Columbia State Community College recently recognized 31 emergency medical technicians and 26 advanced emergency medical technicians upon completion of certificates during the Spring 2025 EMS Pinning ceremony held in the Cherry Theatre 

“EMS Academy faculty are proud of this cohort of students in their exemplary work performed this semester,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor. “These graduates are answering a special call to serve their community and are well prepared to be the difference makers needed when called upon. I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of EMS Academy faculty and college staff who come together to play such an important role in shaping these future providers. These graduates are a picture of the success of Columbia State’s ‘One College’ vision.”

Traditional Spring 2025 EMT completers at the Columbia Campus achieved an 86% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry. Completers on the Williamson Campus achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate for the national registry. Students in the integrated certificate received a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the EMT national registry and an 84% on the AEMT portion for the students who have tested to date.

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.

The accelerated AEMT path is an academy-style, technical certificate program designed to educate and train students to serve as vital members of a pre-hospital EMS team in a single semester. Students must complete 144 hours of clinical rotations to earn a technical certificate in AAEMT.

For the past three years, Columbia State has offered the opportunity for students from several Middle Tennessee high schools to complete the EMT certificate via dual enrollment. Creek Wood High School's first group of EMTs finished in Spring 2025, along with groups from existing offerings at East Hickman and Fairview High Schools. 

EMT 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. 

“Columbia State's EMS Academy is widely known for innovation, high standards, and exceptional student achievement,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “Emergency Medical Services certification fast-tracks learners into the workforce in roles that present multiple opportunities to make a difference every day!”

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.

To view more photos from the event, click here.