LCC to offer one-of-a-kind program to
ex-military medics
“Military Medic to Paramedic” plan will accelerate path to licensed paramedic and nursing degrees
LANSING – Lansing Community College – after two years of planning –
is set to launch a unique medical program that will give a well-earned boost
to men and women who served as military medics. Previously denied
classroom credit for their prior medical training, this special group of
veterans will now be credited for their efforts as they pursue civilian
medical certification and licensure. The program, dubbed “Medic to
Paramedic,” will welcome its first group of students in January.
The initial class is expected to include 10-12 students who served
as medics before being honorably discharged from the U. S. military. The
goal is to expand the program to support future classes of 24-36 former
medics – referred to by military personnel simply as “docs”- so they can use
their life-saving skills and rigid training to become licensed paramedics
and registered nurses.
“We’re excited about this program and have been attending military
veterans job fairs to line up potential participants,” said Darrell
DeMartino, coordinator for the program and a paramedic with two decades of
front-line experience providing care to patients.
“To the best of our knowledge, this program at Lansing Community
College will be a pioneering effort, unlike anything being done nationally
by any college.”
DeMartino explained that the program has received a $190,000
federal grant to help offset the costs of drafting a tailor-made curriculum
and to fund the first class. The hope and goal is to continue the novel
program after the pilot class has concluded. The veterans will be able to
use their GI Benefits to pay for their studies.
The program is a win-win. Society benefits by having experienced
medical personnel available to respond to medical emergencies, and it serves
as a way of saying ‘Thank you!’ to the combat medics who routinely set aside
concerns for their own safety and put themselves squarely in harm’s way on
distant battlefields to aid their fallen comrades.
The veterans, some of whom served eight years or more in the
service, bring with them a level of maturity and a host of special
qualities. “They’ve had to respond to medical situations generally not seen
in civilian life such as wounds from biologic weapons – you don’t see those
in downtown Lansing,” DeMartino said.
Medics also serve an important role during peacetime by tending to
routine injuries and commonplace problems such as colds and the flu. They
administer inoculations and perform routine physical checkups.
Their military medical work has introduced them to diverse
populations, customs and cultures. “They’ve developed an exemplary work
ethic and a seriousness of purpose that should carry over into their studies
at LCC; they can serve as role models for their fellow students,” DeMartino
said.
Details are still being finalized between LCC and State of Michigan
EMS officials, but here’s how the program is shaping up:
Combat medics will get nine to 11 credit hours toward their
paramedic certificate (they currently receive limited or no classroom
credits for their intensive training and medical services performed in the
military). This should allow them to cut a quarter or more off the classroom
instruction time, so they will need to attend about 750 hours of class time
instead of the traditional 1,000 to 1,100 hours.
Those who complete their paramedic training and pass the state’s
paramedic licensure exam will be eligible to enroll in the college’s
Advanced Standing Nursing track, allowing them to also earn an associate’s
degree and be prepared for the nursing licensure exam.
To learn more about the program visit
www.lcc.edu/militarymedic.
