With the signing of a recent memorandum of understanding (MOU), the programs within the National EMS Academy receive oversight, academic leadership and management under the direction of Rebecca Harris-Smith, EdD, MSN, RN, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. As the Assistant Dean of Allied Health, Dr. Rochon’s focus is on academic integrity and programmatic compliance with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) to ensure continued accreditation and future growth of the program. Dr. Rochon works collaboratively with Department Chair and National EMS Academy Paramedic Program Director Gifford Saravia to ensure the success of the students from admission to program completion and licensure.
Dr. Rochon holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from LSU and a master’s degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in educational leadership with a concentration in higher education. She was an associate professor at SLCC for nine years prior to becoming the assistant program manager with National EMS Academy.
Because of her commitment to the program, Dr. Rochon completed the National EMS Academy’s hybrid EMT program and earned her National Registry EMT certification in the summer of 2019.
“While going through this program, I was able to see firsthand what our students experience during this process,” said Dr. Rochon. “I was able to get a full understanding of the challenges they face as well as see areas where we can improve our processes.”
National EMS Academy offers entry-level, continuing education and refresher courses for a number of EMS career pathways, including EMTs and paramedics. They are a nationally accredited EMS training facility with locations in Louisiana and Texas, and are an authorized American Heart Association Training Center for CPR and ECC courses.
South Louisiana Community College is a comprehensive community college that operates campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Houma, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. The college serves more than 15,000 students annually and offers an array of academic programs. Students earn associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based certifications. It is ranked 14th among the Top 100 Associate Degree Producers as determined by Community College Week.
