Phillip Tucker began his career with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in 1996. Today, the college has four emergency medical technician (EMT) courses and one paramedic course, with the possibility of more expansion in the future. Tucker currently serves as the program director for EMS Technology and has been in this position for just over two years.
In January 2013, the national registry of EMT’s will implement mandated changes requiring the program director to have a bachelor’s degree and to be a level three instructor. Tucker knew this meant he needed to further his education to meet the requirements. “Expanding my education has proven beneficial in many ways,” commented Tucker. “It has given me more insight to help educate my students and an appreciation for what they are going through as they juggle day to day trying to manage life, work, and school.”
On April 30, 2011, Tucker was able to obtain his bachelor’s degree and graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors and Sigma Beta Delta honors. “I wanted to set an example for my children that hard work and determination does pay off,” said Tucker.
It is important for Tucker to teach his students about time management, work ethics, communication, and even leadership skills in order to help them become successful in their future endeavors. He also wants them to understand the importance of educating themselves in order to prepare for the battles of life. “When the job opportunity door opens, a person must be prepared, educated, and credentialed to fill the position,” stated Tucker.
Tucker has 28 years of EMS experience and has served in various capacities from field training officer, shift supervisor, assistant director, and director of a local EMS service in Rome, Georgia. He received the Region One Instructor of the Year Award and has been nominated for the State EMS Educator Award.
The EMS program at GNTC has a site visit scheduled for the program to become accredited this August. “Becoming accredited will be a huge step for our college to continue providing EMS programs to our region,” said Tucker. He was also very pleased to announce that the last paramedic class had a 100% first attempt pass rate on the national registry exam and the class prior had a 90% pass rate for the first two attempts.
Tucker currently resides in Silver Creek with his wife and two children. “Today, I am living my dream with a wonderful family and have succeeded in fulfilling my career goals.”
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