The partnership addresses the EMS workforce shortage by allowing students to earn income while completing their training.
Skokie, Ill. (May 21, 2026) — For emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics who spend their days and nights caring for others, putting their own goals on hold can feel inevitable. A new partnership between Oakton College and Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. (Superior Ambulance) is changing that story.
With a simple yet powerful promise — earn a paycheck, earn a degree and keep moving forward — the program turns hard-earned field experience into college credit. It’s a pathway that honors the work they already do, helping them grow their careers without stepping away from the communities that count on them.
“This agreement reflects Oakton’s commitment to meeting students where they are and recognizing the value of their real-world experience,” said Spencer Kimura, Oakton’s Fire Science Technology chair and Fire Science professor. “By aligning rigorous training with academic credit, we are helping dedicated professionals advance their education and expand their career opportunities while still showing up for their communities in their most critical moments.”
Superior Ambulance operates more than 70 stations across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, making it the largest private ambulance provider in the Midwest.
“Oakton College is proud to work alongside Superior Ambulance to expand opportunities for EMTs and meet critical healthcare needs across the region,” said Micah J. Eimer, M.D., Oakton College Board of Trustees member, and cardiologist and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Northwestern Medicine. “This partnership is a great example of Oakton’s efforts to expand workforce readiness and community engagement, which is one of the pillars of our Vision 2030 strategic plan.”
Leaders from Superior Ambulance and Oakton College signed the agreement at Oakton’s Ray Hartstein campus in Skokie, Ill., May 21, 2026.
The partnership creates a streamlined pathway for EMTs and paramedics to earn an Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.) degree by awarding up to 33 credits for prior learning. Under the agreement, eligible emergency medical services (EMS) professionals can receive credit for nationally recognized certifications and training programs, significantly reducing the time needed to complete their degree. Students then complete the remaining general education coursework at Oakton, including communication, mathematics and science requirements.
“This partnership reflects Superior Ambulance’s commitment to investing in our employees and strengthening the future of the EMS profession,” said Kim Godden, vice president of Superior Ambulance. “Our professionals work tirelessly to care for their communities every day, and we are proud to support their growth through continued education and career advancement. Through initiatives like our tuition reimbursement opportunities and the new partnership with Oakton College, we’re creating stronger pathways for EMS professionals to build long-term, rewarding careers.”
The agreement aims to strengthen healthcare recruitment and retention by establishing clear career advancement pathways. By reducing barriers to higher education and offering flexible learning opportunities, the agreement supports the retention of skilled EMS professionals while preparing them to advance into supervisory, teaching and clinical nursing roles.
Students may also benefit from a joint enrollment option, which allows them to take courses while working in the field. This flexibility ensures the program can adapt to the demanding schedules of first responders.
