Pflugerville ISD unveils new mobile learning lab for emergency medical technician academy

Pflugerville ISD's Career and Technical Education program launched a new mobile learning lab for the district's fire and emergency medical technician training program Nov. 7.

The overview

In partnership with the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation and Texas Workforce Commission, a refurbished ambulance outfitted with dummies and supplies will allow PfISD students to have hands-on training for fire and EMT services. It is funded by around $700,000 in grant funds from the PCDC and TWC, PCDC Executive Director Amy Madison said.

Students who participate in the program are able to earn their EMT license and other credentials before graduating high school, which PfISD CTE Director Traci Hendrix says provides a leg up on others trying to enter the field.

What they're saying

Michael Anderson, Travis County ESD No. 2 deputy assistant chief, said the ambulance will function as a training facility, allowing for an alternative means of bringing new personnel into this branch of the medical field.

"This was envisioned as a program to provide occupational training to students so that when they finish, they can immediately enter the workforce," Anderson said. "Selfishly, we want our department organization to come from members of our community."

About the program

The Fire and Emergency Medical Technician Academy is part of the district's greater CTE program that provides a variety of job development and career opportunities to students in the district via education and occupational training programs.