LCC EMT-BASIC COURSE FILLS AREA NEED

 Southeast Colorado ambulance services are in need of assistance. Over the past decade, area agencies have seen a significant increase in the number of emergency calls.  Unfortunately, they have also seen a substantial decrease in the number of qualified area Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s).  To assist in narrowing this gap, Lamar Community College is currently offering an EMT-Basic course.

Classes are held in the Betz Technology Center Nursing Classroom on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6-10:00 p.m. and three Saturdays through late April 2012.  With generous assistance from the Daniels Fund and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment CREATE Program, individuals may complete an EMT-Basic certificate at low or no cost to the participant.  A student may also qualify for scholarships based on current or forthcoming affiliation with area ambulance agencies.

“With the college’s Daniels Fund grant sunsetting this spring, this will be the last semester that students can apply for Daniels Opportunity Fund scholarship dollars to defray course costs,” commented Brandon Sherwood, LCC EMS coordinator, “Daniels Scholarships cover tuition, fees, and course materials for students who may not be eligible for other aid. I encourage area residents to contact me now if they are interested in becoming an EMT.”

Registrants may use four easy steps to enroll in the course: apply for admission to LCC; complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application at www.fafsa.gov; request a Daniels Fund EMS scholarship, and enroll in the class.   An entering student may apply for admission and scholarships, and register for courses at www.lamarcc.edu.   EMS students must have a high school diploma or GED.  High school seniors are eligible to enroll in the course but must graduate and turn 18 years of age before they are eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Basic exam.

For more information, contact Brandon Sherwood at 719.336.1629 or ems@lamarcc.edu or Mary Lou Myers at 719.336.1594 or nursing@lamarcc.edu.