Trailblazing teens: Local high school students first to earn EMT certification through SCC’s Dual Credit Program

Published on Apr 11, 2025

Somerset Community College (SCC) kicks off dual credit week by celebrating two local high schoolers who will be the first to become EMTs through the 16- week Somerset Campus program.

Kylie Cole and Olivia Roberts are senior high school students at Southwestern High School in Pulaski County. At 17 and 18 years old, respectively, they will be the first dual credit students to complete the Emergency Medical Services Technology (EMT) program at the SCC Somerset Campus.

When SCC first opened its EMT program to students as young as 16, instructors were initially concerned about the challenges young EMTs would face, including the trauma they might witness and the long shifts required. However, SCC Associate Professor Samantha Feldman and SCC EMT instructor Jimmie Foster found that the first dual-credit students, Cole and Roberts completely disproved their initial reservations.

“They can do this job and do it well. They have consistently demonstrated their maturity. I have no doubt that younger students coming in will rise to the occasion. Kylie and Olivia's grades are impressive, and they show their maturity both in and outside the classroom,” said Foster, who teaches the young ladies and is very proud of them.

The students are no strangers to dual-credit courses, both having earned over 40 college credits through the SCC dual credit pathways offered at their local high school. However, this class was a bit different, as they had already completed all their high school credits. This left their schedules wide open for a busy field internship, studying, and the one-day class meeting on the Somerset Campus.

The young students are now getting a first-hand glimpse into the trauma experienced and lifestyle of EMTs as they ride along with active EMTs in the county.

“Going out and working in the field is so rewarding,” Roberts said. “It doesn’t feel like work and I am now confident in the path I have chosen for my career in the medical profession.”

Cole says that watching the EMTs handle tense situations when patients are in danger and how they remain calm has been most impactful.

Though these girls balance the EMT program, their field internship and jobs, they say the hard work is worth the extra effort.

“I chose the medical field because I know I want to help people in my career,” Cole said.

Both Cole and Roberts plan to attend Eastern Kentucky University in the fall. Cole aspires to work as an anesthesiologist, while Roberts aims to become a nurse.

EMTs study advanced airways and learn various medical procedures that nurses also participate in. “By being EMTs, these students will become better healthcare providers in the future,” Feldman said. “Participating in this program will also help them in the competitive admission process at EKU.”

The instructors encourage more young students in dual-credit courses to pursue EMT at SCC. Cole and Roberts will work as EMTs while in college, which is a great opportunity to gain experience in the medical field while earning a livable wage so young.

"It's beneficial for students to start early. The transition to our classroom has been exceptional for these,” Foster said. “I believe it makes it easier for them to adapt to our fast-paced learning environment since they are already accustomed to studying in high school."

SCC is accepting dual credit EMT students in Pulaski and McCreary counties. To find out more about dual credit opportunities in EMT, check out somerset.kctcs.edu.

“We have a diverse age range in our classes,” Feldman said. “We hope to see more dual credit students in the future.”

Dual Credit Week is April 14-18. Watch for other dual-credit students to be featured throughout the week on SCC’s social media pages.