Sussex Tech Launching EMT Training Program to Meet Growing Demand in Sussex County

HOTO: EMT Course Advisory Committee members: John Baugher, Deanna Brown-Loeb, Jason McCabe, Nicole Oliphant, John Wright, Chris Hainsworth, Holly Langley, Bart Gill

The launch of the EMT program reflects what many education leaders say public schools are designed to do: respond to real-world workforce needs.

GEORGETOWN, Del. — Sussex Technical High School announced it will add a new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course to its curriculum beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, responding to strong demand for certified EMTs across Delaware — particularly in Sussex County.

The course will be offered in partnership with the Delaware State Fire School, providing students with industry-aligned instruction and hands-on training designed to meet national EMT certification standards.

School officials say the program will:

Expand elective and industry certification opportunities for students
Strengthen Sussex Tech’s existing Health Professions and Emergency Response programs
Help address pressing community emergency service and labor market needs

“There is a high demand for certified EMT personnel in Delaware/Sussex County,” said Dr. Jason Peel, Sussex Tech’s director of human resources and support services. “Starting this course to help meet the demand supports Tech’s continued commitment to the future of our students and contributes to the growth and development of the Sussex County workforce.”

A Model of Responsive Public Education

The launch of the EMT program reflects what many education leaders say public schools are designed to do: respond to real-world workforce needs.

Rather than expanding programs based on trends or theory alone, Sussex Tech is aligning its curriculum with documented shortages in emergency medical services — a field critical to public safety and community health.

Sussex County is Delaware’s largest county by land area and one of its fastest growing. Its emergency-response system relies on a partnership of county-employed paramedics, volunteer fire companies and local EMTs to cover rural communities, beach towns and rapidly expanding residential areas. Seasonal population surges, an aging demographic and long travel distances increase the demand for trained first responders.

Across Delaware and nationwide, EMS agencies have reported staffing challenges driven by burnout, retirements and competition from hospital systems. Workforce development at the high school level creates a direct pipeline to help stabilize that system.

In practical terms, the EMT course represents a clear connection between taxpayer-funded public education and community need: where the demand exists, the school adapts to help meet it.

Building a Workforce Pipeline

Students completing the program will graduate with nationally recognized credentials, positioning them for immediate employment with local fire companies and ambulance services or continued study in paramedicine, nursing or other health professions.

Sussex Tech is currently seeking qualified candidates for a part-time EMT instructor position. Interested applicants can visit www.sussexvt.org for application details.

Sussex Technical High School serves students across Sussex County and prepares them for success in workforce environments, higher education and military service.