Pitt-Bradford has launched a new emergency medicine program aimed at addressing a shortage of emergency medical personnel in rural Pennsylvania. The initiative comes as the need for trained EMTs and paramedics continues to rise across the United States.
“In being an EMT, you’re an advocate for your patient,” said Jay Mckenzie, an EMT, firefighter, and student at Pitt-Bradford.
Mckenzie balances his roles as both a history and political science major at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and as an employee with the City of Bradford Fire Department. He began his path in emergency services after enrolling in Pitt-Bradford’s EMT course when it was first offered by the Division of Biological and Health Sciences in 2022.
His experience reflects broader trends in rural healthcare staffing. According to federal estimates, there is a projected national shortfall of 40,000 full-time emergency medical personnel by 2030. In response, Pitt-Bradford partnered with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences to create a bachelor’s degree program in emergency medicine. The first cohort is expected to graduate by 2028.
Rick Esch, president of both Pitt-Bradford and Pitt-Titusville, explained that this new major follows the university’s tradition of adapting academic programs to regional needs. “Over time, we’ve oriented our curriculum to address the region’s needs; we established our nursing program in the late ’70s because, at the time, there was a shortage of nurses, and today we are addressing the deficiency of EMTs and paramedics,” he said.
More than 99% of McKean County is classified as rural by census standards. For Esch, supporting access to essential health care services is not only professional but personal: “We can’t sustain ourselves without investing in emergency services in the region,” he said. “It’s essential we train professionals and add them to the workforce because the need here is so large.”
The challenges faced by rural EMS agencies are significant throughout Pennsylvania. Nearly one-third of Pennsylvania residents live in rural areas; over a quarter lack sufficient access to health professionals compared with less than two percent in urban regions.
“This is beyond crisis,” said State Representative Martin Causer (UPB ’96), who also volunteers as an EMT. He highlighted how low volunteer numbers and aging populations have strained local ambulance services: “We need additional EMS personnel in nearly every community; getting more personnel trained is a top priority,” Causer stated. “The Pitt-Bradford emergency medicine program can make a real difference toward meeting that goal and ultimately saving lives.”
Causer also pointed out that limited access to hospital labor and delivery units has increased demands on EMS crews: “EMS has been trained to deliver babies, but if you’re having a complicated childbirth, you do not want to be in the back of an ambulance… The lack of access…is putting more burden on emergency medical services.”
Esch described efforts like these as part of a “homegrown strategy,” noting that students educated locally are more likely to remain working within their communities after graduation.
Bradford Fire Chief Brett Butler (UPB ’13) became chief at age 33—the youngest ever for his department—and sees direct benefits from having Pitt-Bradford nearby: “There are a lot of people around here who want to see the Bradford area succeed…investing in Pitt-Bradford will bring more people here.” His department expects record-high ambulance calls this year.
“It’s difficult right now to get people into fire and EMS field; … If Pitt-Bradford can become a hub for EMS training…it would help current strain on EMS services,” Butler said.
Students gain hands-on experience through ride-alongs with local ambulances—a practice embraced by Mckenzie during his studies—and complete further training such as interior firefighting courses through regional academies.
Paramedic Cathy Mealy oversees EMS operations for Bradford City Fire Department while teaching at Pitt-Bradford since its EMT class began. She noted how service work transforms students’ self-confidence: “It’s incredibly rewarding to do service for others when focus is off you… It’s like love: The more you give away, the more you have.” Mealy added that all students learn skills applicable throughout life—decision-making under pressure among them—and must meet high standards due to their role helping vulnerable people.
“Jay is successful because he’s constantly willing to learn…that’s definition of working in emergency medical services…” she observed.
Mealy advises her students always remember their motivation or “why” amid challenging situations: “You’re going have hard calls…but knowing your ‘why’ will get you through.”
For Mckenzie—who plans law school after graduation—his motivation remains helping those most in need: “They could be someone experiencing domestic violence or even sexual assault. You’re more than a medical provider; you play multiple roles especially in an area like Bradford.”
