Mt. SAC Launches New Paramedic Academy

May 22, 2017 - 11:40 AM

Mt. SAC is launching a new Paramedic Academy this fall semester with pre-courses beginning in the summer.

Because class sizes are kept small to ensure a dynamic learning experience, the first Paramedic Academy is already full. Prospective students are welcome to apply now for the second Academy, which will begin with pre-courses in winter intersession 2018.

“These changes are a testament to our commitment to students. Our faculty and staff are constantly assessing our academic programs to ensure our students are the best prepared professionals in the field,” said Jemma Blake-Judd, dean of the division of Technology and Health.

Before the Paramedic Academy, Mt. SAC had a traditional paramedic program, which will be graduating its last students this spring. The program was completely re-imagined using feedback from local fire and health care agencies. The program is now more intensive and streamlined, while still providing students classroom and hands-on experiences they need to make an immediate impact on the job. The Paramedic Academy courses are also scheduled so students can graduate in as little as 9.5 months.

“This Paramedic Academy is years in the making,” said Chief Jamie Hirsch, Program Director. “This is exactly what local public safety professionals have said they wanted from our graduates and we’re delivering.”

These changes are part of a broader effort to re-imagine the fully accredited Public Safety academic programs at Mt. SAC. This winter, the college brought together the administration of justice, fire technology, emergency medical technician and paramedic programs into one building and under one department for the first time, creating a community of public safety professionals. Faculty and staff anticipate heightened collaboration and partnership similar to what professionals experience in the field. New labs and equipment will also be in place for the academy launch.