Aiken Technical College EMS paramedic program receives national accreditation

Aiken Technical College’s Emergency Medical Services Paramedic program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions.

“CAAHEP accreditation is required for graduates of paramedic programs to sit for the National Registry Paramedic examination, which is required for certification in most states,” said Jonathan Jones, EMS program director. “The importance of accreditation is to ensure standardization of education and training and to meet the high standards set forth nationwide.”

Aiken Tech offers three EMS programs: Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certificate, Emergency Medical Technician Advanced Certificate, and the Associate in Applied Science: Emergency Medical Technology degree. Students who complete each program will be able to sit for the respective National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams.

From 2020 through 2022, each program has achieved a 100 percent job placement rate for its graduates and 100 percent NREMT pass rates.

The programs use a flipped classroom model. Through this model, students receive lecture- and textbook-based instruction online, and then they have practical, in-person activities in a state-of-the-art lab to apply the concepts learn in a realistic, mock set-up.

This structure also provides flexibility for those working while earning their Emergency Medical Technology degree and paramedic certification, added Jones.

“This allows students the opportunity to work in the EMS field while attending class without having to modify their current work schedules. This also allows for apprenticeship programs with partner agencies, allowing students to be hired in their first semester before being certified as EMTs,” he stated.

Those interested in enrolling in the EMS programs may start the process by completing the free online application at atc.edu.

Credit for prior learning may be available for those currently working in the field. For more information about the programs or prior learning credit, please contact Jonathan Jones at jonesj5@atc.edu or (803) 508-7454.