SLCC Chancellor Dr. Vincent June, SLCC Dean of Nursing & Allied Health Dr. Carry DeAtley, Acadian Companies CAO Blaise Zuchlag and CEO Richard Zuchlag, Director of NEMSA Taylor Richard, SLCC Foundation President Gregory Daigle, and President of Acadian Ambulance Justin Back.
The National EMS Academy and South Louisiana Community College are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their partnership in EMS education and career development. In 2003, Acadian Ambulance and SLCC established the National EMS Academy with the help of Senator John Breaux.
The National EMS Academy and Acadian Ambulance have been able to offer educational and employment opportunities to more than 20,000 people over the past 20 years. Now expanded with 14 campuses across Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee, the National EMS Academy’s EMT and Paramedic programs have a higher pass rate than the national average, and the school currently educates three percent of all EMTs and paramedics in the nation.
SLCC staff, Acadian Ambulance leadership, and National EMS Academy team members were joined by local elected officials and guests, and high school students from around the region visited the National EMS Academy’s campus on North University Avenue. Students were invited to an open house to see what a day in the life of an EMS student entails. Acadian’s fleet, including an ambulance, ambulance bus, high water rescue vehicle, Air Med helicopter, and other resources, were on display, allowing guests a close-up view. Students also got to learn about Acadian’s Explorer program, a part of the Scouting Explorers program.
“The health and future of thousands are a direct result of the relationship we celebrate today,” said Acadian Companies Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag. “The National EMS Academy’s success is paramount to Acadian’s ability to respond to our communities that we are blessed to serve and protect. I cannot overstate how proud I am of our staff, and the staff of SLCC, who together provide educational and employment opportunities for those who choose to work in the field of EMS.”
Acadian Senior Director of Staffing Taylor Richard said, “High school students from nine different local schools toured our facility today. These students are the future of EMS, and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our 20 years of excellence than by showing the future leaders of our industry the pathway to success through South Louisiana Community College and the National EMS Academy’s partnership.”
SLCC Chancellor Dr. Vincent June said, “This partnership exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and community service that defines SLCC and the mission of enriching and transforming lives every day. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision for a healthier and safer community. The success stories of our graduates who have gone on to become dedicated emergency medical professionals, is a testament to the quality of education and training that is provided through this partnership.”
To learn more about National EMS Academy’s training programs, visit BecomeAMedic.com.
National EMS Academy offers entry-level, continuing education and refresher courses for a number of EMS career pathways, including EMTs and paramedics. It is a nationally accredited EMS training facility with locations in Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee and is an authorized American Heart Association Training Center for CPR and ECC courses.