Renovated Space Unveiled at Ivy Tech

Ivy Tech Community College unveiled its newly renovated paramedic science classroom and laboratory space on Monday, November 28. Made possible by Terre Haute-based Trans-Care Ambulance, the new spaces provide an open concept layout for instruction and hands-on education.

Kevin Price, program chair and assistant professor of paramedic science, appreciates the investment Trans-Care and Ivy Tech are making in the program.

“The updated spaces have boosted the energy of an already successful program,” said Price. “We were already fortunate to have industry-level equipment and simulation opportunities that gave the students real-world experience. Now, we these renovations, the spaces have a modern aesthetic and made the transition from lecture to lab seamless. We used to build in time to rearrange the classroom to set up for lab activities, and now the lab is always ready for students to practice their skills.” 

The paramedic science program at Ivy Tech is a selective admission program with a limited number of seats. The curriculum is a mix of lectures, demonstrations, in-class skill practice sessions, and clinical rotations. The program offers short-term certificates, workforce certifications, and an associate degree educational track. The short-term certificates are a great starting point for students who want to work toward their associate degree while beginning their careers.

“Being a paramedic is about more than skills. It requires critical thinking and compassionate care and is ideal for someone who wants to be a public servant,” said Ze’Caleb Lyle, Paramedic at Trans-Care. “Ivy Tech provides a robust learning experience for students. Graduates, like me, leave Ivy Tech highly skilled and because of their clinical experience, they are familiar with and comfortable in the real-world emergency medical services environment.”

Because of the extensive partnership between Trans-Care and Ivy Tech, more than 75% of the Terre Haute Trans-Care employees are Ivy Tech graduates. Through the partnership, Trans-Care provides career growth opportunities for their employees and is focused on developing a strong emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic workforce. In addition, Trans-Care provides continuing education through its training center for emergency medical services providers and other healthcare providers to stay up to date with industry certifications and skill development. Trans-Care works to partner with Ivy Tech campuses statewide to continue building educational opportunities and a workforce pipeline.

Founded in 1992, Trans-Care provides emergency medical services to all of west-central Indiana, and parts of east-central and south-central Indiana. As the company has grown, so has its interest in skilling up the workforce.

“According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 7% from 2021-2031. At Trans-Care, we know it’s crucial to support Ivy Tech whose mission is to provide our region with a highly skilled workforce for the industries in our area,” added Russell Ferrell, President and CEO of Trans-Care.

Ivy Tech Chancellor Lea Anne Crooks added, “Partnerships like what we have with Trans-Care are a win-win. We’re able to provide the best educational experience at the most affordable cost for our students. And since 85% of our graduates stay in West Central Indiana, Trans-Care has a local pool of qualified candidates to support their growing company.”

To learn more about Trans-Care Ambulance and the services they provide, visit www.trans-care.com. To learn more about Ivy Tech Community College’s paramedic science program and how to apply, visit www.ivytech.edu/paramedic-science.