The accreditation, which became effective July 15, underscores WCC’s commitment to providing high-quality education and training that meets the national quality assurance standards established by CAAHEP.
Graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs are highly sought after by employers, and many professional certification bodies require graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited program for eligibility to sit for certification exams.
WCC’s paramedic certification is offered through the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) short-term training programs in the College’s Workforce Continuing Education Services. Students must first become certified emergency medical technicians before pursuing certification as paramedics.
Paramedics provide the highest level of pre-hospital emergency medical care in North Carolina.
WCC EMS Instructor/Coordinator Kimberly Boswell explained that the new CAAHEP accreditation will reinforce WCC’s practice of teaching paramedic students in adherence to higher standards.
“The quality of our paramedic students and our pass rates have always been excellent,” Boswell said. “Obtaining the CAAHEP accreditation for our paramedic program not only continues to strengthen the quality of the program but also allows us to continue to build a more productive program, thus producing better paramedics for the workforce.”
Boswell said that the College’s paramedic program will continue to comply with the North Carolina Office of EMS’s rules and regulations in addition to the CAAHEP standards.
Dr. Barry S. Eckert, CAAHEP president, emphasized the importance of accreditation. “Choosing a CAAHEP-accredited program is crucial for students seeking a career in allied health,” he said. “It ensures that they receive an education that is both comprehensive and relevant to current industry needs, ultimately benefiting their future employers and people receiving care.”
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