Professional Development
Wake County EMS has an extensive training and development program for both the experienced provider as well as those who are recent EMS graduates. All continuing education and recertification for the Wake County EMS System is coordinated through the Office of Professional Development, our own in-house educational institution certified by the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services. All educational opportunities offered by the Office of Professional Development meet the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services' and National Registry of EMTs' continuing-education guidelines. Our personnel receive more than 70 hours of educational opportunities each year, well over the 24 hours required by the State.
Wake County EMS employs two Professional Development Coordinators, who work 40 hours a week. Some of their responsibilities include:
- All in-house training and development for field and administrative staff
- Development, production and management of e-Learning courses
- Oversight of Field Training Officers
- Public education
- Public information
- Recruitment
- Employee orientation
- Records management
- Quality assurance
- Preceptor Program development and oversight
- Oversight of the Emergency Medical Dispatch program
- Website design
The Professional Development Coordinators are:
Mr. T. Steve Gardner BHS, NREMT-P
919-250-4365
Serving Wake County Since 1978
Mr. Lee Van Vleet BS, NREMT-P, EMD
919-250-4369
Serving Wake County Since 2007
Both coordinators hold multiple instructor credentials and are certified as Level II Instructors through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services. They report directly to the Professional Development Manager.