Program Directors, does this conversation sound familiar?
Program Director
→ Ok, here’s the truth of it, this isn’t supposed to be a 24/7 job, but it is and it’s killing me. I came into education to make a difference in student’s lives, but I’m run down. The weight of the entire educational program is on me, and I hardly spend any time actually educating. Plus, I have to worry about the CoAEMSP/CAAHEP accreditation…and worry, I do.
Julianne
→ I’ve been there—you’re right, you’ve got a lot to keep up with. Covid certainly hasn’t helped. Is your current Student Minimum Competency (SMC) tracking system helping you and your students out at all? That’s what they are calling the old Appendix G if you hadn’t heard.
Program Director
→ The SMC Matrix? That is going to take some getting used to. That beast has made my old paper system impossible. I’m using one of the name-brand trackers but I feel like it’s adding EVEN MORE work to my plate! We’ve invested so much time learning how to use it, but the students are complaining that it’s a “nightmare.” I just feel stuck because I HAVE to keep our program accredited. But then I know I’m failing my students and staff because I am the one who is supposed to fix broken program things. Do you know what I mean?
Julianne
→ I 100% know how you feel. I’m glad we found each other- the same dragon stalked me! I’ve been a paramedic for over 2 decades and an educator for nearly as long. I was an EMS education program director for 8 years, and I worked EMS PRN until just a few years ago. During that time, I was also the lead instructor for the AEMT’s and Paramedic students (who achieved a 97% first-time pass rate over 7 cohorts), so I know how it feels to be spread thin.
I knew something had to change when my Dad was dying while I had to prep my first CSSR. I was forced to finally slay that dragon.
Program Director
→ So what did you do.. Find a new tracking system?
Julianne
→ Nope! I’ve built us our OWN system! It is simple to keep track of all things regulatory WHILE giving students a realistic and educationally helpful experience! When I found out the annual turnover rate for EMS Directors is around 30%, I realized, “Here’s the next place where I can take care of people.” I knew I had to create a solution…THE solution.
Program Director
→ That’s great and all, but I’ve invested so much time learning our current system. My students, adjuncts, and I don’t have the bandwidth to train on a new tool.
Julianne
→ No worries! There’s little-to-no training on the platform and it gives students a realistic and educationally helpful experience. Students LOVE it while you get some time back to take action on the “big stuff.”
Program Director
→ You’ve just described HEAVEN!