Southeastern Community College was awarded a $400,000 grant aimed at expanding and upgrading its Emergency Medical Services program. The grant will purchase advanced training equipment, hire additional instructors and provide students with a more immersive, hands-on educational experience, ensuring they are better prepared for careers in EMS. With the upgraded training equipment in place, SCC will offer an associate’s degree of EMS in fall 2025.  

Darren Norris, former lead EMS instructor at SCC and a key figure in the grant-writing process, said the grant will help close the local workforce gap in emergency medical services. The grant was made possible by the NC Community College System High-Cost Healthcare Workforce Program Grant. 

“The EMS field is growing rapidly, and the demand for skilled EMS providers is at an all-time high,” Norris said. “This grant is a game-changer for Columbus County and will allow us to train more highly qualified EMS professionals.” 

The funds will purchase advanced equipment such as an ambulance simulator, high-fidelity mannikins and a LUCAS chest compression device, all of which will provide students with real-life training scenarios. The ambulance simulator will put students in a confined, moving environment, while the stretcher and chest compression device will offer hands-on practice with tools that are integral to emergency medical response. 

“We’re committed to giving our students a realistic, immersive training experience,” Norris said. “By incorporating this advanced technology into our curriculum, we’re not just teaching students the theory of EMS, but providing them with the skills they need to succeed in high-pressure, real-world situations.” 

Along with upgraded training tools, additional instructors will be hired to accommodate more students and increase its reach within the community. The position requires a Level 2 Paramedic Instructor Certification, a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of EMS experience.  

The investment will help SCC’s EMS program stay on par with larger institutions, which have historically had access to more resources. This initiative comes as North Carolina prepares to mandate that paramedics hold an associate degree, further driving the need for the program. 

Brandy Nance, SCC Dean of Public Safety, said the grant came at a critical time for Columbus County, where the need for qualified EMS personnel continues to grow. She said the increased demand for skilled responders is echoed throughout the county, and SCC aims to bring more educational opportunities to local students. 

The EMS grant will provide critical resources to meet the growing demand for EMTs and paramedics in Columbus County. With a projected 11% increase in EMT employment and a 7% increase in paramedic employment by 2030, the region faces a rising need for trained EMS professionals. Currently, there are 169 annual job openings for EMTs and 122 for paramedics, with median wages of $32,966 and $42,606, respectively, expected to increase. 

“We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” Nance said. “This funding will allow us to attract more students, offer a higher caliber of training, and ultimately strengthen the local EMS workforce. Our goal is to make sure that students graduating from this program are not only ready for the challenges of the job but are also making a lasting impact in their communities.” 

Prospective students interested in enrolling should contact Nance at [email protected] for more information about the program, course registration and career pathways in EMS.  

For further details, students can reach out to academic advisors through Student Services to begin the enrollment process and take the first step toward a career in emergency medical services.