Manor College and VMSC EMS Partner to Create Degree Pathway for Certified EMS Professionals

The agreement was announced on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 on Manor’s campus.

From left: Lori Dusza, Chief of Operations of VMSC; Dr. Joseph Gillespie, Provost of Manor College; Dr. Jonathan Peri, President of Manor College; Shane Wheeler, CEO of VMSC
Constantine Georgiadis, Director of Education for VMSC; Raisa Wheeler, Battalion Chief of VMSC;
Jon Detweiler, Chief of Staff of VMSC

JENKINTOWN, Pa. – Manor College and VMSC Emergency Medical Services announced a new educational partnership on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, that will provide currently certified EMTs and paramedics with a pathway to earn an associate degree at Manor College.

The partnership recognizes the significant education, clinical training, and professional preparation EMS clinicians complete as part of their certification. Through the new pathway, eligible EMTs and paramedics may receive academic recognition for that prior training and apply it toward completion of an associate degree.

In addition, this fall VMSC will introduce an on campus EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) program, this hybrid program will allow students to study at their own pace while working towards a certification. Allowing students to test for their National Certification and become state certified.

“We are excited about our partnership with VMSC,” said Dr. Joseph Gillespie, Manor College Provost. “These programs allow us to expand that portfolio while providing a needed service to our community. This aligns so well with the Mission of Manor College to provide a career focused education designed to enhance personal and professional growth.”

Shane Wheeler, CEO of VMSC EMS, said, “Our EMTs and paramedics complete extensive education and clinical training, but that work has not always translated easily into academic credit. This partnership creates a meaningful pathway for EMS professionals to build upon the training they have already completed and turn that experience into progress towards a college degree.”

Through the partnership, Manor College and VMSC EMS will establish an associate degree pathway that recognizes eligible EMS education and professional credentials. This will allow certified clinicians to continue their education without unnecessarily repeating training they have already completed.

“EMS education is rigorous, and the knowledge and skills our clinicians bring to their communities deserve to be recognized,” Wheeler said. “An associate degree can open additional opportunities in leadership, education, community paramedicine, public safety, healthcare, and continued academic study. More importantly, it gives EMS professionals a clearer pathway to advance while remaining connected to the profession.”

“We wanted to work with a college that understood the value of EMS education and was willing to create a practical pathway for working professionals,” Wheeler said. “Manor College shares our commitment to accessibility, community service, and helping students build upon the experience they already have. That shared vision made Manor an ideal partner.”

The agreement between Manor College and VMSC EMS includes:

An associate degree pathway for currently certified EMTs and paramedics.
Academic recognition of eligible EMS education, training, and professional credentials.
A structured opportunity for EMS clinicians to continue their education and prepare for expanded roles in healthcare, public safety, leadership, and education.