Nation-wide shortages of trained EMTs have dangerous consequences for patients waiting for emergency care including longer wait times during emergencies and low coverage, especially in rural towns. According to a 2022 study from the American Ambulance Association (AAA), 39% of part-time EMTs and 55% of part-time paramedic positions went unfilled because of a lack of qualified candidates. Through its Paramedic Science degree, EMT Program Certificate, and Dual Track Program, Anna Maria College is ensuring that aspiring EMTs and paramedics have every opportunity to receive the training they need to save others.
Many of our EMT and Paramedic students are currently employed with local fire departments and ambulance agencies, meaning that they are receiving hands-on training in their new academic space as well in the back of an ambulance.
While the current EMT/Paramedic crisis is caused by many factors, mental burnout is at the forefront. The AAA’s study also discovered that turnover among paramedics and EMTs ranged between 20% and 30% annually furthering the gap in emergency coverage. Departments and ambulance services are eager to hire EMTs and paramedics, resulting in many job opportunities for our students.
Emily Goodsell ‘25 is a Paramedic and Fire Science major in Anna Maria’s dual track program which allows her to receive fire science training and be trained as an entry level paramedic provider who is prepared to take the National Registry Paramedic Certification Exam. Through the program, Emily earned her EMT certification which allowed her to receive her New York State EMT license meaning she can now perform lifesaving medical work on the ambulance. Emily is also an accelerated student and will graduate ahead of her peers in December 2025.
“Everything we learn is directly related to our careers,” Emily explained, “On the fire science side, we learn things like fire investigation, hydraulics, and combustion. Meanwhile, on the paramedic side the classes teach you everything you need to know when you’re in the back of an ambulance with a patient as a paramedic.”
Another proud milestone for the College is the 100% pass rate of our EMT students on the State Practical Exam and 95% on the written portion of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Once students pass the written exam with NREMT, they are nationally registered EMTs and then apply for the MA certification.
Emergency Medical Services Professor William Allen prepares EMT students for the rigorous testing using his 40 years’ experience in the field and 20 plus years as an instructor. In the past three semesters that he has been at Anna Maria College, 38 students have passed the exam to date.
“I have several former students who are currently working on ambulances throughout Massachusetts. It is an honor when they come back and thank me for the class and their ability to easily transition into a job,” Allen said about the pride he has a professor, “I am still a practicing paramedic, working on average 80 to 120 hours a week. My heavy work hours are due to the field’s shortage of EMTs and paramedics, so I understand how vitally important it is for trained and qualified emergency professionals to be entering the field.”
