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March 14, 2024

Amid labor shortage, Middlesex Health offers paramedic training program

Photo | Contributed Middlesex Health's flagship facility, Middlesex Hospital in Middletown.
By David Krechevsky

As the state continues to struggle with a shortage of emergency medical personnel, Middlesex Health announced Wednesday that it has established a paramedic training program.

The Middletown-based health network, which operates Middlesex Hospital, said it is accepting applications for its new program, which will feature hands-on training and a low student-to-instructor ratio. 

The first cohort is set to begin this spring on the Middlesex Hospital campus, officials said. Applications must be submitted by April 17, with classes set to begin on May 6.

“Paramedics need a strong foundation, and we are in the unique position to help ensure that they get the training they need,” said Jim Santacroce, Middlesex Health’s emergency medical services manager. 

Santacroce said that by enrolling in the program, participants will benefit from working directly with physicians and other medical staff, and will be “exposed to various aspects of a health system, including the Emergency Department.”

The shortage of paid and volunteer emergency medical technicians and paramedics became so critical that last year Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation to create a task force to study ways to solve the problem. 

Offering a training program for paramedics makes sense for Middlesex Health, Santacroce said, because it expects to add seven new ambulances by fiscal year 2025. The program will educate future paramedics — regardless of where they ultimately find employment, he said — while also acting as a way to attract capable future employees.

The 60-week program is divided into four, 15-week modules, including a field internship, officials said. Graduates will be eligible for national paramedic credentialing through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Not everyone who applies for the program will be accepted. Middlesex Health officials said it will admit a maximum of just 18 students per cohort. The cost to enroll is $11,500, which includes tuition, books and uniforms.

According to the program’s website, applicants must:

  • Be 18 years old by the beginning of the program.
  • Have graduated high school or obtained a GED.
  • Have and maintain a current Connecticut EMT certification in good standing. Certification must remain current for the length of the program.
  • Have and maintain a current BLS (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association.
  • Submit proof of completion of NIMS 100, 200, and 700.
  • Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Pass a background screening.
  • Pass a drug screening. 

Graduates may further their education at Charter Oak State College, which will grant college credit for completing the paramedic training program.

For information about the program or to apply, visit MiddlesexHealth.org/paramedic.

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