Columbia State Community College recently recognized 11 emergency medical technicians and 22 paramedics upon completion of their programs during the Summer 2023 EMS Pinning ceremony held in the Cherry Theater.

“EMS Academy faculty are exceptional at producing competent practitioners and I am thankful for the work they do for our students each day,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS Academy program director. “We are also fortunate to have an incredible group of clinical partners that pour into our students on each clinical experience they attend. The EMS Academy at Columbia State continues to deliver an outstanding job at readying practitioners each semester for the communities in our service area.”

Summer 2023 EMT completers achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry. The success of these students is phenomenal when compared to a national average first-attempt pass rate of 70% as of last year. The paramedic class also had a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the paramedic national registry psychomotor exam, compared to the national average of 72% as of last year.

“This makes several cohorts in a row with a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the EMT National Registry cognitive as well as two paramedic cohorts within the last three years with a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the Paramedic National Registry cognitive exam,” Johnson said. “These student cohorts continue to show the quality of a Columbia State education.”

EMT certificate completers also have the option to pursue the General Technology Associate of Applied Science degree by combining coursework from two certificates with general education courses to complete a personalized degree program, of which nine graduates completed.

An EMT provides basic life support at the site of illnesses and injuries, assisting with transport to the hospital. Paramedics are health care professionals trained in the advanced skills needed for rendering care to the critically ill or injured patient in the pre-hospital, industry or emergency room setting. Paramedics perform all of the procedures described for EMTs, plus give oral or intravenous medications, read EKGs (electrocardiograms), do endotracheal intubations and use additional complex equipment.

Each 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.

“These new EMTs have demonstrated the ability to achieve academically and become valued emergency services team members,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “Being an EMT from Columbia State is a source of pride! In the paramedic program, highly motivated students and exceptional faculty spend an intense year together, ensuring completers are paramedics that everyone is thankful to see in response to emergency situations. The program’s effectiveness is confirmed by a 100% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry and 100% in-field employment rates.”

Students who complete the one semester EMT-Basic certificate are promptly hired for entry-level EMT positions and have the option to continue at Columbia State for Advanced EMT and Paramedic credentials. Students who complete the 12-month Paramedic certificate are in high-demand for exciting positions with great earnings potential. 

For more information on attending Columbia State as an Emergency Medical Services student, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/EMS or email EMS@ColumbiaState.edu.