Atlantis Charter School Pioneers EMT Training for High School Seniors

In November 2023, Atlantis Charter School in Fall River, Massachusetts became the first charter school in the state to offer an EMT certification program for high school seniors. The 38-week, 332-hour course is led by Jennifer Santos, an experienced EMT instructor and paramedic, and provides students with a combination of classroom learning and practical, hands-on training.

The program, which was officially accredited by the state's Department of Health and Office of Emergency Medical Services in September 2025, is designed to prepare a select group of six seniors—Olivia Aguiar, Xylia Cabral, Gabriel Collazo Concepcion, Clara Dias, Mionti Mamun, and Jaeleah Molina—for careers in the medical field or similar healthcare professions.

Throughout the academic year, the students will gain confidence in providing emergency medical care, assessing injuries and illnesses, and transporting patients. In March 2026, they will have the opportunity to apply their training during internships at various healthcare settings in the SouthCoast region, including Fall River's Emergency Medical Services, Saint Anne's Hospital, and local dental and medical facilities.

Upon graduation, the students who maintain an 80% GPA or higher will earn a certificate of completion and be eligible to take the state practical exams and national EMT certification exams, with the program covering the associated costs. This unique opportunity at Atlantis Charter School is the first of its kind in Massachusetts, setting the school apart as a pioneer in preparing high school students for careers in the medical field.