Tenn. EMS Program Offers Field Training for Students, Job Offers After Graduation

The Cumberland County School system thinks it may be able to help.

"We would like to increase our [industry certification] efforts toward EMT certification," Chris King, supervisor of 9-12 curriculum and instruction and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, told the schools and education committee of the Cumberland County Commission Monday evening.

For several years, the school system has been offering high school students the opportunity to earn their certified nursing assistant licensure through the health science programs.

"When they graduate, most of them have jobs already working as CNAs," King said. "Some of them, that is their goal for the time-being. Some of them plan to move on into an LPN or RN or other medical profession."

Through work-based learning, students are able to work during the school day, extending the hours they are available to work and better meeting the employer's needs.

King explained the school system was expanding all work-based learning opportunities for students through the CTE department. These unique learning experiences allow students to spend time on-the-job--either paid or unpaid--and earn school credit.

"The student gets credit and experience," King said.

In addition, it helps expose students to the "soft skills" many employers say are sometimes lacking in new hires--like showing up on time and being prepared for the work day.

"They may have heard about it but not experienced it," King said.

The expansion of work-based learning programs is part of a statewide effort in "kindergarten to jobs," King said, instead of just looking toward high school graduation. He believes there may be additional funding from the state to support the programs, particularly in areas of health science, information technology and advanced manufacturing.

Cumberland County schools' CTE department offers concentrations in all 16 career clusters.

In Tennessee, individuals can become licensed EMTs when they have reached 18 years of age. They must complete an approved EMT course and pass a written and practical examination as well as pay required fees and complete a criminal background check.

Currently, Roane State Community College offers an EMT certification course through its Knox County Center for Health Sciences and designated satellite campuses. The program takes 16 weeks and includes classroom and lab instruction as well as hands-on training under the supervision of paramedics.

The program is limited to 24 students per class.

King said the school system was looking to partner with Roane State on a dual credit program.

"Roane State is preparing to expand their EMT program," King said. "All of those are win-win-wins for the students."

In addition, Miller hopes to offer a scholarship for EMT training. The certification program costs about $1,500 and it is not eligible for federal Pell Grant funding.

Nancy Hyder, 2nd District commissioner and a member of the board of directors for the 4C's Foundation, said there was considerable community support for such efforts. The 4C's Foundation provides local scholarships.

"I thought next year I would ask for $500 more to go towards this scholarship," she said. "They looked at me and said, 'What if we give it to you this year?' I said we'd take it."

Miller said there had been some interest from students in working for EMS following the annual career fair held March 29. Every high school junior in the county attended the event.

He added the department offers a ride-along program for high school seniors to familiarize themselves with the career opportunities.

"If you get a high school senior and get them a scholarship and get in the pipeline for being an EMT, they might stay at this job for 30 years," Miller said. "That [$1,500] could be life-changing."

Director of Schools Janet Graham said, "The key is to having opportunity for our kids who graduate and having jobs in Cumberland County for them to stay here."

Starting wage for an EMT in Cumberland County is $12.88 an hour.

Miller added, "This career isn't for everybody...But you could use this training as a framework for something else."

Heather Mullinix is assistant editor of the Crossville Chronicle. She covers schools and education in Cumberland County. She may be reached at hmullinix@crossville-chronicle.com.

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