State approves Southwestern paramedic program

The Oregon State Board of Education voted Friday to approve a new paramedic associate degree program to be offered by Southwestern Oregon Community College, through a partnership with Bay Cities Ambulance in Coos Bay, in response to local and statewide industry needs.

As part of its Fire Science Department, Southwestern long has offered EMT training activities for local firefighters and others seeking positions in the emergency services profession. But until now there were no local opportunities for further training to achieve paramedic status. Many students were forced to relocate or commute to obtain those credentials.

There is a demand – particularly in rural areas around the state – for skilled, trained professionals for the paramedic field. The program also will provide invaluable training for local firefighters and volunteers.

“They are satisfying positions,” Fire Science Department Director Paul Reynolds said. “There are a lot of requirements, but at the same time they’re excellent paying jobs.”

The new programming wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Bay Cities Ambulance, which is under new ownership. Bay Cities has remodeled space at its location on Ocean Boulevard to house classrooms and provide equipment for coursework to be delivered.

“There is no community college anywhere on the coast, probably from San Francisco to Seattle, that offers this,” Bay Cities Ambulance Operations Manager Tim Novotny said. “There are always positions and not enough applicants so the need is there, for sure.”

Press Release Date: June 23, 2008