(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Feb. 15, 2018) - - - The Columbia State Community College Emergency Medical Services program graduated its Fall 2018 classes with first-attempt credential exam pass rates exceeding national averages on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician exam. For the first time in Columbia State history, the Emergency Medical Technology-Basic evening class first-attempt pass rate was 100 percent.

The Emergency Medical Technology-Basic evening class pass rate of 100 percent and the Emergency Medical Technology-Basic daytime class pass rate of 87 percent surpass the national pass rate of 69 percent. The Advanced Emergency Medical Technology class pass rate was 81 percent, which surpasses the state pass rate of 55 percent. The most recent Paramedic class pass rate was 85 percent, which surpasses the national pass rate of 75 percent.

The EMT-B program prepares students to be entry-level Emergency Medical Technicians. An EMT provides basic life support at the site of illnesses and injuries, assisting with transport to the hospital. The Advanced EMT provides basic and advanced life support at sites of illnesses and injuries through transport to the hospital. Paramedics provide advanced care for those with critical illnesses and injuries, working in pre-hospital and emergency room settings.

“The fall 2018 EMT cohort produced a great group of dedicated students that will be instrumental to their community EMS agencies and the residents they serve,” said Gregory S. Johnson, Columbia State EMT program coordinator. “We have a great team working to prepare our students for the workforce.”

Johnson took over the coordination of the EMT program in September 2018. Prior to starting at Columbia State, he worked for 10 years in EMS with his most recent position being a critical care paramedic with the Rutherford County EMS department. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from Middle Tennessee State University, and an associate of science degree in paramedicine from the University of Cincinnati.

“When I moved back to Tennessee I quickly learned that Columbia State’s EMS Academy, under the direction of Dr. David Cauthen, EMS program director, was the leader in EMS education in the state,” Johnson said. “I am excited to be a part of the growth that is occurring in the program. Our instructors deserve so much credit, they are what make our students a success.” 

For more information about the EMS program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/EMS or contact Johnson at 931.540.2792.

The National Registry’s mission is to provide a valid, uniform process to assess the knowledge and skills required for competent practice by EMS professionals throughout their careers, and to maintain a registry of certification status. For more information, visit www.nremt.org.

Photo Caption: Fall 2018 Emergency Medical Technology Evening students. (Front row, pictured left to right): Destiny Parkinson, Jessica Brown, Mary Robertson, Victor Mundy and Gabriel King. (Back row, pictured, left to right): Devin Dickey, Columbia State EMS skills instructor; Ben Dowell; Dennis Voelzke-Ammons; Angel Craig; Eric Croley; Gregory S. Johnson, Columbia State EMS program coordinator; and Dr. David Cauthen, Columbia State EMS program director.

  Photo Caption: Fall 2018 Emergency Medical Technology Daytime students. (Front row, pictured left to right): Talen Stephens, Micah Baker, Chad Rohling, Jonathan Prieur, Colton Manning and Adam Delabruere. (Back row, pictured left to right): Devin Dickey, Columbia State EMS skills instructor; Roy Brooks, Columbia State senior EMS instructor; Morgan Yarnell; Brooklyn Ayers; Nicole Mullen; Stephanie Curby; Lindsay Melton; Baylee Simmons; Alexandria Morphew; Deja Dixon; Heike Perez; Gregory S. Johnson, Columbia State EMS program coordinator; and Dr. David Cauthen, Columbia State EMS program director.

Photo Caption: Fall 2018 Advanced Emergency Medical Technology students. (Front row, pictured left to right): Luke Boruff, Christian Tomlin, Sean Norton, Thomas Kruk, Saria Price, Emily Kinney, Kayla Rosson, Gianna Lonneman and Megan McCool. (Back row, pictured left to right): Ben Whiddon, Brandon Robinson, Zachary Malmstrom, Theodore Martin, Jacob Warren, Jordan Fox, Tyler Cobb and Jimmy Contreras, Columbia State EMS instructor.

Photo Caption: Fall 2018 Paramedic students. (First row, pictured left to right): Frank Berlanga, Columbia State EMS instructor; Chad Hollingsworth, Columbia State EMS instructor; Kimberley Ploof; Kelsey Haynes; and Dr. David Cauthen, Columbia State EMS program director. (Second row, pictured left to right): Jody Hood, Matt Gaines, Drew Rowe and Sophi Robertson. (Third row, pictured left to right): Chris Morgan, Ashley Crowley, Sarah Patton, Keisha Lawrence, Sam Springer, Jacob Lingo and Tom LoSchiavo. (Fourth row, pictured left to right):  Michael Petty, James Walker, Chelsea Kempchinski, McKenna Dubbert, Marisa Clark, Dustin Lee and Sarah Slayton.