Student Spotlight!

At Idaho Medical Academy, we are proud to be able to share the success stories of our former students. Robbie Heithecker is one such individual who has become a true success story. After graduating from our EMT program, Robbie went on to pursue a career as an EMT and has since started work at Treasure Valley Paramedics. We caught up with him recently to hear his story of how he went from being a student at Idaho Medical Academy to working in the medical field with his certification. Keep reading below to hear his story and tips for future EMT students.

“I graduated from IMA in 2021. I was in the first hybrid EMT class. Our lead instructor was Mr. Roger Sherman (Paramedic Ada County). Really knew I wanted to get on with an EMS provider SOMEWHERE. Had a good job but really felt I could do more for people in those moments when they needed help the most.

Advice for current students- For the written tests, read the material and read it again. Download apps to practice questions and scenarios. If possible, do multiple ride along prior to testing. See if you can take all the emotions, adrenaline and go and process what’s going on to give that patient the best possible care. Each and EVERY time! Always be furthering your training and education, rather it be articles in magazines, internet, any additional EMS training. Go out and get after it!

I currently work for Treasure Valley Paramedics in Ontario and Nyssa Oregon. On the education road as we speak on rather to do the AEMT or dive straight into Paramedic school.

Some of the training and readings lead to Delivering babies! Just being an EMT and having a limited scope of practice at the moment, being lucky enough to get a couple experiences with bringing a new little one into this world. Doesn’t happen often in the field, but hey, it does!”