This is a selective admission program intended to serve firefighters, paid force or volunteer, in the state who meet minimum requirements and maintain an affiliation with a fire station.

The format will allow students statewide to complete non-clinical work at institutions close to home, clinical didactic courses online with some weekend face-to-face practical experience, and clinical affiliations with local emergency services on a part-time basis.

"Carroll Community College is pleased to offer the EMS-Paramedic program because it prepares students to respond to a growing need in the community for emergency medical services," said College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo.

"Many people believe that all EMTs are the same," said Stacey Bowen, coordinator of Emergency Medical Services and Safety at Carroll Community College. "In reality, there are various levels of training within the industry. EMTBs (basic) can take vital signs, may transport patients, can do dressings, and other basic skills. EMTIs (intermediate) can do more, while EMT-Paramedics have a knowledge base that is comparable to registered nurses, although the focus is different. The college's program trains EMTs at the paramedic level.

"We have developed a hybrid program with online components and face-to-face classroom sessions. This combination appeals to students who are comfortable working online, while also capturing students who may not have the self-discipline to study completely online and those who are not technologically savvy," said Bowen. "The beauty of this program is that students who qualify for the program from any location may take advantage of its hybrid nature."

Bowen will work with the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association, a full-time faculty member, and a clinical coordinator as the program expands.

Credit for prior learning will be given to students who may "test-out" of some classes. For a course-by-course breakdown of program requirements, and specific curriculum pathways within the program, contact Bowen at 410-386-8020 or e-mail sbowen@carrollcc.edu.

The demand in the community for EMT-Paramedics is fairly high, according to Bowen. "At this time, there is a shortage of county paramedics, there is great need for paramedics on ambulances to supplement the skills of EMTBs, and there is growing emergency call volume," said Bowen.

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