By Lori Dugan/EAC
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College (EA)’s Emergency Medical Services program has received national recognition for its Advanced Emergency Medical Technician program, earning a Letter of Review from the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
The recognition was highlighted in the January 2026 CoAEMSP News email distributed nationwide to EMS program directors and academic deans. EA is one of only 12 Advanced EMT programs in the United States, and the only program in Arizona, to hold Letter of Review status, the formal precursor to full accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The Letter of Review signifies that EA’s Advanced EMT program meets established national standards and is actively progressing through the accreditation process. Voluntary AEMT accreditation was introduced nationally in 2025 to strengthen consistency, quality, and workforce readiness in EMS education.
“This recognition reflects the strength of our EMS program and the dedication to excellence demonstrated by our faculty and students,” said John Clegg, EMS program director at EA. “With the ongoing use of Advanced EMT providers nationwide, along with a growing need for Advanced EMT providers in rural Arizona, we are excited to be among the first group of programs nationwide to achieve Letter of Review status, showing that EA is meeting and exceeding national expectations for Advanced EMT education.”
Dr. Susan Wood, EA vice president of academic and student affairs, credited the program’s faculty for their sustained commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
“Congratulations to John and the EMS faculty who have worked so hard to reach this milestone,” Wood said. “A Letter of Review is a significant achievement, and it speaks to the high standards and dedication behind this program.”
While Durham Technical Community College in North Carolina was the first program in the nation to receive full voluntary accreditation, EA’s inclusion among the initial 12 programs to earn Letter of Review status places the program at the forefront of EMS education nationwide.
CoAEMSP is the only organization recognized by CAAHEP to provide accreditation services for paramedic and Advanced EMT education programs. Achieving Letter of Review status represents a critical milestone in the accreditation process and demonstrates a program’s commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality instruction.
EA’s EMS program continues to prepare students for careers in emergency medical services through rigorous training, hands-on experience, and alignment with evolving national standards.
About Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College is a public community college serving southeastern Arizona. EA offers high-quality academic, career, and technical education programs designed to meet regional workforce needs. Through innovative instruction and industry-aligned training, EA prepares students for meaningful careers in public service, healthcare, and other high-demand fields.
