July 1, 2010

Harrisburg, PA – Registered nurses interested in becoming qualified to provide emergency medical services (EMS) can enroll in the Pre-hospital Registered Nurse training program offered by HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

Nurses who successfully complete the program qualify to sit for the Pennsylvania Department of Health certification exam and ultimately become a staff member with an EMS team, qualified in emergency care and treating critically ill patients.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for RNs who may be looking for a change in a career setting or looking for new ways to help patients,” said Rob Bernini, administrative director for the training institute at HACC’s Shumaker Public Safety Center (PSC). “Providing emergency medical services can be one more addition to their education that can offer more career options too.”

Nurses trained in pre-hospital services can work for critical care transport services such as Life Lion at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center,  STAT MedEvac based locally at Pinnacle Health and other services that require critical patient transports that need monitoring by a nurse.

The next 24-week class is scheduled 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 7-Feb. 22, at the PSC on the Harrisburg Campus, Entrance 5 off Industrial Road. The $1,500 tuition includes instruction and materials.

Study includes practical skills training and field experience along with comprehensive classroom instruction.

All applicants are required to schedule and interview with HACC’s program coordinator prior to acceptance into the program. Interviews are held at the PSC and can be scheduled during these times:

For more information and to schedule an interview, contact the EMS Education Unit at the PSC at 780-2458.