MESA, Arizona -- Dec. 16, 2024 -- Twenty-seven Mesa Community College Paramedicine students were recognized as program graduates during a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.

Paramedicine graduates are prepared to pass the national certification exam to achieve the highest certification level of a pre-hospital care provider in the United States.

“Our graduates are skilled in providing emergency on-scene treatment, crisis intervention, life-saving stabilization and, when appropriate, transport of ill or injured patients to receive emergency medical and surgical treatments,” said MCC Paramedicine Program Director Jamie Tate.

MCC bestows academic achievement awards to the top five students in the program. Students who exemplify outstanding leadership qualities and are chosen by their peers as someone who effectively represents their class receives a ‘Top Gun’ award.

This year Sariya Griggs-Mitchell, Max Maldonado, Megan Smith, Bradley Thomas and Sarah Disney received academic achievement awards. Disney was also recognized as the class’ “Top Gun” honoree.

Occupational Outlook Handbook data projects the demand for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics will grow faster than average over the next decade.

“The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) ranks MCC as one of Arizona’s top colleges for the first-time pass rate for its certification exam,” said Tate.

The MCC Paramedicine Program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Applied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The program features knowledgeable practicing instructors, specialized content experts, hands-on learning, state-of-the-art augmented and virtual reality simulation, and a well-balanced curriculum.

To enter the MCC Paramedicine program, individuals must first earn an EMT certification. Enrollment is currently open for Spring 2025. Learn more at mesacc.edu/ems.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, [email protected] or 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.