Paul D. Camp Community College will offer the Emergency Medical Technician Career Studies Certificate as part of its EMS curriculum in the Nursing and Allied Health Program. Classes will get underway for the spring 2015 semester.

“EMTs provide first-line medical or emergency care for sick or injured people,” said EMS Program Coordinator Gerald “Jerry” Griffith. “They help save lives at emergency sites through basic interventions and safely transport patients to hospitals or medical facilities.”

Classes will be held on the Franklin campus on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and two Saturdays to be announced or Monday through Friday, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

“This provides some flexibility in order to accommodate others who may be working during the day,” said Griffith.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow 23 percent from 2012 to 2022. Most EMTs work full time and likely do shift work that includes weekends and holidays. They may work for private ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals or other rescue services. The average salary for an EMT is a little more than $31,000.

“You can begin a career in Emergency Medical Services by starting with the EMT Career Studies Certificate here at the college,” said Griffith.

Franklin-Southampton Charities has supported PDCCC Nursing and Allied Health programs, including the new EMT program, and has provided funds for the program to include new lab equipment.

“We have two state-of-the-art training labs and an abundance of equipment to train all levels of EMS providers,” Griffith added.

For more information, contact Griffith at 569-6732 or ggriffith@pdc.edu.