ELLISVILLE – As the nation and Mississippi faces a crisis in the declining number of Emergency Medical Services personnel, Jones College is now making the Emergency Medical Training program more accessible to more people. By offering the EMT program online and “on-the-road,” a more diverse range of individuals, including working professionals, traditional students and even high school seniors will have access to the training. Jones College’s Emergency Technology, Paramedic Program Director and Healthcare Simulation Center Director, Benji Sessums, Ph.D., NR-P., believes the new course format options will help fill the shortage of EMS personnel.
“Because of the impacts of the Covid Pandemic and significant changes in the healthcare landscape, the state is struggling to ensure that emergency services can adequately meet the public’s demand. Jones College has consistently offered a successful EMT program through traditional on-campus classes. However, we recognize that many individuals in our district may not be able to attend these classes or can’t afford the time away from work or family needed to complete their certification. By providing an online EMT course with alternative lab locations available every two weeks, we aim to give people in our district the opportunity to advance in their careers,” explained Sessums.
This spring, Jones will begin offering two options for the EMT program beginning on January 13, 2025, and concluding on May 8, and 9, 2025. The first option is the traditional class, similar to what has been provided in the past, with classes meeting on the main campus in Ellisville on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. In addition to extensive lecture and lab training, students will get 12 hours of clinical experience in local Emergency Rooms and 60 hours of field rotations on the ambulance.
The new option available this spring will allow students to get all classroom lectures through the online Canvas system, utilizing interactive activities, discussion boards, video lectures, and other online engagements with faculty. Online students will be required to attend a 5-hour lab every two weeks and will focus on proctored testing and skill training.
“The best aspect of this new format is the fact the labs will be held at various locations throughout the Jones College District, which may include Bay Springs, Covington County, Greene County, the main campus in Ellisville and additional sites based on student demographics. Students can attend any of the lab sites to fulfill their bi-weekly lab requirements,” Sessums said.
In total, students will have seven lab sessions culminating in a comprehensive lab check-off during the first week of May at the main campus. These students will be required to complete the same 12-hour ER shift, and 60 hours of field rotations on the ambulance. Upon successful completion of the seven-hour academic college course, students will be able to test for the National Registry EMT Certification.
Federal Aid, and scholarships through the Jones College Foundation Office, and through the Local WIN Job Center may be available to cover the $1,400 tuition, books, uniform shirt, and lab resources. To learn more about the new, EMT program options at Jones College, email, emtparamedic@jcjc.edu or click on the website, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/emt/
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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policy: The (ADA/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.