Ivy Tech Expands Healthcare Training with Ball Brothers Foundation Support
When many students think of a career in healthcare, they think of becoming a nurse or doctor. Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County’s new EMT/Basic Emergency Medical Studies Certificate program will introduce students to another critical role in the healthcare field—emergency medical technician. The demand for EMTs is growing in East Central Indiana, and Ivy Tech’s program, which launches Fall 2025, will help address this critical need while opening doors for students in Muncie to explore a rewarding profession.
Funding from Ball Brothers Foundation is supporting the program in connection with the foundation’s Optimus Primary initiative to strengthen the pipeline of medical professionals training in East Central Indiana.
Learn more about the EMT Certificate program from Ivy Tech Muncie’s Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs & Resource Development, Qiana Clemens.
A New Pathway
Ivy Tech’s healthcare programs are in high demand, often receiving far more applicants than can be accepted into limited enrollment programs like nursing and sonography. The EMT Pathway provides an additional pathway for students eager to enter the healthcare field while they await placement in these competitive programs.
The EMT Certificate program consists of practical lab training that follows national and state guidelines. Students train in simulated emergency scenarios, learning to assess patients, administer life-saving interventions, and coordinate care in high-pressure situations.
Through partnerships with the Muncie Area Career Center, New Castle Career Center, and Muncie Community Schools, students can earn this certificate through Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County’s dual credit partnerships while still attending high school. Soon, they can train and work locally, keeping more healthcare professionals in the community.
EMT Career Outlook
The curriculum prepares students for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam upon completion of the program. For many students, this fast-track certification option will be the first step toward a long-term career in healthcare.
Those who pass the exam can enter the workforce immediately as EMTs or use the training as a foundation for further education in paramedicine, nursing, or even medical school. The program’s flexibility allows students to explore different healthcare pathways while gaining practical skills that translate across the industry.
Additional certifications, such as those earned through Ivy Tech’s EMT program, give job seekers a competitive edge by strengthening their resumes and helping them stand out professionally in the job market.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in employment for EMTs and paramedics over the next decade, driven by factors including the nation’s aging population.
Recognizing the overall need for more healthcare professionals, Ball Brothers Foundation has committed nearly $3 million to Optimus Primary initiatives since 2016, supporting the launch and growth of programs including Ivy Tech’s Ball Brothers Foundation School of Nursing, Ivy Tech Muncie’s sonography program, and now the EMT program.
What’s Ahead
“The demand for skilled emergency medical professionals has never been greater,” said Qiana Clemens, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs & Resource Development at Ivy Tech Muncie. “With the support of our community partners, we’re ensuring that students in Muncie and East Central Indiana have access to high-quality training that leads to meaningful careers.”
Interested in learning more about the program which launches this fall? Visit Ivy Tech’s website to request more information.