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FEMS: UDC partnership advancing paramedic pipeline but accreditation delays push paramedic coursework to fall
Summary
FEMS leaders said 57 members are enrolled in paramedic training (12 at UDC), with UDC students now taking general education requirements while accreditation and program lead transitions delay paramedic coursework until fall 2026. Chiefs said expanding internal training and recruitment remain priorities to address EMS demand.
Chief John Donnelly told the committee the department and its partners are expanding pathways for locally trained paramedics, and that 57 current employees are in paramedic programs across institutions, including 12 students at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). "Just this year in January, the first student started the general education requirements for the paramedic program at UDC," Donnelly said.
Assistant Chief Andre Edwards said UDC is working through accreditation steps and staff changes; the department expects paramedic coursework to begin in the fall if accreditation is completed. Edwards also noted that most currently enrolled students are DC residents, which the department views as a workforce pipeline benefit. The committee pressed for specific fall start dates and for continued oversight to avoid further accreditation delays. Donnelly and Edwards also tied paramedic recruitment to the collective bargaining outlook and to retention driven by pay and working conditions.
