Records show Brunswick Community College was previously warned about EMS program compliance issues
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– Brunswick Firefighters are now scratching their heads as they become part of the fallout from Brunswick Community College suddenly shutting down its EMS course.
Brunswick Community College’s EMS program has been placed on pause following the departure of its program director, raising concerns among students and first responders who rely on the training to earn and maintain certifications.
Advanced EMT student Lexi Black said the suspension was not unexpected after the college chose not to renew the contract of former EMS Program Director Chip Munna.
“They knew they couldn’t function without a Level Two credentialed instructor,” Black said. “Chip was the only one that had this credential. They knew they would not be able to hold anything EMS-related after that.”
Munna confirmed to WWAY that Brunswick Community College did not renew his contract. In a Facebook post, he said the college’s decision to “go in another direction” resulted in the EMS program being suspended almost immediately.
The college has not publicly explained why Munna’s contract was not renewed, but officials have said they are actively working to restore EMS classes and minimize disruptions for students.
The suspension affects more than aspiring EMTs and paramedics. Current firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics often depend on the program to complete continuing education requirements and maintain professional credentials.
According to the North Carolina Office of EMS, advanced EMS educational programs must have a qualified program director with the appropriate instructor credentials to oversee advanced-level training.
Records obtained by WWAY show state regulators warned Brunswick Community College in 2022 that it lacked a qualified program coordinator required to operate an advanced EMS educational institution. Emails show college administrators were informed that the school could lose authorization to provide advanced EMS education if it did not have a properly credentialed director in place.
Munna said he was hired after those compliance concerns were identified and that his credentials allowed the program to remain in compliance with state requirements.
The impact of the suspension could be felt throughout Brunswick County, which is served by more than 20 volunteer and career fire departments. Without local access to advanced EMS courses, some first responders may be forced to travel outside the county to complete required training, increasing costs, travel time, and staffing challenges for departments already facing recruitment and retention pressures.
“There are adult people who have given up jobs to finish this program and established funds for this exact timeline to finish it,” Black said.
In a statement from the college, it says “We can confirm that the EMS program is temporarily suspended. We are actively working to resume the program as soon as possible and remain committed to providing quality EMS education to our students and community.”
