NMCC’s EMS program accredited
Northern Maine Community College has succeeded in earning national accreditation for its emergency medical services program. After a two-year process of preparation and thorough examination, college officials were notified about the designation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
The commission accredits a variety of health educational programs in order to ensure that instruction is meeting national industry standards. Accreditation helps to secure a supply of qualified health care professionals.
“This stamp of approval is a milestone for our emergency medical services program. The accreditation team was meticulous in its examination of the program and we’re very proud of this accomplishment,” said NMCC President Timothy Crowley. “It is extremely important to the college to have nationally-accredited programs because the endorsement indicates the level of quality available for our students and prospective students, as well as community partners and health-industry employers.”
The process of accreditation includes a self-study and an onsite visit by an accreditation team. Programs are accredited when it is determined that they meet the educational standards and guidelines established by the profession. The curriculum for the two-year associate in applied science degree includes classroom instruction, skills labs and about 600 hours of off-campus externship. Upon graduation, NMCC students are eligible to sit for the National Registry of EMT’s-Paramedic Certification exams.
“We are proud and excited to announce the accreditation of our paramedic program,” said Leah Mitchell, EMS program coordinator. “This process ensures our students are comparable to their peers across the nation; making a more marketable graduate and enhancing the overall level of the EMS profession. Graduating students from our program are allowed opportunities for reciprocity across the country and several foreign nations.”
The accreditation is effective for five years and is renewable subject to further review and audit in order to keep the program up-to-date with national industry standards.
