Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is taking hands-on learning to the next level thanks to a new grant from the West Virginia Community and Technical College System in collaboration with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. This funding made it possible for Southern to purchase a fully equipped International ambulance—delivered today—that will serve as a mobile classroom for high school seniors.
The ambulance will mirror a real-world emergency response unit, allowing students to train in an immersive, hands-on environment as part of Southern’s EMT Expansion initiative. The goal: bring EMT-Basic education directly into local high schools and give students a head start on a high-demand career.
“I am so grateful to have this opportunity to bring this program to our local high schools,” said Mike Smith, Director of Emergency Management Services. “Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to sit for the National Registry EMT exam. Upon passing, they can become certified EMTs and enter the workforce immediately. While most employers require EMTs to be 18, students can earn their certification before reaching that age.”
With starting wages typically ranging from $15 to $22 per hour—and a 100% job placement rate—this program offers a direct pathway from classroom to career. Students will also earn both college credit and high school credit through the CTE pathway, making this a powerful opportunity to jumpstart their future in emergency medical services.