[Clinton, N.C.] – The EMS program at Sampson Community College (SCC) has made significant strides forward, thanks to the award of a North Carolina Community College (NCCC) High-Cost Healthcare Grant. This grant, designed to support schools with the startup or expansion costs of new or existing programs, has provided SCC with the resources needed to enhance the EMS program’s simulation capabilities.
The SCC EMS team, in collaboration with the SCC Foundation, successfully applied for the grant, focusing on advancing the program’s simulation technology for students. The funding allowed the EMS department to acquire a new ambulance, a high-fidelity manikin, and several high-realism manikins.
These additions have enabled the creation of a mobile simulation lab, offering students the opportunity to engage in real-world scenarios that closely mimic the challenges they will face in the field. The innovative setup allows instructors to deliver scenarios from the front seat or outside the ambulance, while students practice individually or as a team.
William Sykes, EMS Department Lead Instructor, emphasized the impact of the new lab, stating, “The new mobile simulation lab will introduce our students to some of the real-world challenges they’ll encounter when they enter the workforce.”
A key figure in the successful acquisition of this equipment was EMS Department Clinical Coordinator, John Turner. His efforts were crucial in securing the necessary tools to bring the mobile simulation lab to life.
He explained, “I worked with vendors to find an ambulance and with the SCC business office to ensure the ambulance could be purchased in a timely manner. We are all just super excited for our students and the experiences that they will get with this new mobile sim lab.”
This grant has provided SCC students with a vital learning environment that bridges the gap between classroom theory and practical application, better preparing them to become competent providers in emergency medical services.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of this grant,” said EMS Program Director Angela Magill. “Our team has worked diligently to maximize the use of these funds to enhance the student experience and ensure their success here at SCC.
The Emergency Medical Science curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attributes to provide advanced emergency medical care as a paramedic for critical and emergent patients. Students will gain complex knowledge, competency, and experience while employing evidence-based practice under medical oversight and serve as a link from the scene into the healthcare system. Graduates of this program may be eligible to take state and/or national certification examinations.
For more information about SCC’s Emergency Medical Science program or how to apply, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/ems
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
