Campus News
May 5th, 2026
Garrett to graduate 23rd paramedic class
College to celebrate Class of 2026 on May 12th at 7.p.m. in the PAC
Garrett College's paramedic program Class of 2026 graduates are shown, left to right, (sitting): Justin Hogue (Friendsville), Sadie Bennett (Barton), Mahlon Peachey (Oakland), Kylie Tull (Accident), and Vanessa Mongold (Cumberland); (standing) Nick Green (Frostburg), Kaitlyn Derham (Westernport), Justin White (Westernport), Ashley Kitzmiller (Mt. Storm), Rodney Ryan (Elk Garden), Allison Kamauf (Frostburg), and Lead Instructor Josh Hook. Not pictured: Alexandria Curry (Grantsville) and Connor Woodring (Frostburg), who are included in this year's graduation exercises after completing the hybrid version of the paramedic program in 2025.
Garrett College's 23rd paramedic program class will hold its certificate graduation ceremony next Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College.
Lead Instructor Josh Hook lauded the Class of 2026 for the rigorous course of study completed by its members.
“These students began their training in September 2024 and, over the course of four semesters, have completed nearly 1,000 hours of comprehensive education and hands-on experience,” said Hook, who noted the two 2025 hybrid program graduates will also be recognized. “Their training has included classroom instruction, hospital-based clinical rotations, and field internships riding alongside advanced life support providers in real-world emergency settings.”
Hook said the paramedic program is designed to prepare students to deliver high-quality prehospital assessment and care to patients of all ages experiencing a wide variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries.
GC's program is accredited through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP), which recommends the program for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
“This accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous national standards for paramedic education, providing students with a high-quality learning experience that aligns with industry expectations and best practices,” said Hook. He noted that graduates of an accredited program are eligible to sit for both national and state certification exams, a critical step in becoming a licensed paramedic.
“The Advanced Life Support program is designed to educate skilled, well-trained ALS providers for communities in Allegany and Garrett counties and the surrounding region,” said Doug Beitzel, Garrett College's ALS program coordinator. “Our goal is to prepare students not only to pass certification exams, but to excel in the field and make a meaningful impact in emergency medical services.”
A new paramedic program class is scheduled to begin this fall, with applications due by the end of June. Both the one-year hybrid option and the traditional two-year format will be offered; program requirements and expectations are the same for both program options.
Beitzel encouraged individuals interested in pursuing a career in emergency medical services to apply or reach out for more information.
Questions and applications can be directed to Doug Beitzel at 301-387-3772 or doug.beitzel@garrettcollege.edu.