Macomb Community College offering current EMTs opportunity for first semester of Paramedic program at no cost

Grant can save EMTs $4,500 toward advancing their careers

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) interesting in becoming paramedics can start their training at Macomb Community College at a reduced cost. Through a grant from the State of Michigan, Macomb is able to offer the first semester of its Paramedic program at no cost – including tuition and expenses – to as many as 30 students for the upcoming fall semester, which begins August 2023.

“This is a unique opportunity for those EMTs interested in advancing their careers and becoming a paramedic,” said Mike Lopez, director, Public Service Institute, Macomb Community College. “This grant reduces the student’s overall cost of a paramedic education by approximately $4,500 and opens the door to many people who otherwise may have a financial obstacle to entering the program.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, with the average median salary of a paramedic approximately $11,000 higher annually than that of an EMT. Paramedics have numerous employment opportunities, ranging from private ambulance services to working in a hospital setting to progressing, with further education, to firefighter/paramedic.

The grant allows Macomb to cover first semester costs, including tuition, books, uniforms and other fees, for as many as 30 students for the first semester of the Paramedic program. Students must be registered students at Macomb and successfully apply and be offered admittance to the program’s through the selective admissions process.  

Macomb’s two-year Paramedic program is a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on courses utilizing state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, as well as extended time in area hospitals doing clinical rotations in which students practice their skills. In the final semester of the program, students participate in an externship, riding in the field with an ambulance service. The program prepares students for state and national licensing exams.

Due to a shortage of paramedics, there are abundant opportunities for graduates of Macomb’s Paramedic program according to Jeff White, chief of Emergency Medical Services for Richmond and Lenox Townships, and chair of Macomb’s advisory board for EMT and paramedic training.

“There is a national shortage of paramedics like nothing that I’ve ever seen in my 40 years of doing this kind of work,” said White. “We have to convince young people that it is a job with a career and a wage they can support a family on. It is a job where, actually from an hourly standpoint or a days of work standpoint, there is tremendous ability for a good work-life balance.”

To qualify for this grant, students must be a registered student at Macomb, have a current Michigan Basic EMT license and be admitted to the program through the selective admissions process. Applications and all required documentation are due prior to May 15, 2023. For more information on the selective admission process for Macomb’s Paramedic program, go to www.macomb.edu/resources/selective-admissions/attachments/emergency-medical-technician-paramedic.pdf. Contact Counseling and Advising office at 586.445.7999 for further program information.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macoomb.edu