Wildwood Adds Programs in Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are on the front line of patient care. On any given day, they can be called to respond to life-threatening issues, such as cardiac arrests or major bleeding, to minor complaints, such as sore throats or sprained ankles.
Demand for trained health professionals such as these is on the rise. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the need for EMTs and paramedics will grow by 15 percent by 2026 – that’s much faster than the average for all occupations.
St. Louis Community College is responding to this need by expanding its emergency medical services program to other locations, including the Wildwood campus, located at 2645 Generations Drive. The EMT program will launch this summer at STLCC-Wildwood, followed by the paramedic program in spring 2020.
While these programs aren’t new to the College, it’s been more than 10 years since STLCC offered them in West St. Louis County. Steven G. Collins, Ph.D., interim president, said the move is part of a larger effort to serve students in this area.
“The need for EMTs and paramedics comes as the health care sector continues to boom,” Collins said. “These programs are not only a good fit for students who want to launch a career as a first responder, but they’re also excellent options for those using emergency medical services as a stepping stone to other areas of health care.”
Steve Newcomb, program coordinator, is leading this initiative for the College. He brings 29 years of teaching experience to this role, combined with 30 years of service as a firefighter/paramedic. Last year, he retired from the Metro West Fire Protection District as a lieutenant and training officer.
“EMTs and paramedics are a critical link between the scene of an emergency and the health care system,” Newcomb said. “I spent my career serving the West County community, and I know there is a real need for young men and women to pursue this line of work. The addition of these programs to the Wildwood campus is an important step toward training the next generation of emergency medical professionals.”
STLCC-Wildwood will host two information sessions for individuals interested in learning more about these programs. Sessions are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, May 1 at 12:30 p.m. Learn more and RSVP.
- Wednesday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. Learn more and RSVP.
Refreshments will be provided.
For more information about the EMT program, contact Steve Newcomb, program coordinator, at snewcomb@stlcc.edu or 314-763-6032.
Additional Information
Certificate of Specialization in Emergency Medical Technology
The Certificate of Specialization is required for entry-level EMT professions. Prior
to entering the program, students must have a current American Heart Association Basic
Life Support Provider CPR Card. Students who enroll in the program at STLCC can train
for an in-demand career saving lives in as little as six months. Graduates are eligible
to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification,
which is the industry accepted credential for jobs in this field. Learn more about the CS program.
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Paramedic Technology
This AAS degree is a 71-credit-hour program for students who want to pursue a career
in paramedic technology. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Paramedic
Certification (NRP), which is the industry accepted credential for jobs in this field.
STLCC’s paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). Learn more about the AAS program.