Emergency Medical Services career training available at WNC for spring semester

Courtesy Steve Yingling, Western Nevada College

Help save lives, make a difference in the community and enjoy a financially stable career. Train to become an emergency medical technician through Western Nevada College’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program.

In the upcoming spring semester, WNC is offering basic (EMS 108) and advanced (EMS 115) courses.

"This is a critical and essential program that not only provides careers for our students but serves one of our communities' most important needs: emergency health care," said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. "We appreciate how well our instructors train these students for careers in Emergency Medical Services and know that they will be successful in their important roles in the future."

Students will gain the knowledge and skills to assess and care for patients in an emergency or pre-hospital setting. Classes also prepare students for national and state testing for emergency medical technician (EMT) and advanced EMT positions.

"We have prepared many EMTs for careers in Emergency Medical Services," said Nursing and Allied Health Director and Professor of Nursing Debi Ingraffia-Strong. "This program provides students with the necessary training to become successful EMTs and Advanced EMTs."

To enroll in these classes, students must have a current CPR certification, health insurance, a background check, a uniform and required immunizations and tests. The advanced EMS course also requires a current Nevada certification as an EMT.

Both classes are offered from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from Jan. 22 through May 18.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for this career is projected to rise by 7 percent through 2031.

WNC’s EMS program meets or exceeds the required skills and knowledge as set forth by the NHTSAs office of EMS National EMS Education Standards and Instructional Guidelines.

For more information about WNC’s EMS program, go to https://wnc.edu/nursing-and-allied-health/ems-paramedicine.php or phone 775-445-4425.