(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, DC Fire and EMS (FEMS) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) released a Request for Applications (RFA) for universities willing to assist in the creation and development of the DC Paramedic School, a for-credit paramedic certification program outlined in Mayor Bowser’s FY24 Fair Shot Budget.
“A paramedic school is critical to DC Fire and EMS continuing to provide the right care to our patients,” Chief John Donnelly said. “The paramedic school partnership will make DC Fire and EMS and our university partner better able to serve the citizens of DC in their time of need.”
Expected to open in Fall 2024, the DC Paramedic School will receive $1.2 million in funding and be housed at a local university with support from District government, creating a foundation for the next generation of first responders at FEMS. The program’s curriculum will be consistent with the National Curriculum and support the training of up to 100 paramedics in the District annually.
To support this program, FEMS and DOES are accepting applications from local universities interesting in bidding to host the DC Paramedic School. Applications are due to DOES by Friday, December 8 at 3:00 p.m.
“We are excited about training the next generation of first responders in the future DC Paramedic School,” said Dr. Unique Morris Hughes, Director of the Department of Employment Services. “This shows a commitment to public safety and serves as an opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals. We are shaping a future where compassion meets expertise and where the heroes of emergency response are trained right here in the District.”
To qualify, a university must be a regionally accredited, 501(c)3 institution, with a physical presence in the District of Columbia. Universities that meet these qualifications can apply on the DOES website.
Interested universities are also encouraged to attend a virtual pre-application meeting on Wednesday, November 29 at 11 a.m. to learn more about the RFA process and the DC Paramedic School. University officials can RSVP by emailing [email protected].
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