1st in Nation: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Program Earns Letter of Review

Midlands Technical College’s (MTC) Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Program is the first in the nation to attain a letter of review from the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). This letter of review is the first step towards accreditation.

In response to the statewide and national shortage of Emergency Medical professionals, MTC launched their accredited Paramedic Program in 2020 which graduates 25-30 students per year. Then, in 2024, MTC added an additional program, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, to it's offerings. This program is designed and builds on the fundamentals taught in the basic EMT program to provide a higher scope of practice while meeting the workforce demands of community partners. MTC's Paramedic program can be completed in 11-months, while the Advanced EMT program can be finished in 5-months.

"Demand for emergency medical personnel continues to put strains on our communities across the country," said Benjamin McCollum, director of EMS programs. "By earning the letter of review, it signals that Midlands Technical College upholds the highest teaching standards for our students and faculty, while addressing the workforce demands of our community partners."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an EMT is $44,780. The bureau projects EMT's will grow six percent between 2023-33, much faster than other job areas. Graduates of MTC's basic and advanced EMT programs are highly sought after in the Midlands community, with many earning above the national salary average and offered a position prior to graduation from the program. With support from community partners such as Richland County EMS, Lexington County EMS, First Priority Mobile Healthcare, and Fairfield EMS, graduates are able to begin immediately serving in our community.

Those interested in a career in emergency medicine can enroll in the basic and advanced EMT programs may qualify for a QuickJobs scholarship to help offset the cost. To learn more about the program or scholarship application process, please visit the QuickJobs page, call 803.732.0432, or email cce@midlandstech.edu.