Lansing Community College to launch unique program for ex-military medics

"Military Medic to Paramedic" plan will accelerate path to licensed paramedic and nursing degrees

Lansing Community College – after two years of planning – is set to launch a unique medical program that will give a well-earned boost to men and women who served as military medics.  Previously denied classroom credit for their prior medical training, this special group of veterans will now be credited for their efforts as they pursue civilian medical certification and licensure. The program, dubbed "Medic to Paramedic," will welcome its first group of students in January.

The initial class is expected to include 10-12 students who served as medics before being honorably discharged from the U. S. military. The goal is to expand the program to support future classes of 24-36 former medics – referred to by military personnel simply as "docs" – so they can use their life-saving skills and rigid training to become licensed paramedics and registered nurses.

"We're excited about this program and have been attending military veterans job fairs to line up potential participants," said Darrell DeMartino, coordinator for the program and a paramedic with two decades of front-line experience providing care to patients.

"To the best of our knowledge, this program at Lansing Community College will be a pioneering effort, unlike anything being done nationally by any college."

DeMartino explained that the program has received a $190,000 federal grant to help offset the costs of drafting a tailor-made curriculum and to fund the first class. The hope and goal is to continue the novel program after the pilot class has concluded. The veterans will be able to use their GI Benefits to pay for their studies.

The program is a win-win. Society benefits by having experienced medical personnel available to respond to medical emergencies, and it serves as a way of saying 'Thank you!' to the combat medics who routinely set aside concerns for their own safety and put themselves squarely in harm's way on distant battlefields to aid their fallen comrades.

The veterans, some of whom served eight years or more in the service, bring with them a level of maturity and a host of special qualities. "They've had to respond to medical situations generally not seen in civilian life such as wounds from biologic weapons – you don't see those in downtown Lansing," DeMartino said.

Medics also serve an important role during peacetime by tending to routine injuries and commonplace problems such as colds and the flu. They administer inoculations and perform routine physical checkups.

Their military medical work has introduced them to diverse populations, customs and cultures. "They've developed an exemplary work ethic and a seriousness of purpose that should carry over into their studies at LCC; they can serve as role models for their fellow students," DeMartino said.