New Paramedic Program at College of the Desert Expands Emergency Medical Career Opportunities; Program made possible by funding from College of the Desert Foundation
PALM DESERT — College of the Desert is strengthening the Coachella Valley’s emergency medical services with the launch of its first paramedic program. The comprehensive 13-month training program, scheduled to begin next month, arrives at a critical time for the region’s healthcare system. With a growing population and high demand for emergency services, the valley needs more advanced medical professionals. The program offers local EMTs a pathway to advance their careers while helping fill a vital gap in the region’s emergency medical response capabilities.
Funding for the program was made possible by the College of the Desert Foundation, which recently hosted its Stepping Out for COD gala. The event raised a substantial amount, ensuring that students in the inaugural class—and potentially future cohorts—can complete the program at no out-of-pocket cost.
“This program represents more than just career advancement—it’s about building healthier communities,” said Val Martinez Garcia, Acting Superintendent/President of College of the Desert. “We’re creating opportunities for our local EMTs while ensuring our region has the skilled first responders it needs for years to come.”
Students earn 38.5 college units through classes that meet three times per week, blending intensive classroom learning with hands-on training. The schedule, running 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on class days, allows working EMTs to balance their current jobs with career advancement.
“Every second counts in emergency medicine, and that’s exactly how we’ve designed this program,” says Laurie Green, lead paramedic faculty at College of the Desert. “Our students learn to make critical decisions under pressure, master advanced medical procedures, and ultimately become the kind of paramedics that other first responders want by their side during emergencies.”
For EMTs looking to advance, the career benefits are substantial. Paramedics typically earn significantly higher wages and can work across a broader spectrum of healthcare settings, including fire departments, hospitals, and specialized medical transport services.
The program maintains selective admission standards to ensure student success. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold current EMT and CPR certifications, and have accumulated 1,000 hours of EMT experience – requirements that reflect the program’s professional nature.
This initiative comes at a crucial time for the Coachella Valley. As the region’s population grows and ages, the demand for advanced emergency medical services continues to rise. College of the Desert’s program aims to meet this need while providing local healthcare workers with a clear path to career advancement.
Prospective students can learn more about application requirements and program costs by visiting the college’s website. COD officials expect strong interest from throughout the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas, given the region’s growing need for advanced emergency medical professionals.
The launch of College of the Desert’s paramedic program signals a new chapter for local emergency medical care. By training the next generation of paramedics right here in the valley, the college is investing in both individual careers and the community’s future – ensuring that when emergencies strike, highly trained professionals will be ready to respond.
The program is part of College of the Desert’s expanding healthcare education initiatives.
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- COD Paramedic program: COD
