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USD 261 explores adding EMT certification via Hutchinson Community College partnership
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Summary
Administrators told the board that Hutchinson Community College will offer EMT as a spring course and Fire Science 1 as a fall course at Campus High School, giving students a pathway to EMT and fire careers and potentially immediate employment after graduation.
Officials described a new pathway at Campus High School that would offer Fire Science 1 in the fall and an EMT certification class in the spring through Hutchinson Community College.
Dr. Queen Reid said Hutchinson Community College will provide the teacher and curriculum; the district covers the room and modest curriculum costs. "They provide the teacher, the curriculum. We pay for the books for the kids, and then we pay for the room," she said. The district already has a Fire Science 1 offering and would mirror that arrangement for EMT, enabling students to pursue certifications that could lead to immediate employment after graduation.
A board member referenced a meeting with the Sedgwick County EMS director, who had described a local shortage of EMTs and encouraged programs that create employment pathways. Administrators said the program leverages existing partnerships and facilities, requires little additional district cost for curriculum and could expand student career opportunities in emergency services.
The item was presented as a first read; board members expressed support for the opportunity and asked only clarifying questions about logistics and instructor arrangements.
