WARETOWN, NJ — The Ocean County Board of Commissioners and the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District (OCVTS) celebrated the launch of a new one-year Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program for Ocean County high school seniors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ocean County Fire and EMS Training Center in Waretown, New Jersey.

The new vocational education program expands access to career-focused training for high school students, providing hands-on instruction and classroom learning as they work toward earning their EMT certification. Upon graduation and successful completion of the program, students can immediately volunteer with their local first aid squads and pursue part-time or full-time employment as an EMT.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners played an instrumental role in bringing the program to OCVTS, building on the success of an EMT training initiative established at the Ocean County Training Center two years ago. That program was developed to make EMT certification more accessible to residents and strengthen the local emergency medical services workforce.

“This program came together in lightning speed,” said Commissioner Robert Arace, liaison to the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District and the Fire and First Aid Training Center. “Everyone around the state was impressed with how quickly we were able to get the credentials to start this program. It's a premier model around the state. Monmouth County is knocking on the door asking how we did it so fast.”

“I’m proud that we’re expanding our EMT training program to Ocean County Vocational Technical School and giving high school seniors the opportunity to earn their EMT certification while still in school,” Arace added. “Our original County EMT program has already graduated 30 EMTs who are now serving on local squads. Now we’re taking that success directly into our vocational schools.”

“This program is a great example of what we can accomplish when we invest in our young people and give them opportunities to succeed,” said Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen. “By giving high school seniors the chance to earn their EMT certification before graduation, we’re not only opening doors to meaningful careers, but also preparing the next generation of first responders who will serve and protect our Ocean County communities.”

The one-year program combines technical instruction with practical training designed to prepare students for the demands of emergency medical services. Students will begin training in September through two daily sessions, studying Basic Life Support, National Incident Management System training, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Emergency Vehicle Operations, patient assessment, CPR, trauma care and medical terminology, among other topics.

A key feature of the program is an Interactive Ambulance Trainer installed in one of the training classrooms. Funded through a Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Grant, the compact SimRig simulator replicates the interior of an ambulance, allowing students to practice working in confined spaces before entering the field. Using authentic equipment and simulated high-pressure scenarios, students can develop their skills, strengthen decision-making and learn to avoid critical errors before treating real patients.

The addition of the EMT Program reflects OCVTS’s commitment to providing high school students with practical career training that connects classroom instruction to real-world workforce needs. By offering EMT education while students are still in high school, the District is helping create a pathway into emergency medical services while supporting the need for qualified personnel throughout Ocean County.

“Today is a powerful example of what happens when educators and county leaders join forces to address critical needs in our community,” said Gary MacDonald, Superintendent of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District. “I have so much pride in leading this district, and I am grateful to play a role in a county that works collaboratively across all departments to serve our community.”

For Lacey Township High School senior Nick De Benedetto, an OCVTS EMT student who has already been involved with an EMS squad for two years, the program offers an opportunity to advance his commitment to emergency services and explore a future in health care.

“I’ve been wanting to get my EMT license, but it was difficult to get into other programs being a high school student. My guidance counselor told me about this one, so I applied and got accepted,” De Benedetto said.

De Benedetto explained that his interest in EMS grew after noticing the need for volunteers in his community. After repeatedly seeing signs calling for volunteers, he became involved and participated in a fundraiser for Lanoka Harbor EMS. He also hopes to pursue a career in the medical field, viewing EMT training as an important first step toward achieving that goal.

Through this partnership, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, OCVTS and the Ocean County Training Center are expanding access to professional career training while helping meet the growing need for emergency medical services personnel. The program gives students an opportunity to graduate with valuable industry credentials, pursue employment in EMS and contribute to the safety and well-being of their communities.

“Vocational education is about more than preparing students for jobs. It is about preparing them for careers, responsibilities, and opportunities to make a difference in people's lives,” said Stephen Scaturro, president of the OCVTS Board of Education.

OCVTS also, extends its sincere gratitude to all who helped make the ribbon-cutting ceremony a memorable moment. A special thank you to Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi; Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace; Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen; Director Brian Gabriel, Ocean County Fire and First Aid Training Center; Coordinator Robert Contreras, Ocean County Fire and First Aid Training Center; Stephen Scaturro, President of the OCVTS Board of Education; OCVTS Board of Education and Administration; and everyone involved in supporting the OCVTS Emergency Medical Technician Program. Their commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening career and technical education will have a lasting impact on students and the Ocean County community.

About Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Ocean County Vocational Technical School provides an intensive and immersive educational experience aligned with the current and emerging demands of business, industry, and advanced education. We instill the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for students to experience success in entering the workforce, advancing along a career pathway, and achieving career aspirations. Please visit www.ocvts.org to learn more.