Expert instructors, realistic training environments, and proven partnerships with community agencies make the nationally accredited Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at COCC an immersive, challenging, and extremely rewarding education in lifesaving. From a one-year EMT certificate to a two-year Paramedicine associate degree, the rigorous EMS program covers the full scope of emergency response skills and clinical preparedness.  

"It's the greatest career I could have imagined." — Steve Pengra, COCC EMS instructor and retired fire captain 

Students work with the latest in training equipment, such as ventilators, simulation mannequins, a unique indoor replica ambulance, and a fully operational ambulance, as they prepare for fulfilling and high-demand careers in the field of emergency services.

"St. Charles has worked closely with our COCC community partners for about 50 years," says Janice Pendroy, a clinical practice and professional development specialist at St. Charles Health System. "The EMS program trains the new generation of EMT and paramedic students, who will go out into the community and partner with the health system as first responders. These students rotate through St. Charles' family birthing unit, emergency departments, pediatric department, and operating rooms to gain experience as part of their EMS programs. The clinical practice and professional development department of St. Charles Health System collaborates with COCC EMS leadership in providing comprehensive clinical experiences."