MCC EMT Program ranked largest Arizona provider, highest first-time certification pass rates

MESA, Arizona – Feb. 21, 2019 – Mesa Community College Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program leads Arizona in the number of EMT candidates it readies for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification and in the number of candidates passing the exam on their first attempt.

During the four quarters of 2018, 217 MCC NREMT candidates sat for the exam. Ninety-one percent (197) passed on their first attempt. Candidates who retook the certification exam were successful on their second attempt; raising the overall MCC pass rate to 94 percent. The remaining 13 candidates are eligible to retest.

The success of students in the MCC EMT program is the result of a rigorous training curriculum and as well as student’s trust the instructional staff to lead them in the right direction.

“Students and instructors put forth a tremendous amount of time, work ethic, and passion in order to achieve performance excellence during the course of an EMT program. The recent statistics are the outcome of the commitment made by MCC EMT students and faculty, as well as our colleagues and stakeholders inside and outside of the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) to drive excellence in our discipline,” said Chris Burrows, MCC EMT program director.

Direct involvement and oversight from faculty, medical directors and the state, allows for close guidance over student learning and progress.

The structured, process-oriented approach to learning in MCCCD EMT programs is designed by college faculty, a discipline-specific instructional council, medical directors, and EMT program directors representing the six colleges within the district offering EMT training. Programs are also vetted by the State of Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

Emergency Medical Technicians provide transportation and emergency medical care outside the hospital environment for critical and emergency patients, or within the healthcare system as emergency room technicians. Phoenix Valley fire departments require EMT certification for entry level positions. EMTs may continue their education to become firefighters, nurses, physician assistants, paramedics or medical doctors. Many states use the NREMT certification to license EMTs making reciprocity from one state to another less cumbersome.

EMT training is a requirement for other emergency response programs including the paramedic program. Learn more about MCC EMT/Fire Science program at https://www.mesacc.edu/departments/fire-science-emt.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

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Publication Date: 
Thursday, February 21, 2019