Knox County EMS Director Earns State Administrator Certification

By Echo Menges

KNOX COUNTY, Mo. — Knox County EMS Director Deanna McKenzie has earned her Missouri Ambulance Service Administrator certification after completing the state’s required 40-hour EMS Administrator Program.

According to the Knox County Ambulance District, the certification requirement was established under legislation passed by the Missouri General Assembly requiring ambulance service administrators to complete specialized administrative training.

The weeklong, in-person course was held in Columbia and included lectures, group discussions and a capstone project. Participants were required to prepare a strategic plan outlining goals for their ambulance service over the next one, three and 10 years before presenting the plan to a panel of judges.

McKenzie presented her capstone project June 10 and received her certification June 17.

The Knox County Ambulance District said more than 80 Missouri EMS administrators have completed the training through online and in-person sessions since Jan. 1. The Columbia class was the program’s first in-person training session.

The certification recognizes administrators who have completed the state’s required education in EMS leadership, administration and long-term planning.