Moraine Valley Community College is launching a Paramedic Program in spring 2026 as part of its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department. The program trains licensed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) seeking to expand their careers as paramedics.
The Paramedic Program will culminate in an Advanced Certificate and can be completed in as little as one year. Moraine Valley students also can complete an Associate in Applied Science Degree in EMS in conjunction with earning their Advanced Certificate to broaden their marketability.
While an EMT can complete a variety of assessments and tasks, including patient assessment, trauma treatments, oxygen and airway administration and medication administration, paramedics can perform a wider scope of treatments. Licensed paramedics interpret EKGs, deliver over 80 medications, perform advanced airway maneuvers, start IVs and more.
The program has been years in the making and fulfills a need in the community for trained first responders. “It is kind of unheard of to have a standalone paramedic program because even when [these programs] are through a community college, they are actually run by the system hospitals. So, we’re kind of unique in that,” shared Sheila Moran, EMS instructor.
To apply for the program, an individual must be a licensed EMT and complete an online application process. Accepted applications are evaluated, and a select number of applicants are invited to interview for the program. Thirty students are accepted per yearly program; all seats for the 2026 inaugural cohort already are filled, but applications for the next cohort will be accepted beginning in the fall 26 semester.
Moran explained that because firefighters are required to be licensed paramedics, many of those who become paramedics are pursuing a career in firefighting. She shared that fire departments actively are seeking qualified candidates, adding, “Every single fire department in Moraine Valley’s district is a precepting site.” As a result, the college can provide hands-on learning and experiences students need to start a stable, in-demand career following graduation.
Kristy Suriano, adjunct EMS instructor, shared, “There will always be the fire service, and the beautiful thing about the fire service, as well as other state jobs, is there is a pension at the end of the road, so financial stability is huge.” Suriano also mentioned that becoming a licensed paramedic can open the door to possibilities for hands-on learning, “It’s going to really be able to touch everybody’s educational needs. At the end of the day, I want to put out competent and confident individuals – and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Both Moran and Suriano shared that they hope to expand the program in the future to provide more opportunities for students to pursue becoming licensed paramedics.
For news media inquiries, contact Madisson Younglove, Moraine Valley assistant director of Communications, at (708) 974-5281 or younglovem2@morainevalley.edu.
