Have you ever wanted to learn life-saving skills, but just can’t find the time to commit to a class schedule?

Tiffany Regenwether knows how that feels. Regenwether, 41, of Cedar Rapids, has always been interested in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Right out of high school, she began working in an emergency room as a technician. She has spent the past two years working as a simulation specialist in Health Occupations at Kirkwood Community College.

However, as her life continued getting busier, her goal of getting an EMT certification kept getting pushed back.

When Kirkwood began offering a hybrid version of the normally in-person EMT course, Regenwether jumped at the chance.

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“As a mom, a wife, a full-time employee, it was so much easier for me to be able to do this online and not have to attend eight hours a week in class, because I didn’t have that availability with working full-time,” she said. “I could study in non-traditional times. I didn’t have to miss classes because I was able to do it while I was cooking dinner, or heading to a soccer game. I think that’s what helped out big time.”

What Does a Hybrid Class Look Like?

Instead of attending class on the Kirkwood campus twice a week, the hybrid class has pre-recorded lectures that students can listen to on their own schedule, even if that’s at 2 a.m. They can also re-listen to lessons if there are any parts that they feel they need to review.

Students also take quizzes and tests online, and have unlimited attempts to pass at 70 percent or above to continue on from EMT1 to EMT2, ensuring students complete the specific EMS course as a competent entry-level professional prepared to enter the workforce. Labs where students can practice hands-on work with Kirkwood equipment and their instructors are held during two Saturday sessions or four Wednesday sessions and can be intermixed if needed.

Regenwether was part of the inaugural EMT hybrid course this past spring semester. Hannah Konopinski, who developed the program, was her instructor.

“I was very impressed with what they had developed in the course. I didn’t feel overwhelmed. One week I could work ahead if I knew the next week would be busier,” Regenwether said. “It made it possible, and it was so rewarding to me to finally be able to accomplish this.”

What Classes are Offered

While Kirkwood started with the EMT level course, the school has since added hybrid courses for EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT).

Katie Lyman, Dean of Health Occupations and Healthcare Simulation, said they plan to add a hybrid version of the Paramedic course this summer as well.

“I wanted to just see what the data would show as far as student success - persistence, retention, graduation, passing of the national boards. I didn’t want to do too much without seeing the data,” Lyman said.

With the hybrid students showing equal and even better results in national boards testing, and after getting positive feedback from the course’s alumni, Lyman felt confident in expanding the program to other EMS courses.

“It’s really been exciting to see how many people we have served because of this additional format,” she said.

Which Class is Right For You?

For those who like having more structure and a regular schedule, the face-to-face course might be the best option. If you’re an independent learner who lives outside of Cedar Rapids or would find it hard to get to class twice a week, the hybrid course might be better.

Lyman said that most students are pretty self-aware, and only a few have changed options since the program started.

“There’s nothing wrong with either approach, it’s just that now we have given individuals a choice, and that’s what the future of higher ed is about,” Lyman said.

“We have such a large interest for the spring semester, there are multiple departments that want this program. That speaks volumes,” Regenwether said.

Careers Possible After Course

EMR classes are a great option for people who live in rural areas who want to give back to their communities as volunteer responders. Since they live close by, they can respond quickly to emergency calls and provide first aid while assessing a course of action for care.

EMTs are the next level up and can dispense medications and provide life-saving medical interventions like CPR. They usually work in tandem with a paramedic in ambulance services, or they can work in a fire department, ER or urgent care facility.

An Advanced EMT can perform additional procedures, such as inserting and administering IV medications, administering advanced airway measures and giving a wider range of medications than an EMT.

Paramedics are highly trained emergency medical professionals who provide advanced life support to the sick and injured, most often in ambulances but can be anywhere emergency help is needed outside of a hospital.

Regenwether decided to take an instructor course in July and is now teaching her first EMT course, the face-to-face option, this fall semester.

“It was an amazing experience, and I want to continue to bring that to anyone who’s interested,” she said. “My students have been extremely successful, because I could bring to them what I was taught.”