Columbia State Community College recently recognized 23 emergency medical technicians and 29 advanced emergency medical technicians upon completion of their programs during the Spring 2024 EMS Pinning ceremony held in the Webster Athletic Center.

“EMS Academy faculty have once again produced an incredible group of skilled clinicians that will be impactful to those they serve,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS Academy program director. “I am thankful for the hard work and dedication of these graduates and encouraged by the way this group will impact EMS.”

Traditional Spring 2024 EMT completers achieved a 92% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry. Students in the integrated certificate received a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the EMT national registry.

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

The accelerated AEMT path is an academy-style, technical certificate program designed to educate and train students to serve as vital members of a pre-hospital EMS team in a single semester. Students must complete 144 hours of clinical rotations to earn a technical certificate in AAEMT.

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.

“I regularly hear stories from thankful patients and families about how an EMT or paramedic from Columbia State made a terribly challenging time at least just a little more bearable,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “The college is known for ensuring the quality, competency and compassion of the EMS teams you hope to never need but are so thankful for when you do!”

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. 

For more information about the EMS program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/EMS or contact Johnson at 931.540.2792.

To view more photos from the event, visit www.flickr.com/photos/columbiastatecc/albums/72177720313325762.