14 Best Paramedic Programs In Columbia, SC (2022 Updated)

I went to midlands tech for many years. I struggled through the nursing program (and associates in arts and associated in science programs) for years as a single mother of a child with disabilities who was also exiting a decade long abusive relationship. I walked on a broken foot for four months through Clinicals in order to make it, had a foot surgery, totaled cars, and 20+ hours a week of therapies for my son with disabilities. And still I made it to my LPN semester only to end up in the hospital the last week before finals. I was told that I could not have a medical drop as I had received one for my foot surgery and was forced to take test 3,4, and the final in the week following my visit to the hospital. My grade dropped from a 90 to a 79.4 and I was told that I’d have to repeat everything all over again. The ombudsman and the VP went to Mrs. Bannister and begged her to allow an exception based off of the healthcare related nature of my situation and she refused. This place ruined my life and left me with no way to support my child and no nursing career after I already had a job waiting for me on the surgical trauma floor at Richland. After everything I lived through and survived. I am still traumatized. This place will ruin your life. DO NOT ATTEND THIS COLLEGE! Edit: In addition to my previous post this school is taking it a step further and denying me the right to participate in graduation after everything I have been through due to me being locked out of my MTC email (PS who only sends email info on a school email? nothing in the mail?) and was unable to receive the notification in time and they are now refusing my participation in graduation. I wish I could let anyone at that school know what they've done to me, my family, and my life. I HATE THIS SCHOOL and I've never hated anyone or anything!Danielle D Jacobs

I am in the Computer Technology program and am supposed to be completing my last semester, however we are at midterm and I am now finding out I have 1 more class to take . This is particularly infuriating because not only did my advisor tell me how many courses i needed to take to graduate, but Financial aid department told me that the aid for the semester was awarded based on how many credit hours i needed to graduate (I am taking the classes that I was told and showed I needed). Overall, in my 2 years as a student, my opinion has always been that's it is very much a subpar school-regarding the staff as well as education quality. My first semester (my education foundation) I had 2 that didn’t care and literally booted you out of the classroom before class was over as they had other things to do. The computer advisors are extremely ill prepared to help anyone. They continuously have no idea what each class will teach you, do not know which classes you should take for any career path, and are usually new personnel each semester. I, like many other students here, have a family outside of school and do not have the means to be a student and unemployed for another semester. Also, they don't have ANY tutors for the computer department! This makes things VERY difficult. The teachers do what they can in their office hours, and I can name 3 or 4 that are worth calling a teacher/professor and actually care about the subject and students. They claim to help you find a job after, and boast they have company’s asking them for their graduates… however this is not easily accessed, nor are there plentiful opportunities once graduated. The level of education and subjects taught seem not to be in line at all with what is desired by companies.srnclb

Horrible, Horrible, Horrible experiences! I have attended multiple semesters here and each one is more of a dumpster fire than the last. I have never had such difficulty with anything in my life or dealt with such rude, spiteful, or plan MEAN faculty members. I have been told countless times to quit my job and focus only on school, please tell me how being the sole provider for my family that would work? Followed by the staffs refusal to talk with me about options when I refuse to quit my job and have to look for odd times to attend classes. This school has been a GIGANTIC regret and I have only ever dealt with about two people that actually cared and WANTED to help like a decent educator would. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME, MONEY, ENERGY or LIFE here.Dani

Never go here! If you want to better yourself and gain a degree go any where else! This is a horrible school! They will ruin your life!roni c

I had a photography and videography class there and I love that class so much I have learned a lot and made a new friend.Jaylen Anderson

From the first moment I called, I felt like I was put in the hands of an Angel. Kim soothed me after a traumatic few months and put my mind at rest. She came with the crew and …wow … the professionalism. The guys are safety conscious, professional, friendly, and keep you laughing and smiling! The Ambulances are clean . I hope to make this my transport going forward. I wouldn’t trust anyone else. It’s clear this company loves what they’re doing, and it’s clear they’re making a difference in my life and other ‘sChrissy Chandler

I wouldn't trust my mom with anyone else. Everyone that has ever transported my mom from this company has been kind, loving, attentive and just overall wonderful! You have an amazing staff and company! Thank you for all you do!Amanda Burks

My Mother-in-Law is transported 3x a week from home to dialysis and back. She loves her usual guys and talks about them like the are her grandsons. Thank you for taking care of her so well. TimTim Starr

Just passed through whilst visiting Columbia, and I was quite impressed. The trees were outstanding and tall, the buildings were old but still looked good, and there was a fairly distinctive campus feel despite being in a rather large city. The palmettos make the campus much nicer and southern-feeling, and the various live oaks around campus give a very “Old South” feel. Cannot attest to the academics, though I did see a lot of “frat boy-types” and wondered if this school has that type of culture. The few people I chatted with were very nice and welcoming, and I would recommend visit the McKissick Museum or other places around here to get a sense of the culture and history of the school. G(oh) Cocks! Cheers.Kyle Hartmann

I never really heard of this place until we moved to the South. Then I saw a bunch of shirts with these roosters on them. Then one day I wandered down the road to Columbia just to see what the place was like. Then I found myself on this campus. It really seems like it has a party scene to it and it kind of reminds me of Arizona State University in some ways. It seems to be a fun place to go to school. The library was AMAZING! It even had an exhibit with some civil rights history items on display. I loved every bit of it. All and I think this is a great school. Nice and hilly too.noneya business

I did my PhD here as an international student and the experience was somewhat jarring at first and there seems to be a great deal of tension at the university over perceived inequality in the grading metrics and greater politicization of the faculty. Nevertheless, there are some fantastic people present who take time out of their day to see to your requests unlike some universities where the process is conducted from a financial perspective than a human one.Narcissus

I just completed a BLS skills class with Vinay. It was really quick and painless. He has some neat mannequins with computerized feedback to tell you if the compressions are right rate and depth – nice. I've done many recertification classes with sim centers at big hospitals. Vinay's class is very efficient, and as he actually uses these skills in his day to day work, he has all kinds of great pointers and tips I haven't received before. Highly recommended, especially if you are a healthcare provider who doesn't want to waste time, but want to learn how to do things right.Karen Chen

This class was awesome! I’m a practicing hospital physician, and the owner/instructor was able to help me get my class done when I was having scheduling issues within the hospital system. Then during his course he gave very practical code blue management tips that helps automate and time track things. Plus, he’s hilarious. I actually drove an hour to take this class and this is where I will be coming back indefinitely. Came back to this site just now to refer a friend.Kelly Forb

Vinay is a great CPR instructor! He makes class fun while ensuring you learn what you need to. His knowledge and experience really help him make the information relatable and therefore more retainable. He goes the extra mile and throws in some helpful hints here and there. This is my second time using a Rapid CPR to certify and it won’t be my last! I VERY HIGHLY recommend Vinay and Rapid CPR!Stephanie F.

I had a blast and learned a lot when I went there 3yrs ago. We trained for a week there and the rest of the training took place back at our plantGordon Bartley Jr.

cory smoak and Alisha Young are angels ! They are so caring and compassionate. They understood what I was going through and they didn't rush me, they are true angels ! Cory knew how scared I was and he let me hold his hand and we talked all the way to the ER to try and get my mind off things. I love them both !! They are damn good EMT 's they were ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL !!!!!! I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU CORY SMOAK AND ALISHA YOUNG !!! YOU GUYS ARE HEAVEN SENT !!! I LOVE YOU BOTH !!!!Mason Brown

My home/family away from home. Ms.Cynthia, Ms. Crystal, Mr. George, Mr. Austol and all of the others that instructors that come through there so all so awesome. They really go above and beyond for each of us that come through that class. I started the class with folks that I started off referring to as just my classmates and instructors but the time the class over we all were and still are family. Lakeeda Williamsyvonne foreman

Great paramedic program. Based on current education and information in medicine. The program is set up for working EMTs.Caleb Shelton

Most interesting class I had the privilege of attending. I am very fortunate to have my Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician certification due to this class and my Instructor, J.T. Thackston, NRP. Upstate EMS Council and the Instructors prepared me for the NREMT Exam, and also for the hands on practical application skills tests that are required to pass the EMT course. Very good information and outstanding performance by the Instructors and Upstate EMS Council. 5 stars. *****Chuck McCall

Very well-rounded education. I would say the user complaining about this place failed one or more of his practicals. Best Medic instructor, has only his students in mind.Jonathan Bailey

This place really needs a sign. If you're looking for it, it's a large red metal building in the middle of a neighborhoodJonathon Hutton

Great facilities. The staff is wonderful and the facilities are kept clean. The amount of knowledge they provide is wonderful!Brandon McNeely

COMING FROM FORMER EMPLOYEE. I DO NOT RECOMMEND WORKING HERE. The company itself is GREAT. Medshore is NOT the problem, Co-workers are AWESOME i will miss them all.. The problem here is The Supervisor, David Hearl, that CLEARLY has favoritism with his employees. Treated me with disrespect, almost as if he was bullying me. Had a family emergency with my grandma (had to go to the hospital) and i asked if i could leave and was told NO.( left anyway because who wouldn’t), also was told from someone that he did the same thing to them except he made a comment “people die everyday”… i COULD keep going but it’s best if i didnt. I WILL continue to go further with this until disciplinary action is done with David.alex stone

Life hits us all in different ways. Aug 21 to current I have being going thru COVID SARS 19 and my post recovery. There have been several times where I've had to be transported from facility to facility or from facility to home due to being non ambulatory. EACH time has been nothing but the best. They always make sure I am comfortable. They even make sure I am all settled in when I get home. Really great company. You can tell they treat their employees well and their employees actually like what they do.samantha youmans