Dysart to Launch EMS/EMT Program in Partnership with Surprise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/06/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools has partnered with the City of Surprise to offer a high school level Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program beginning in August, 2024. The program will launch at Valley Vista High School, and will give high school seniors the chance to earn an Emergency Medical Certified Technician (EMCT) certification upon graduation. The program will be open to all seniors attending any Dysart school. 

The course will be a senior-level course offered through the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program, with possible college credit through Maricopa Community Colleges. Certified graduates would have the opportunity for immediate employment as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) through a public or private ambulance service.  

The program was developed in partnership with the City of Surprise in order to help address the future need for EMS staff in the rapidly growing city. It will be taught by a City of Surprise Fire-Medical staff member that will be CTE certified through the Arizona Department of Education.  The City of Surprise is working to develop an expansion of the program that would provide pathways for local students to continue their education through collegiate programs for fire-medical, nursing or other medical professions.  

Interested students can learn more about the new program at the upcoming Dysart Career and College Expo on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise.  

About Dysart CTE 

Currently, Dysart Unified Schools District offers 18 CTE programs across its four high schools (Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School) campuses, and has nearly 5,000 students participating in CTE courses each year. Programs currently offered include Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Digital Animation, Digital Photography, Education Professions, Engineering, Film and TV Production, Fire Science, Graphic Design, JROTC Army, Lab Assisting, Law Enforcement, Marketing, Nursing Services, Software and App Design, Sports Medicine, StageCraft Design and Production, Technology Device Maintenance. To learn more, visit Dysart.org/CTE. 

About Surprise Fire-Medical

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department is "Always There, Always Ready" to serve the needs of our growing community with response to Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical, Hazardous Materials, and other emergency calls for service. Drawing from a rich history dating back to the 1960’s the department has grown to house more than 200 employees and serves the community through multiple fire stations located throughout our growing city.