Southeast clears first hurdle towards paramedic degree | SKCTC
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    Southeast clears first hurdle towards paramedic degree

    Officials at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College confirm that they are one step closer to adding a new degree program: an associate in applied science in paramedic technology. College personnel presented a proposal to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System’s Board of Regents last week, and the proposed addition was approved.

    “We are excited that we have cleared the first hurdle,” said So­utheast President Vic Adams. 

    The next step will be initiating the formal approval process through the College’s accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Once that process is complete, the College will be able to formalize its schedule.

    “At this point the question isn’t if but when,” said Dr. Adams.

    Currently, Southeast offers courses towards a degree as well as certificates in Emergency Management Services (EMS). Students must be EMT certified prior to entering program coursework.   

    According to EMS instructor Steve Robinson, the pandemic has increased an already rising demand for emergency medical personnel, and our service region is experiencing a severe shortage. In addition, graduates enjoy many career options in a variety of fields. 

    “We have former students working in hospital emergency rooms, physical therapist offices, the Cumberland Gap Tunnel, and even Dollywood!” said Robinson.

    Earning an EMT certification is the first step towards the paramedic degree, so he encourages students to go ahead and register for those classes. The College offers EMS summer classes beginning June 7 and a full spectrum of EMS classes for fall beginning August 16.

    Regarding the pending associate degree program, Robinson says it will increase opportunities for our graduates. “It can apply towards a bachelor’s at Eastern or any institution that offers the program,” he said. “Bottom line is, employers favor the degree.”

    For more information about the EMS program at Southeast, contact Steve Robinson at 606.269.0158 or srobinson0018@kctcs.edu. 

     

    A group of four paramedic students standing behind an ambulence with open doors.Southeast offers EMS summer and fall 2021 classes and anticipates the new associate degree.