EKU Department of Paramedicine is asking currently certified EMTs to share their thoughts regarding a potential online paramedic course. This course could be launched as soon as the August of 2016, if the need is there.
According to Bill Young, Program Director, “The university leadership is willing to commit to resources in the development and execution of an online paramedic class. There are many currently working EMTs who, for a number of valid reasons, cannot commit to attending class on campus. We need to identify those students for whom this would be a viable alternative.”
Many states, including Kentucky are reporting difficulties in staffing ambulances with the numbers of paramedics that are needed. According to recent estimates, there are about 2200 paramedics working in the state of Kentucky. Young continued, “Keep in mind that at least 40-45% of those licensed as paramedics either no longer practice in EMS or are in administrative or educational positions and no longer respond on a regular basis. Some experts estimate that the numbers could be as low as an average of 10 paramedics per county. “According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, “Employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 23 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all other healthcare occupations.”
The Paramedic department is encouraging EMTs to visit the following link http://tinyurl.com/online-paramedic to complete ten short survey questions by December 24. Currently certified EMTs ONLY are asked to participate regardless of whether they live in Kentucky or elsewhere. All EMTs that fully complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card to be selected on December 24. Confirmation of EMT level will be required prior to delivery of gift card.
For questions about this survey or other information regarding the programs offered by the EKU Paramedic program, contact Bill Young at or call 859-429-1367
