Published: January 09, 2009 12:57 pm      

Ivy Tech to offer further training for paramedics in the fall

Though many areas of the economy are experiencing hard times, one that isn’t being affected too much is health care, said Mark Kinkle, dean of the school of health sciences and the school of public and social services at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg.

He said that area has not just sustained, but also added positions.

So, Ivy Tech is expanding options to area students to meet that demand. Starting this fall, the college will begin offering an associate degree in paramedic science.

“As our population ages, we need programs to teach specific medical skills,” said Marilyn Faulkenburg, vice chancellor of academic affairs. “Training programs for paramedics are not widely available in the area and the need is growing for people in this specialty.”

Kinkle said the college always offered the basic courses for someone pursuing this path, but not a formal degree. He said this new track will have multiple entry points, allowing someone new to start at the beginning and those with some training and education to skip ahead.

Kinkle said though no degree is required in Indiana to be a paramedic — who often serves as a first responder — the state is making it more of an informal requirement as emphasis is being placed on academic preparation.

Faulkenburg anticipates an enrollment of about 25 students this fall when the program starts.

“We believe the program will be in demand, and once word gets out, we expect enrollment to grow,” she said.

Faulkenburg said those enrolling would take some of the medical courses already offered at the college in addition to a few new classes, which will be added to create the program.

Kinkle said students will get hands-on training through partnerships between the college and area hospitals, fire departments and more.

Kinkle said another advantage to this program is that it qualifies for state financial aid, which training programs offered by companies employing paramedics do not.