On Jun. 5, ten students graduated from the inaugural class of Hancock’s Paramedic Academy at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc. Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated ten students as they graduated from the inaugural class of Hancock’s Paramedic Academy on Jun. 5 at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.
To qualify for state certification as paramedics, the students had to complete rigorous coursework, hands-on training, field internships, pass a paramedic entrance exam, maintain a valid California EMT certification, and complete at least 1,000 hours of EMT experience. The program prepares graduates for state certification as paramedics specializing in trauma, cardiovascular, and pediatric care.
Graduating students are employed with local agencies like the San Luis Obispo Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
“Be better each and every day,” Santa Barbara County Fire Department Chief Mark Hartwig told the students. “Take a break today and pat yourself on the back. Celebrate for a second, and then set for yourself the next lofty goal.”
With an increasing demand for skilled paramedics across the nation, Hancock’s paramedic academy is here to meet a critical need in the community.
“We’re embarking on a mission to save lives,” class valedictorian Erik Mack told the students. “I have full confidence that each and every one of you will carry out this mission in stride.”
The Paramedic Academy Class 1 graduates include Kaitlyn Bailey, Thomas Barrios, Jonathon Frausto, Henry Hernandez, Jonathan Huffman, Dane Hutslar, Scott Lindberg, Erik Mack, Devon Vauclin, and Mitchell Woods.