Health professions programs bridge community and career

Health professions programs bridge community and career
Classes run for two hours a day, four days a week.

Kay Gardner spent three decades at the Pocatello Children’s Clinic, taking on various roles in billing, collections and reception. Though she loved working in healthcare, she knew she didn’t want to remain in clerical work until retirement. What she didn’t know was that her husband, Mike, would be the key to helping her discover her calling.

“Mike was a paramedic who often taught night classes at local colleges, so he was gone all the time. I said, ‘You know, I really don’t like staying home alone, so I’m going to take an emergency medical technician (EMT) class so I can teach with you,’” Gardner recalled. “I took the class, and as part of it, you get to run on the ambulance, and it just stirred my soul.” 

After taking the EMT class, Gardner continued her work at the clinic and served in the reserves at the Blackfoot Fire Department. In 2019, an opportunity aligned her career with her newfound passion. When her husband retired, an acquaintance contacted him about taking over her EMT class at Idaho Falls School District No. 91’s Career and Technical Education Center. Eager for a new direction, Gardner jumped at the chance. 

“I suggested I take the position and haven’t looked back,” said Gardner.

Gardner used her experience and connections as an EMT to reimagine the year-long program, which includes dual credit through CSI. Classes run for two hours a day, four days a week. The extensive curriculum incorporates allied health, medical terminology and optional modules such as blood glucose monitoring and IV training. The CMA program is also a year-long program. Although students are technically supposed to receive an hour of CMA instruction each day, there’s considerable overlap between the programs. 

I took the class, and as part of it, you get to run on the ambulance, and it just stirred my soul.

Kay Gardner, CMA and EMT instructor

“EMTs and CMAs both need to know medical terminology and allied health. They all earn their Assist with Medications, CPR, OSHA and Stop the Bleed Certifications. I just figure the more they know the better prepared they are for the world,” said Gardner. “In addition to clinical skills, CMAs also need to have clerical skills, so that’s the main difference.”

Gardner’s connections have led to a strong technical advisory committee (TAC) that supports her programs by donating equipment and providing guidance on skills and equipment students need. In addition to providing internships and hands-on experience, TAC members also volunteer in the classroom. 

“I can’t do skills training with this many kids and have them be safe, so I have people who do this for a job come in to help teach and test,” Gardner explains. “Bonneville County Fire members were here practically as much as I was last year.”

This collaborative effort fosters a sense of community among the emergency medical services (EMS) in Southeast Idaho, with active participation from Central Fire Department in Rigby, Bonneville County Fire District in Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls Fire Department and Ammon Fire Department.

Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam. 

“Some of my students go straight into industry as EMTs, and most of them go on to do fire services as well,” said Gardner. “I try to make sure that even if EMS isn’t their pathway, they learn something that will help them in their career.”