The Columbia State Community College Emergency Medical Services program set a new college record of 89% for its first-attempt credential exam pass rate in Advanced Emergency Medical Technology. 

The students’ first-attempt pass rate far exceeded the national average of 65% on the cognitive test and highlights the efforts of the students and faculty in the program this past summer.

“It’s really a testament to the hard work that these students put in,” said Greg Johnson, EMT/AEMT coordinator for the Emergency Medical Services program. “This is always seen as the hardest of the three national registry exams, and typically has the lowest first-attempt pass rates. This group has done a tremendous job.”

The AEMT program has also far surpassed the state first-attempt pass rate of only 54%. The students also achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on their psychomotor test. 

The Emergency Medical Technology-Basic program hit a mark of 100% pass rate on both, which also exceeded the average scores both in the state and nationally.

“The overwhelming success of these two programs starts and ends with Greg Johnson and his dedicated faculty of Columbia State,” said Dr. David Cauthen, program director of the EMS Academy.

“We have an incredible cadre of instructors that teach for us,” Johnson said. “They have been able to navigate the online learning environment as well as in-person lecture and lab time. They do a great job and keep the students excited and engaged about what they are learning and this contributes greatly to the success of these programs.” 

The Advanced EMT provides basic and advanced life support at sites of illnesses and injuries and continues care through transport to the hospital.

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. Paramedics provide advanced care for those with critical illnesses and injuries, working in pre-hospital and emergency room settings.

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