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CoAEMSP issues first in the nation Letter of Review for voluntary AEMT accreditation to S.C. college

Midlands Technical College becomes the first AEMT program in the U.S., marking a major step toward national accreditation

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Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions

ROWLETT, Texas — The Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) announced that Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina, is the first Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) program in the nation to receive a Letter of Review (LoR).

This designation indicates the program is actively pursuing accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the only nationally recognized accrediting body for AEMT and paramedic education, the committee stated in a press release.

CoAEMSP began accepting applications for voluntary AEMT accreditation on Jan. 1, 2025. Midlands Technical College applied that same month and, as a previously accredited CAAHEP program, completed the shortened process to earn its Letter of Review. EMS Program Director Benji McCollum said strong support from stakeholders made the decision to pursue accreditation an easy one.

“An expert third-party holds the program accountable to key national standards that prepare students for the future EMS workforce,” McCollum said. “Even when the program is strong, accreditation is an opportunity to hear suggestions and new ideas that can improve what we do and how we do it.”

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.