Fifteen years strong, the Prehospital Education Program at Sac State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE), continues to provide top-notch training for future EMTs and Paramedics, something they’ve set out to do since day one. Nationally, Sac State is recognized as the first and only California State University campus to offer a paramedic program.

“This program was conceived and developed by working Paramedics who recognized a need to improve the profession,” says Jeffrey Cooke, MS, MICP. Cooke serves as the Clinical Coordinator and Lead Instructor for the program. “The goal was to ensure a structured program that focused on high-quality class time that was backed up by a robust hands-on component. Alignment with CSUS was another factor that completed our goal to give students the best possible reputation when applying for employment.”

Comprised of the Paramedic program (including a hybrid option) and the Emergency Medical Technician course, the collective Prehospital Education program is designed for individuals looking to further their careers in emergency medical services. Students are prepared for roles as clinicians, advocates, educators, and leaders in the changing prehospital healthcare system.

“During each phase, our student is followed by a program staff member to ensure every opportunity for success is given,” Cooke says. 

And that success is the driving force of the program. 

“Our success rate is above 95%, meaning 95% of our graduates are employed as paramedics within six months after graduation,” says Jason Hemler, MS, LP, the Prehospital Education Program Director. “Our success rates for the program are high also. Our attrition rate is less than 15%. We set out to make our paramedic program the best in the region and our reputation is strong.”

On the occasion of a celebrated 15 years, Jeffrey Cooke says, “It is amazing, and that time has gone by so quickly.  The team and staff here have been so instrumental in the development and evolution of this program. We are all constantly finding ways to improve the students experience and ensuring they get the best possible education. This program has been a labor of love for all of us, and we all are looking forward to working together for as long as possible.”

“Fifteen years is an amazing milestone for a paramedic program,” echoes Jason Hemler. “It is 100% certain that this program would not be what it is today without our incredible team. We have become a team unmatched in the industry. This is a testament to the strength of our program; we work together so effortlessly that we can simply continue to make the program stronger and stronger cohort after cohort without dealing with other issues. The loyalty of our team is where our strength lies. Here’s to another 15 years!”

Learn more about the Paramedic program and EMT course.