Holmes EMS granted continuing accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Board of Directors granted continuing accreditation to the Emergency Medical Science (EMS)-Paramedic program at Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus.

“The re-accreditation from CoAEMSP demonstrates the Holmes EMS program’s commitment to quality,” said EMS Program Director Mark Galtelli, BS, NRP. “We have tremendously dedicated faculty on both campuses who are committed to our student’s success.”

The EMS program at Holmes prepares students for a variety of roles in the field of emergency medicine. Courses are offered on the campuses in Ridgeland, Grenada, and Kosciusko, and students who complete the one-semester EMS Basic Course and receive licensure are prepared for direct patient care and serve as the support personnel as well as operate the ambulance. EMS students also end up working in emergency departments, fire departments, and physicians' offices. Current licensure as an EMT Basic often provides points toward selection for entry into other allied health programs, as well.

A new paramedic program begins annually on each campus and meets three nights per week for three semesters. Successful completion of the course leads to a certificate or an AAS degree. Paramedics provide direct patient care covering a broad range of injuries and illness. Experienced paramedics may be eligible to enter the Critical Care Paramedic program, a program designed and first implemented by the EMS staff at Holmes. The required courses are offered in a two-semester format on the Ridgeland Campus. Successful completion of the coursework leads to an AAS degree. Critical Care Paramedics are prepared for a career in critical care transport.

For more information on the Holmes EMS program, contact Mark Galtelli at mgaltelli@holmescc.edu or (601) 605-3331.