Training Tomorrow's Heroes: The Real-World Impact of Kalamazoo Valley's EMS Program

Kalamazoo Valley Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Students Perform Paramedic Emergency Simulation

Christian Wang, a 2023 graduate of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, credits the college's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program with helping him pursue his goal of becoming a medical responder, a goal rooted in his desire to help others.

"When deciding what career I wanted to pursue, one thing was certain, I wanted to help people," Wang said. "This career felt like a perfect fit for me, and my time at Kalamazoo Valley was instrumental in preparing me for the work I now do every day."

According to EMS Program Director Daniel Benard, students in the program gain valuable experience through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on learning in simulation activities that mirror the high-pressure situations they will face in the field, and real-world clinical experiences.

"Our goal is to ensure students are as prepared as possible when they leave Kalamazoo Valley," Benard said. "We aim to both protect our community and provide students with a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career."

The EMS program offers several career pathways. Graduates may go on to become paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), or first responders who handle urgent situations on a daily basis. Wang said the program's realistic training scenarios and expert instructors helped him transition seamlessly from the classroom to his current role as a paramedic at Life EMS.

"I chose Kalamazoo Valley not only because it was local and affordable, but because the EMS program is outstanding," Wang said. "I built strong relationships and learned a lot. When I graduated and began working in the field, I felt ready for any kind of emergency and that made my transition into the workforce much smoother."

Benard encourages anyone with an interest in emergency medical services to consider applying.

"Being an EMT or Paramedic is a rewarding career in and of itself. But it also opens doors to a wide range of careers in health care," he said. "We are committed to making sure every student receives a high-quality education so they can leave Valley confident and prepared to achieve their goals."

Emergency medical services students are trained to perform critical emergency medical intervention for both the traumatically injured and the acutely ill patient. Upon successful completion, Kalamazoo Valley's medical services programs qualify students to take the appropriate licensure exams, propelling them into a career in medical services.