Albany Tech recognizes first state-approved critical care paramedic cohort

ALBANY — Albany Technical College has marked a historic milestone, as nine ATC students were recognized for completing the first Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) program within the Technical College System of Georgia.

Albany Tech officials said they are proud to be the first training program recognized by the State Office of EMS in Georgia, setting a new standard for advanced paramedic education. The graduates were awarded challenge coins and certificates in a ceremony held to celebrate their pioneering achievement in this rigorous and specialized training course.

This event underscores the culmination of the one-semester program launched in Fall 2024. Designed to elevate the skills of experienced paramedics, the CCP program provides training in critical care specialties such as helicopter EMS, fixed-wing critical care transport, and intensive care units. The program is the first of its kind in the state of Georgia.

The celebration featured remarks from ATC President Emmett Griswold and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Lisa Stephens. Chase Lott, the program director of Air Evac; Amber Merritt, the training coordinator for the Region 5 Office of EMS & Trauma; Daniel Warren, the program director of the Region 8 Office of EMS & Trauma, and Jonathan Lieupo, the training coordinator for the Region 8 Office of EMS & Trauma, were in attendance to celebrate the occasion. Their presence highlighted the program’s significant impact on advancing health care and emergency medical services across the state.

“The success of this inaugural cohort is a testament to Albany Technical College’s dedication to equipping health care professionals with the skills necessary to meet the challenges of today’s complex medical environments,” Griswold said.

Graduates of the program are now eligible to sit for the International Board of Specialty Certifications exam for Critical Care Paramedics, further enhancing their qualifications for high-stakes roles in critical care transport and beyond.

For more information on the Critical Care Paramedic program at Albany Technical College, contact Instructors of Paramedicine Thad Minick at (229) 430-2812 or by email at [email protected]; or Brandon Kent at (229) 430-0694 or email [email protected].

Special Photo: ATCSpecial Photo: Albany Tech