LCC student fulfilling lifelong career goal
Jacob Walters is aiming high in life as he gets one step closer to fulfilling his dream to be a licensed paramedic for an air ambulance.
That’s because the 22-year-old Laredoan just earned his emergency medical services-intermediate certificate at Laredo Community College and he has plans to stay at the college to further his education.
A flexible class schedule has allowed Walters to juggle his college studies with work at a local ambulance company, a job he got after earning his EMT-basic certificate at LCC in the spring of 2005.
Prior to his start in EMS, Walters used to work in the computer industry.
“But I always wanted to be involved in emergency medical services or law enforcement,” Walters said. “That’s why I decided to get trained in the Emergency Medical Services program at Laredo Community College.”
Walters said that he enjoys his career in EMS, which he noted is in high demand with great starting salaries as high as $11 per hour.
His goal at LCC is to earn an EMT-paramedic associate of applied science degree and then take advantage of the Associate Degree Nursing transition track, a time-saving option for licensed paramedics and vocational nurses who can earn their two-year ADN degree in one year.
“Once I become a registered nurse, I will be able to work with an air ambulance,” Walters said.
Persons with career interests similar to Walters’ should take advantage of several co-requisites LCC is offering for students pursuing an EMSP basic or intermediate certificate.
Available this summer are courses in anatomy and physiology (MDCA 1409), medical terminology (MDCA 1313), medical law and ethics (MDCA 1305), pharmacology for health professionals (HPRS 2300) and basic health professional skills (HPRS 1304).
Applications for fall 2006 admission are not due until Thursday, Aug. 3, but college officials encourage prospective students to apply early to ensure that they meet all of their immunization requirements.
The EMS program at LCC offers four levels of training, including the EMT-basic certificate, the EMT-intermediate certificate, the EMT-paramedic certificate and an EMT-paramedic A.A.S. degree.
Students get to master the theory and skills of pre-hospital care. Training includes lecture, laboratory and clinical rotations at local emergency rooms and ambulance services.
For more information, call the LCC Allied Health Department at 721-5261.
Laredo Community College EMSP student Jacob Walters reviews a hands-on classroom assignment.
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