A Partnership Between Jeff State and Spain Park High School

 

Jefferson State Partners with Spain Park High School in EMS Program

Spain Park High School has secured a grant totaling more than $200,000 from the Alabama State Department of Education (Office of Career and Technical Workforce Development). This grant will allow Spain Park High School to begin offering an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) track within the school’s existing Health Sciences Academy.

The EMS program was developed in response to student interest as well as demand from the local area’s emergency services, who have indicated a need for developing potential in this high demand field. The program will partner with Jefferson State to provide instruction and training until existing staff are trained and certified.

This approach will allow the program to eventually be self-sustaining. Many of the course offerings will offer dual enrollment credit and completion will allow students to sit for the licensure exam and become credentialed. A pathway for matriculation into Jefferson State will allow students to go beyond basic credentials and develop a career track in the field.

The program works closely with the Hoover City EMS and Hoover Fire Department for development, shadowing, and potential post-graduation job placement. The program’s goal of 75 percent passing the credential exam will have a noticeable and measurable impact. This program addresses a strategic need for the region’s employers and will develop students into a 21st century workforce.

Spain Park High School anticipates offering EMS 118 and EMS 119 to senior-level students in the 2014-15 school year.  The grant money will allow the school to purchase equipment necessary to set up realistic labs and training areas to execute the new EMS courses, as well as provisions for staff development. For additional information, please call (205) 439-1400.