LEWISTON, Idaho – Idaho is facing a growing crisis in its emergency medical system. This is in line with national trends showing more people are expected to leave the field than join by 2030. This shortage impacts emergency medical technicians and paramedics, those critical responders during medical emergencies.
Idaho State University (ISU) currently leads the state’s paramedic training efforts. ISU established its program to train paramedics 20 years ago. Currently, 60 individuals are pursuing degrees and certifications in Pocatello. However, to address future needs, training must be accessible to residents across the state.
Lewis-Clark State College has taken a significant step by signing a partnership agreement with ISU. This collaboration will begin in the fall, expanding training opportunities.
Krista Harwick, Associate Dean at Lewis-Clark State School of Professional Studies, emphasized the school’s proactive approach to addressing these workforce needs.
“One of the things we are intentional about at LC is helping to address the health workforce need in our region and that includes nursing, radiographers and medical assistants. Paramedics seemed to be a very good fit because we know we need more paramedics and we are hearing that from the community,” she said.
Rod Hackwith, ISU Paramedic Science Program Director, highlighted the advanced capabilities that paramedics bring to emergency situations.
“If there’s a cardiac arrest in the community, the first 30 minutes of a cardiac arrest, a paramedic can do just as an emergency room physician could do. It’s really the same treatment plan,” said Hackwith. “We set the stage for moving healthcare a little bit quicker because we can introduce these early treatments for emergency base and stabilize a patient to where the hospitals can then take this stabilized patient and take it to the next level of necessary care.”
He adds program graduates will find work within days of graduating.
While paramedic salaries do not necessarily offer wealth, they do surpass those of EMTs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paramedics earn at least $15,000 more per year than EMTs. Many individuals also leverage a paramedic degree and certification as a stepping stone to higher-paying medical careers.
Readers can find more detailed information about the Paramedic Science Program by clicking here.
Click the links below to view additional resources:
EMT Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
Paramedic Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
UBLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Allied Health Workforce Projections
Emergency Medical Services Sustainability Task Force
