Meet Our Faculty
Professional Guidance
Faculty in Emergency Medical Services bring extensive experience and training backgrounds into their work with students.
See the EMS Department Directory for a full listing of staff and faculty.
Faculty Profiles
Emergency Medical Services Faculty.
Rod VanOrsdol
Assistant Professor II of Paramedicine
Email: rvanorsdol@cocc.edu
After graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Rod spent five years working as a computer programmer. He found his true calling, however, when he signed up as a volunteer for a local fire department. He changed careers and never looked back. Rod’s experience in the field includes flight paramedic, SWAT medic, firefighter/paramedic, EMT/paramedic instructor, and rising through the ranks to the level of assistant chief with one of the largest fire departments in Florida.
Rod recently served as a subject matter expert for several EMS textbooks, collaborating with writers and photographers to ensure accurate representation of skills and patient presentations. He enjoys working with students of all backgrounds and helping them develop the skills they need for a challenging and rewarding career in emergency medical services.
Michael Greene
Program Director
Assistant Professor II
Email: mjgreene@cocc.edu
Michael Greene's journey in emergency medical services began as a volunteer EMT for a search and rescue team, which led a role with a professional SAR team in the National Park Service. Inspired to advance his skills, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by paramedic certification while teaching EMTs and paramedics in a diverse urban-rural county in Colorado.
"I’m deeply passionate about education and the lifelong journey of learning," Michael shares. "Paramedicine and prehospital care hold a special place for me, especially integrating clinical skills and knowledge."
Michael’s extensive career experience includes work as a field medic, emergency department nurse, and flight nurse, as well as leadership positions in hospital, flight, and critical care transport programs. His commitment to continuous learning led him to earn master's degrees in both business and healthcare Administration.
Whether working in the field or in the classroom, Michael finds his work deeply fulfilling. He is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of EMTs and paramedics, knowing they may one day respond to emergencies that affect his own community.