A total of 32 Mesa Community College paramedicine students were awarded associate in applied science in paramedicine degrees on Aug. 2.

Aiden Metzler of Gilbert, Chris Dooley of Phoenix, Daniel Hicklin of Globe, Nathan Smith of Phoenix and Gabe Gamboa of Mesa received academic achievement awards. Gamboa was also recognized as the class’ “Top Gun” honoree.

A tradition at MCC is bestowing academic achievement awards to the top five students in the program. The “Top Gun” award is given to a student who exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities and is chosen by their peers as someone who represents their class effectively.

Paramedicine graduates are prepared to pass the national certification exam to achieve the highest certification level of a pre-hospital care provider in the U.S., according to a release.

“Our graduates are well prepared to meet the critical need in our community for paramedics — the ones who provide emergency on-scene treatment, crisis intervention, life-saving stabilization and, when appropriate, transport ill or injured patients to emergency medical and surgical treatment facilities, such as hospitals and trauma centers,” said MCC Paramedicine Program Director Michael Pennington.

Occupational Outlook Handbook data projects the demand for emergency medical technicians and paramedics will grow faster than average over the next decade.

“Mesa Community College is ranked as one of Arizona’s top colleges for the first-time pass rate for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exams,” Pennington said. “This outstanding result underscores the exceptional commitment and effort of both our students and faculty.”

The MCC paramedicine program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Applied Health Education Programs. The program features knowledgeable practicing instructors, specialized content experts, hands-on learning, state-of-the-art augmented and virtual reality simulation, and a well-balanced curriculum.

To enter the MCC paramedicine program, individuals must first earn an EMT certification. Spring 2025 enrollment for new EMT and paramedicine students opens Oct. 7. Learn more at https://www.mesacc.edu/departments/allied-health/ems.