WARREN, Pa. — Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) has been honored by the Rural Community College Alliance for its work addressing the region’s EMT shortage.
Through partnerships with local agencies and a focus on accessible, affordable education, NPRC recently completed a targeted EMT training initiative aimed at addressing regional workforce shortages. The program delivered in-person training across the college’s 10-county service area in northwestern and north-central Pennsylvania, filling critical roles, strengthening rural EMS resilience and creating career pathways in underserved communities, according to the Times Observer.
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The award recognizes NPRC’s targeted EMT training to meet rural healthcare needs, offering low- or no-cost courses funded by local municipalities, public safety partners and regional organizations. RCCA cited NPRC’s accessible, community-focused approach as a model for rural-serving colleges nationwide.
NPRC has helped 33 rural residents earn national EMT certification, with 20+ more possible as graduates have up to two years to take the exam. The College’s Workforce Development division, particularly its public safety team, was instrumental in the effort, the organization said.
