Des Plaines, Ill. (July 8, 2026) — After 10 months of intensive coursework, clinical training and ambulance ride-alongs, 23 students graduated from the Oakton College and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital (ALGH) Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Certificate program on July 1. The partnership program is helping address EMS workforce shortages and strengthen emergency response throughout the region.
This year's class included seven students sponsored by departments within the ALGH EMS System, including Niles, Morton Grove and Glenview. These departments enroll EMTs at Oakton to earn paramedic certification before returning to serve their communities, reflecting employers' confidence in the program's quality and outcomes.
"Our graduates leave the program with more than clinical expertise," said Spencer Kimura, chair of Fire Science Technology and professor of Fire Science at Oakton College. "They understand the responsibility that comes with caring for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. That's why local departments value Oakton graduates — they're prepared to lead and advocate for their patients from day one."
Graduates, aged 19-36, entered the program as licensed EMTs. Many balanced full-time work with fire departments, private ambulance companies and hospitals while completing the program. Others overcame financial and personal challenges along the way. Several graduates have already received conditional job offers from local fire departments, including Norwood Park and Des Plaines, with additional employment opportunities expected as students complete the state licensure process.
"This was an exceptionally close-knit and supportive class," said Jenni Kus, ALGH Emergency Medical Services System and Paramedic Program assistant. “They challenged one another, encouraged one another through difficult moments, and demonstrated a commitment to serving their communities.”
This year's commencement held special meaning for Kus, whose son, Joe Hare, graduated alongside his classmates. He recently accepted a conditional job offer with the Norwood Park Fire Department.
"Watching this class grow over the past 10 months has been incredibly rewarding," Kus said. "Being able to celebrate their accomplishments while also celebrating my son's graduation made the day even more meaningful."
Among the graduates were Valedictorian Ezra Yang of Burbank and Salutatorian Kellie Beranek of Libertyville, who addressed their classmates during the ceremony. The full graduating class includes:
● Nicholas Ahlman
● Alexander Arquilla
● Nolan Beeson
● Kellie Beranek
● Patrick Bourne
● Keegan Daly
● Christopher DeNardis
● Brendan Guy
● Joe Hare
● Kevin Johnson
● Alfredo Lombardi
● Patrick Loza
● Julia Massey
● Jeffrey May
● Quinn Mazar
● Matthew McGarry
● Joshua Merkel
● Adriana Sifuentes
● Michael Smola
● William Sweetman
● Kyle Tam
● Ezra Yang
● Natalie Younker
During the program, students completed 749 classroom hours, 166.5 hospital clinical hours and 504 hours of ambulance field training. Clinical rotations at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Prime Healthcare Resurrection Medical Center, and the Julia S. Molloy Education Center allowed students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including compassionate care for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Oakton’s Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Certificate is designed for students seeking employment in a range of emergency medical services roles. Successful completion allows the student to pursue licensure as an EMT-P with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Learn more about Oakton’s Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Certificate program.