The Texas Comptroller's Office has approved a $313,000 grant to fund equipment for Weatherford College's Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic program.

The Jobs and Education for Texas (JET) grant program is designed to support high-demand career and technical education programs in Texas public community colleges. 

"This grant brings us cutting-edge equipment that will increase the skill level of our EMT, paramedic and firefighting students," said Kay Young, WC dean of workforce and economic development. "It will also allow us to expand emergency services training into the rural areas within Parker, Palo Pinto, Wise and Jack counties."

WC will purchase myriad advanced equipment with the funds, including a "SimMan" computerized manikin-like patient simulator, a rescue trailer outfitted with the latest in emergency equipment, an EKG monitor, virtual I.V. system, and other items for training purposes.

Officials expect a minimum of 1,600 trainees to use the new equipment across the region in the next three years, with a potential of over 384 associate degree graduates during that same time period.

The College's EMT/Paramedic program trains students to respond to everything from minor injuries to large-scale cataclysmic events. The program was upgraded recently, taking five previously existing degree programs and combining them into one degree plan, the Emergency Medical Service Professional (EMSP) degree, which was recently approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the EMT field nationwide will grow 19 percent in the next six years, making it a high-demand occupation for the near future.

"The development process for a grant like this is always a team effort," said Dr. Shirley Chenault, WC director of resource development. "This was a wonderful collaboration between several areas of the College, including Workforce Education, EMT, Public Safety, Resource Development and others."

College officials also were appreciative of the support of the Weatherford Fire Department and EMS officials from Parker County/LifeCare, Wise County, Hood County and MedStar in the development of the grant proposal.
For more information on Weatherford College's EMT program, contact 817-598-6234.