COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Columbia State Community College recognized 41 new emergency medical services professionals this month, marking another strong class for a program that has become essential to the region's healthcare infrastructure.
The Fall 2025 EMS Pinning ceremony in the Cherry Theater honored 13 emergency medical technicians and 28 advanced emergency medical technicians upon completion of their programs. The cohort achieved a remarkable 100% first-attempt pass rate on the National Registry exam, a standard that speaks to both student preparation and the quality of instruction on Hampshire Pike.
An EMT provides basic life support at sites of illness and injury, assisting with transport to the hospital. Advanced EMTs offer both basic and advanced life support during the same critical window. The accelerated AEMT path is an intensive, academy-style program that can be completed in a single semester with 144 hours of clinical rotations.
Greg Johnson, Columbia State's EMS Academy program director, emphasized the commitment required. "The fall 2025 cohort earned every bit of this milestone," Johnson said. "They've trained hard, stayed focused and shown they're ready to serve. We're proud to welcome our new EMTs and AEMTs into the EMS profession."
The program equips students with didactic and practical training in life-saving skills, preparing them to work independently or as part of a squad-based team. For those seeking a degree pathway, EMT certificate completers can pursue the General Technology Associate of Applied Science by combining coursework from two certificates with general education courses. Inquiries about the program can be directed to 931.540.2792 or www.ColumbiaState.edu/EMS.