CAAHEP reaffirms accreditation of Daytona State EMS and Paramedic programs

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (October 26, 2026) –The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has reaffirmed accreditation for Daytona State College's Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services and Paramedic Certificate programs, recognizing the College's continued commitment to meeting national standards for EMS education. Daytona State has maintained CAAHEP accreditation since April 21, 1988.

CAAHEP accreditation provides an important measure of quality for students, graduates and employers. It confirms that students receive the academic instruction and hands-on training needed to prepare for careers in emergency medical services.

“At Daytona State, we are committed to providing students with the education and hands-on training they need to succeed in the healthcare field,” said DSC President Dr. Tom LoBasso. “This accreditation reflects the quality of our EMS and Paramedic programs and the dedication of the faculty who prepare our students for these critical careers.”

Graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program is also important professionally. Some certification organizations require applicants to complete an accredited program before they are eligible to take certification examinations, which may be required for licensure or employment.

For employers, accreditation provides added assurance that graduates have completed a program that meets established standards and prepares them for the demands of working in the healthcare field.

“Choosing a CAAHEP-accredited program is crucial for students seeking a career in allied health,” said Dr. Barry S. Eckert, President of CAAHEP. “It ensures that they receive an education that is both comprehensive and relevant to current industry needs, ultimately benefiting their future employers and people receiving care.”

For more information about Daytona State’s Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services, visit https://bit.ly/DSC_EMS [bit.ly]. For information about the Paramedic Certificate program, visit https://bit.ly/DSC_Paramedic [bit.ly].

# # #

Offering more than 100 certificates, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, Daytona State College is the leader in education and workforce training needs of Volusia and Flagler counties and beyond. The College enrolls approximately 23,000 students a year at its seven campuses, with graduates serving in critical fields including healthcare, emergency services and public safety, aeronautics, business, education, hospitality, engineering, project management, accounting, computer science, digital media and more. Additionally, Daytona State generates nearly $943 million in economic impact in Volusia and Flagler counties annually and supports 13,612 jobs according to a recent labor-market analysis of the College’s economic impact. 

Daytona State has been recognized as a leader in higher education numerous times. U.S. News & World Report ranks the College among the Top Tier Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center ranks DSC among the top 50 most affordable public four-year institutions in the country, with less than half the tuition of the national average. And U.S. News & World Report has ranked DSC among its Top Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans multiple times.