West Hills College Lemoore paramedic program earns top accreditation

WHCL had a comprehensive evaluation from the Committee of Accreditation of Educational Programs for Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) which formulates a status of public recognition recommendation. CAAHEP then awards the accreditation for Paramedic programs that meet the Standards.

“This CAAHEP accreditation is important as this status ensures our program is meeting the standards of the profession,” said Kathryn DeFede, Director of Health Careers and Nursing at WHCL. “Quality is the mission of CAAHEP as each individual program is reviewed measuring the programs against quality standards. The standards are intended to reflect required knowledge and skills that a person needs to be able to successfully function as a licensed Paramedic within our emergency medical system.”

The accreditation most importantly serves a significant role for the public.  Along with certification and licensure, accreditation helps to assure that health care personnel are well-prepared and qualified to care for those in our communities. The initial accreditation was awarded through September 2023.

“WHCL health career programs focus on the quality of the student’s education and preparation for our industry partners,” DeFede said. “We are very pleased with receiving this initial CAAHEP accreditation and thank faculty, staff, students, industry partners and the community for their hard work, support, and unwavering investment in our students and our programs.”

WHCL will be graduating senior paramedic students this December 2018 and continuing with the fall 2018 admitted cohort with this initial CAAHEP accreditation in place. The paramedic program will be accepting applications for a new cohort fall 2019.  The application period will be open February 12, 2019-August 3, 2019. For more information, contact health careers at (559) 925-3320.