MWCC to offer paramedic tech program

Photo/Grant Welker Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner is now offering the only paramedic technology program in the North Central region.

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By Zachary Comeau

Mount Wachusett Community College now offers one of the nine paramedic technology certificate programs in the state.

The Gardner-based community college announced the new program Tuesday, and is accepting applications with a July 1 deadline.

The announcement of the new program comes shortly after the college was approved as an accredited training institution by the state Office of Emergency Medical Services.

The college was given a letter of review by the national Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for Emergency Medical Services.

Local firefighters and EMTS have already contacted the new school about the new program, program director Peter Laitinen said in a press release.

The program will operate at a demanding pace, with classes in the evening and even some on Saturdays.

“Paramedics work in chaotic environments,” Laitinen said. “These are people who like to turn chaos into organization, who are driven to serve others, and who thrive on adrenaline.”

The course is the only such program in the North Central region, according to the college.

Applicants must have an EMT certification and at least one year of experience or contact with a minimum of 75 patients.