Columbia State Community College recently recognized 18 emergency medical technicians and 31 paramedics upon completion of certificates during the Summer 2025 EMS Pinning ceremony held in the Cherry Theater. 

“We are incredibly proud of these students and their success in our programs,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor. “These pass rates show their dedication to excellence. These students will be instrumental to the communities in which they will serve.”

Traditional Summer 2025 EMT completers at the Columbia Campus achieved a 94% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry.

The Summer 2025 paramedic cohort earned a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the paramedic National Registry Cognitive exam. In addition, this marks three years in a row and four out of the last five years that the paramedic cohorts have achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry, further illustrating the long-time success of this program. The national first-time pass average for the paramedic national registry exam is 83%. 

“It's encouraging to see the growth in these students during their time at the EMS Academy,” said Amanda Schatz, Columbia State EMT coordinator and instructor of EMS. “They are hungry to learn, grow and excel at patient care.”

An EMT provides basic life support at the site of illnesses and injuries, assisting with transport to the hospital. 

EMT and paramedic certificate completers also have the option to pursue the General Technology Associate of Applied Science degree by combining coursework from two certificates with general education courses to complete a personalized degree program. 

“The pinning ceremony is a milestone which recognizes EMS students' resilience, determination and dedication to mastering skills and knowledge,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “These new EMTs and paramedics made a great decision to come to Columbia State to experience the best in EMS education!”

The program provides students with the necessary didactic and practical training to perform life-saving skills. Additionally, students learn to work alone, as well as in a squad-based (team) environment. 

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