MSJC Celebrates 74 New EMT Graduates at Pinning Ceremonies
12/23/2025
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) proudly celebrated the achievements of 74 newly trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) during two recent EMT Pinning Ceremonies, marking the successful completion of the College’s rigorous 18-week EMT program offered across three cohorts.
The ceremonies honored graduates who are now prepared to serve as first responders throughout the region, strengthening emergency medical services and directly contributing to the health, safety, and resilience of the communities MSJC serves.
Among the graduates was Nicolas Piepenbrink, 44, of Hemet, whose journey to becoming an EMT reflects perseverance, inclusive education, and the transformative power of supportive instruction.
Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as an infant, Piepenbrink was inspired early in life by his grandmother, a paramedic, and dreamed of following in her footsteps. Sixteen years ago, he enrolled in an accelerated EMT program at a private institution but found that the learning environment did not meet his needs. Encouraged by his fiancée, also a paramedic, he decided to pursue his goal again—this time at MSJC.
At the San Jacinto Campus, Piepenbrink found a learning environment aligned with his hands-on learning style. He credits MSJC instructors James Scholl and Fabian Lopez for their dedication, both in and out of the classroom, and for providing individualized guidance that enabled him to succeed.
Through collaborative study sessions, skills labs, and clinical experiences, Piepenbrink excelled—graduating in the top 1% of his class and passing the National Registry examination on the same day he completed the program.
“I finally felt like I was learning in a way that worked for me,” Piepenbrink said. “The excellent support from my instructors made all the difference.”
Now certified, Piepenbrink is continuing his professional journey by pursuing additional certifications in phlebotomy and electrocardiography.
MSJC’s EMT program emphasizes hands-on training, academic rigor, and real-world preparedness, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in emergency situations.
With 74 new EMTs entering the workforce this December, the program is making a meaningful contribution to regional emergency response capacity and public safety.
The pinning ceremonies served not only as a celebration of individual achievement but also as a reflection of MSJC’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens communities.
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at Mt. San Jacinto College is a one-semester, non-transfer course designed to prepare students to provide emergency care for ill or injured individuals. Ideal for those pursuing careers in fire services, ambulance services, or hospital emergency departments, the program prepares students to sit for the National EMT certification exam—a critical step toward employment in the field.
Students gain hands-on experience through hospital clinicals, ambulance ride-alongs, and field internships, with training that emphasizes professional ethics, patient respect, and safe scene practices.
Approved by Riverside County and the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, the program is offered at the San Jacinto and Menifee Campuses.