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November 25, 2019 – Nine Davie High School seniors will soon enter a new classroom with the same basic objective. They want to learn how to save lives.
A new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course will begin this spring through Davie High School and Davidson County Community College. It will allow students to simultaneously earn both high school and college credit.
“This EMT class is a win for everyone involved,” DCCC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Margaret Annunziata said. “It is a win for the students actively engaging in a growing career field, for Davie High and DCCC through expansion of meaningful learning opportunities, and for the community by recruiting healthcare workers early for more accessible and effective services.”
The class is offered through the college’s Career and College Promise program. The program allows high school students who meet eligibility requirements to participate in college courses and programs for credit at little to no cost.
The class is comprised of 9 credit hours, and introduces students to basic emergency medical care. Students are able to take their class along with their normal daily schedule at Davie High School.
Students in the class who are 18 and then pass the North Carolina State EMT certification examination have the eligibility to enter into their career as well as continue the path to complete a paramedic credential. Certified EMTs have earnings potentials from $25,000 to $32,000 in entry-level positions in a variety of public safety areas including Emergency Medical Services, Fire Departments and Emergency Management.
“Healthcare is an in-demand industry,” Rose McDaniel, dean of DCCC’s School of Health Wellness and Public Safety, said. “For high school students beginning this journey early and for free, they have the ability to start on a strong path for future success. Experience matters in this industry, and this sets up these future healthcare professionals with a competitive edge.”
In addition to career opportunities immediately following graduation from high school, students also have the ability to continue their education. With a 2+2 agreement with Western Carolina University, students can earn their Associate of Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Science from DCCC in two years and then earn their Bachelors of Science in Emergency Medical Care in two years from Western Carolina.
“I can’t wait to see the impact this will have not only for these students, but for our communities’ collective health as well,” Annunziata said.
Following the first class this spring, the college hopes to continue the course each spring for Davie High seniors.
About Davidson County Community College
Founded in 1963, Davidson County Community College is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, DCCC offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs to students in Davidson and Davie counties, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to 4-year universities. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, DCCC is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields. Visit Davidson County Community College at DavidsonCCC.edu.
Media Contact
Jonathan Williams
Communications Specialist
Davidson County Community College
Office: 336-224-4510
Jonathan_Williams@davidsondavie.edu