Welcome to Career Corner, a regular feature in Cougar News which highlights workforce programs at Collin College. Today, we are looking at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) profession.
According to Chief Tim Mock, Collin College EMS program director, the college’s EMT classes are unique because of the individuals teaching the curriculum.
“The Collin College EMT training experience is second to none due to the diversity and professional experiences of our instructional staff,” Mock said. “All of our professors have real-world experience on a mobile intensive care unit (MICU) or in a hospital emergency room (ER). They bring hands-on experience to the classroom which enriches our students’ learning and provides the credibility needed to earn the students’ admiration and respect.”
Former Collin College dual credit student Bowen Coldwell agrees and adds that the classes helped him hone his career path. A Wylie resident, today Coldwell is attending the University of Washington and hopes to become a neurosurgeon.
“I really enjoyed the classes and the clinicals,” Coldwell said. “I used my skills on the ride outs with the fire stations and in the ER when I took vitals and electrocardiograms. I plan to work as an EMT this summer to help pay for school.”
Last semester, Coldwell used his EMT knowledge to help a friend who was having an intense headache.
“He was on the floor moaning,” Coldwell said. “I referenced what I learned and monitored his heart rate and skin tone and made sure he could talk and that he was not getting worse until the residential director took him to the college health center. This was a reminder to keep my EMT knowledge up to date.”
Coldwell was glad to learn that EMT classes will soon be offered at the new Wylie Campus, allowing more residents of his hometown to have the opportunity to learn vital lifesaving skills. Mock is also looking forward to offering these classes via an Occupational Skills Award in Emergency Medical Services Professions at the college’s new Wylie Campus.
“This is an opportunity for the college to expand its footprint and provide services to students from the community and surrounding counties,” Mock said. “We are excited to provide our top-notch education to Wylie in the fall.”
Career Facts
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
- Average Salary: $40,300*
- 3% growth*
Program Options
Collin College offers two Associate of Applied Science degree options for individuals interested in taking EMT classes as well as certificates and an occupational skills award.
For more information, email Lesley LeForge at LLeForge@collin.edu or email workforce-programs@collin.edu.
For more information about workforce programs, check out the information sheets at www.collin.edu/academics/info/ or visit www.collin.edu/academics.
* Job growth projected from 2019-2025. Data obtained from JobsEQ (Collin County), O*NET,
and Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas.
Note: The earning potential for employees with certifications and associate of applied science
degrees may exceed the average salary