbia State designed to prepare program completers for employment in field in one year or less,” said Joni Lenig, Columbia State vice president for academic affairs. “These programs are an excellent choice for college students who seek employable skills so they may work while completing additional higher education.”

The program provides students with the necessary didactic and practical training to perform life-saving skills. Additionally, students learn to work alone, as well as in a squad-based (team) environment. 

“This is a model partnership between Columbia State, East Hickman High School and the state for providing an educational program leading to workforce opportunities,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “These students experience personal accomplishment as they learn lifesaving skills combined with the durable skills of thinking, self-responsibility, teamwork, and communication—a winning combination.”

The program will be offered again at East Hickman High School, as well as implemented at Fairview High School in Williamson County. For more information about the EMS program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/EMS  or contact Johnson at 931.540.2792.