Paul D. Camp Community College recently received final approval from the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia to offer a new statewide EMS curriculum beginning in January.

“This is a new certificate program that will allow students with no prior medical training to progress all the way through paramedic certification right here at their local community college,” said PDCCC EMS Program Director Paul Ruppert.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics was $33,380 in 2017, with the highest 10 percent earning nearly $57,000. The majority of paramedics work full time. In comparison to emergency medical technicians, paramedics provide more extensive care to patients before they are taken to the hospital.

“Paramedic is the highest level of certification in the EMS program,” said Ruppert. “It entails about 22 additional credits and two more semesters after completing EMT-I.”

A student must be at least 16 years old prior to the start of classes and certified in CPR for Healthcare Providers.

“PDCCC students receive hands-on experience in hospital emergency departments and on ambulances,” Ruppert said. “Advanced level students complete additional clinical training time. Certified EMS providers can also upgrade their certification level easily though our new advanced standing policy, which awards college credit for prior medical training and experience.”

Spring 2019 classes begin Jan. 7. For more information or to apply to the program, visit pdc.edu/EMS.