Hard work paid off earlier this month for the graduates of the St. Anthony’s Paramedic Program.

After a year of intense classroom work and clinical/field internship rotations, 19 students of the Class of 2006 graduated during a July 14 ceremony at St. Anthony’s Auditorium.

Rep. Jim Lembke of Lemay and Rep. Jeff Roorda of Barnhart addressed the graduating class.

The St. Anthony’s Paramedic Program has been training pre-hospital professionals since 1982. However, this is the first time in the history of the program that a class has dedicated its commencement, according to a news release. A short moment of silence and a meaningful message was given to honor one of their classmates, Jon Bollinger, who was deployed to the Middle East during the first semester.

Special awards for Valedictorian went to Jim Moss and Salutatorians Nick Robben and Jason Rhyne.

The St. Anthony’s Paramedic Program is accredited through St. Louis Community College, and is one of the most successful programs in the state, the release stated.

Students must complete a year of prerequisites before being eligible for the interview process to apply for the program.

During the program, students complete more than 3,000 hours of class work and 750 clinical hours. Upon graduation, students receive an associate degree in applied science in paramedic technology and are eligible to take the National Registry Exam for EMT-Paramedics. This license is nationally recognized.

For more information, call SLCC EMS Programs Coordinator Charlene Jansen at (314) 644-9925.