MAC and WCAD Extend EMS Education Partnership

Front row (l-r): Trustee Lisa Umfleet, Paramedic Program Coordinator/Lead Instructor Sarah Branson, WCAD Division Chief—Clinical Practice and Director of EMS Programs Doug Anderson, EMT Program Coordinator/Lead Instructor Samantha Nahlik, WCAD Division Chief–Logistics Matt Hart, Trustee Alan Wells. 

Back row (l-r): Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Keith Zoromski, Trustee Mit Landrum, President Dr. Joe Gilgour, Trustee Camille Nations, Trustee Scott Sikes, WCAD Division Chief–MIH and EMS Operations Tony Mingo.

MAC and WCAD Extend EMS Education Partnership

Mineral Area College (MAC) and Washington County Ambulance District (WCAD) are pleased to announce the extension of their collaborative partnership to administer EMS Education Programs at MAC's main campus in Park Hills through June 2030. Since the partnership’s inception in 2019, about 175 EMTs and 60 paramedics have completed their EMS education through the program. The extension ensures the continuation of vital training opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals in the region.

Doug Anderson, WCAD Division Chief—Clinical Practice, now serves as the Director of EMS Programs for MAC. He provides oversight and guidance for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic Technology programs, as well as Community Health Worker (CHW) and Community Paramedicine courses.

"This extension ensures we can continue to offer robust educational pathways for those entering the healthcare field and those seeking to advance their careers," said Anderson. "Becoming a licensed EMT opens doors to entry-level employment in emergency medical services, and many choose to further their education with a paramedic license to enhance their marketability and earning potential."

The EMT training is a semester-long course, leading to eligibility for national certification and state licensure. This course is offered in both fall and spring semesters with morning and afternoon options. This year, the EMT program has been offered as an 8-week summer course for the first time at MAC. The EMT program provides the student with 12 college credit hours and the experience needed to be successful in future college courses or programs. 

The Paramedic Technology program is an intensive 18-month program for applicants who hold a current EMT license and have completed the prerequisite courses. Upon successful completion, students are eligible for national testing and state paramedic licensure.

Anderson emphasized the continued importance of this partnership in addressing the shortage of licensed paramedics and EMTs. Reports from various sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and national EMS organizations, consistently highlight a critical workforce deficit due to factors such as high turnover and increasing demand for services. This ongoing shortage underscores the vital role programs like the one at MAC play in training and retaining qualified EMS professionals.

"We are pleased to extend this valuable partnership with MAC," Anderson stated. "Our shared goals of providing quality education and ensuring competent, job-ready healthcare providers remain our priority. We look forward to many more years of continued success."

Angie Erickson, MAC Dean of Allied Health Professions, added, "The success of our partnership with Washington County Ambulance District has been significant. Extending this collaboration through 2030 reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional EMS education and meeting the critical need for skilled paramedics and EMTs in our communities. This continued partnership will undoubtedly benefit our students and the healthcare landscape of our region."

Fall 2025 Semester begins on August 18th, with course offerings of Emergency Medical Technician, Community Health Worker, and Community Paramedicine. 

For more information about EMS Education Programs at Mineral Area College, please contact (573) 518-2123 or visit www.MineralArea.edu.