University of Phoenix Earns Award for Excellence in Academic Partnerships

Chief Learning Officer Magazine Recognizes University For Educational Partnership with Emergency Medical Services Corporation

PHOENIX, Oct. 27, 2011  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix, the nation's largest private university and leader in providing educational opportunities for today's working learner, announced today that it has received the Bronze Award for Excellence in Academic Partnerships as part of Chief Learning Officer Magazine's eighth annual "Learning in Practice Awards." The Excellence in Academic Partnerships Award recognizes accredited academic learning providers that have partnered with an organization in the past year to teach its employees about a key business issue.

University of Phoenix was recognized for its collaboration with Emergency Medical Services Corporation (EMSC), the nation's leader in providing emergency medical services, on a new degree program specifically designed to provide continuing education and professional development opportunities for paramedics, emergency medical technicians and first responders. Academic leaders from University of Phoenix worked closely with leadership from EMSC's learning organization to enhance the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration with a concentration in Emergency Services Management.

"At University of Phoenix, we're committed to providing lifetime learning and college completion opportunities," said Barry Feierstein, chief business operating officer, University of Phoenix.  "We're honored to be recognized for this innovative partnership with Emergency Medical Services Corporation which not only provides educational pathways for those who protect us every day, but also helps build a better educated, competitive and skilled workforce."

Launched in 2010, the enhanced degree program and concentration are designed to prepare EMTs, first responders, firefighters and other emergency personnel for future leadership roles, while expanding their knowledge and skills related to emergency management. In the first six months of the program, more than 500 students have enrolled in the degree program. Many of these students are receiving direct support from their employer to complete this program as part of a succession planning program, preparing many of them to become leaders within their organization after they complete their college degree in Emergency Services Management.

"We recognized that there was a lack of professional development aimed at preparing EMTs and first responders for future leadership roles," said Kimberly Norman, EMSC Senior Vice President of Human Resources. "Our partnership with University of Phoenix will help address this critical need and supports our commitment to make continuing education programs and ongoing professional development available to EMSC's team of 25,000 medical professionals and support staff."

Chief Learning Officer Magazine's Learning in Practice Awards were created to recognize corporate learning and qualified learning providers that have made a tangible and demonstrable impact on organizations through a combination of outstanding leadership, vision, business acumen, and strategic alignment.  Judges include senior practitioners, learning and development experts, Chief Learning Officer editors and past award winners.

With an emphasis on preparing employees at all levels to tackle the many challenges facing them in today's economy, University of Phoenix works with leading employers and industry associations to equip workers with the industry-relevant knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals. The University works collaboratively with employers as a trusted educational advisor to help senior management, human resources and training staff develop academic programs and maximize the return on investment on tuition assistance programs for employees.

For more information visit www.phoenix.edu/workforcesolutions.

About Emergency Medical Services Corporation
Emergency Medical Services Corporation (EMSC) is a leading provider of emergency medical services in the United States. EMSC operates two business segments: American Medical Response, Inc. (AMR), the Company's healthcare transportation services segment, and EmCare Holdings Inc. (EmCare), the Company's outsourced facility-based physician services segment. AMR is the leading provider of ambulance services in the United States. EmCare is a leading provider of outsourced physician services to healthcare facilities.  In 2010, EMSC provided services in 13.0 million patient encounters in more than 2,200 communities nationwide. EMSC is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. For additional information, visit www.emsc.net.

About Chief Learning Officer Magazine
Chief Learning Officer is the foremost resource in the rapidly growing industry of workforce learning and development. The flagship magazine and related network of publications, electronic media and international events have made CLO the pre-eminent source of thought leadership for senior-level executives. CLO provides them with constant access to reliable, relevant information, as well as forums for connecting with other global learning leaders.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor's master's and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

SOURCE University of Phoenix