Jackson and Josephine Counties, Ore. (Nov. 13, 2024) — In a move to address the growing demand for highly trained paramedics in Southern Oregon, Rogue Community College (RCC) has announced the addition of two new programs to its Emergency Services Department. The college has introduced the Advanced Emergency Care Certificate of Completion and the Emergency Services Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, which are specifically tailored to help students become paramedics more efficiently by streamlining their educational pathways.
These programs offer a targeted approach for those already working as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or for individuals pursuing careers in emergency medical services (EMS). “The new programs significantly reduce time to completion for students aiming to become paramedics by removing barriers and focusing on courses that prepare students for a career in paramedic care and emergency medical services,” said Rusty Riis, faculty chair of RCC’s Emergency Services Department.
Two New Programs: Practical Training and Career Pathways
The Advanced Emergency Care certificate is a focused, four-term program crafted for EMTs who already hold an associate degree or higher. This program emphasizes paramedic-level skills while allowing students to leverage their prior experience, reducing redundancies and shortening the time required to complete the certification.
“This certificate allows students to avoid starting from scratch,” Riis explained. “We can now focus their time on EMT and paramedic education, bridging the knowledge gap from their previous education to the unique aspects of paramedic care.”
In addition to the certificate, the new Emergency Services AAS degree provides a comprehensive two-year program, starting from EMT certification and progressing to advanced paramedic training. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Registry Paramedic Certification Examination, a key credential that can open doors to leadership roles in EMS and fire services. The AAS degree program not only meets the current regional demand for qualified paramedics but also aims to strengthen Southern Oregon’s EMS workforce by providing high-quality paramedic education.
Meeting a Post-COVID Paramedic Shortage
The pandemic left a significant void in EMS as many EMTs and paramedics left the workforce. RCC’s new programs are designed to help fill that gap by enabling aspiring paramedics to complete their training in a shorter time frame, without compromising the quality of education. According to RCC, the curriculum maintains the rigorous standards expected for paramedic training, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to serve their communities effectively.
These new educational options at RCC reflect a commitment to supporting the region’s health and safety. For more information on the Advanced Emergency Care certificate, the Emergency Services AAS degree, or other programs within the RCC Emergency Services Department, visit www.roguecc.edu/emergencyservices or contact 541-956-7500.
