Regional AEMT partnership producing early success
A new community college regional partnership to expand Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) training is already producing impressive results, helping strengthen the emergency medical services workforce across Southwest Virginia.
New River Community College, in collaboration with Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) and Virginia Western Community College (VWCC), launched the short-term, non-credit AEMT program to provide current Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with advanced training that prepares them to deliver a higher level of prehospital emergency care.
The inaugural AEMT cohort at NRCC has achieved a 100 percent course pass rate reflecting the dedication of students and the strength of the program. Additionally, every student who has tested to date has successfully passed the National Registry Advanced EMT certification, resulting in a 100 percent first-time pass rate so far.
“The success of this program highlights the impact we can have when we partner together to meet the needs of our communities,” said Ross Matney, NRCC workforce training coordinator. “We’re proud of our students for their hard work and commitment, and we appreciate the collaboration that has helped expand access to this valuable training for EMS professionals across the region.”
The partnership combines the expertise and resources of NRCC, CVCC and VWCC to increase access to advanced EMS education while helping local emergency service agencies develop and retain highly skilled personnel. Through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences and clinical training, participants gain advanced patient assessment, airway management, medication administration and other life-saving skills that expand their capabilities in the field.
The program is designed to help address the growing demand for qualified EMS professionals while creating opportunities for career advancement for current EMTs.
“By investing in the education of our EMS professionals, we’re investing in the health and safety of the communities they serve,” said Matney.
The success of the inaugural class positions the regional partnership for continued growth as the colleges work together to prepare the next generation of advanced emergency medical providers.
For more information about workforce training opportunities or to enroll in the upcoming AEMT course that begins on August 26 at NRCC, visit www.nr.edu/workforce or call (540) 674-3613.
