September 6, 2013- Albany, Ga -- Albany Technical College was recently recognized by Fire Science Online as a top 100 college that offers the most first responder programs in the country, including firefighting, EMT, and law enforcement.
In the creation of the list, just under 7,000 first response programs across nearly 2,500 colleges and universities were reviewed. Each of these schools had, on average, 2.7 first response programs. Only the schools with the most programs (no less than seven) made the list, providing they met the following criteria: Fully-accredited schools only; public and private schools included; two- and four-year institutions included; and U.S. (and its territories) colleges only.
"First response careers hold a special place in society today, and required dedicated and highly trained men and women," said Matt Davis, Managing Director of Fire Science Online. "These 100 colleges help students transition from life-changing courses to life-saving careers."
Albany Technical College has one of the most comprehensive First Responders programs in the state of Georgia. Housed within the Charles B. Gillespie, M.D. Center for Emergency Responders, the Fire Science Technology, Law Enforcement Technology, and Paramedicine Technology programs provide the highest level of training from instructors with years of experience in the field in extensive labs with state-of-the-art equipment.
"This is an excellent recognition for Albany Technical College, including our past, present, and future first responder graduates," said Don Laye, Chair, Fire Science Technology program at Albany Tech. "Not surprisingly, the role of first responders has heightened since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. ATC will continue to strive to graduate and place in-field the highest level of first responders."
Fire Science Online emphasizes that with the employment of first responders growing so rapidly (33 percent for EMT's and paramedics between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), colleges will need to offer more first response programs to train the men and women who will fill those jobs. Officials stress the importance of recognizing the schools already doing their part to train the next wave of first responders.
For the full 100 Colleges Where Grads Save Lives listing, visit http://www.firescience.org/college-degree- rankings-online/colleges-where-grads-save-lives/
