Featuring Program Director Dan Forbing, M.Ed.
This month, EMSKY is proud to spotlight the BCTC Paramedic Program and its passionate leader, Dan Forbing. Known for his honest, student-first approach and high standards, Dan has helped shape a program that’s turning heads across Kentucky.
Finding Purpose in the Classroom
Dan’s journey into EMS education started with a tough experience. One of his first instructors pulled him aside and told him EMS wasn’t for him. That moment stuck—and not in a good way. “Time and time again, I kept finding myself asking why I pursued this career when I had to work alongside people who weren’t trying to be better,” Dan says.
Everything changed the day he stepped into a classroom as an instructor. “It scared me at first. But after that first lecture, my students came up and gave me amazing feedback. I was hooked.” He went on to earn his master’s in education and became obsessed with creating better learning experiences—ones that go beyond war stories and into real engagement. “Every lecture is a presentation. You have to earn their attention.”
A Program That Raises the Bar
The BCTC Paramedic Program is focused on one thing: producing EMS professionals who are ready for the real world. That means no shortcuts and no compromising on standards. “We want our students to be the top choice when they apply for jobs,” Dan explains. “From skills labs to lectures to clinicals, we give them every opportunity to succeed.”
What makes the program stand out? The clinical experiences. BCTC students rotate through some of the best EMS agencies, hospitals, and even doctors’ offices. They work one-on-one with ER physicians, ICU teams, and even get access to a cadaver lab. “Our community partners are phenomenal. That’s what sets us apart.”
Students Come First
Dan is quick to brag on his students. “They’re an extension of me. I want them to enjoy this career and feel proud of what they’re doing.” He believes in lifting them up, not tearing them down. “Those days of talking down to students are over. This is about mentoring. When you build people up, they rise to the occasion.”
Always Growing
The program is expanding fast. There’s now an online format with hands-on skills days built in, and a new online refresher course is coming in September. With strong support from the college and top-tier clinical partners, the program is building serious momentum.
“I’ve never had better relationships with community partners,” Dan says. “And I’m excited for our upcoming site visit with COA to showcase everything we’ve built.”
Looking Ahead
Dan sees EMS education heading further into flexible, hybrid learning—and BCTC is ready. “We’re not just keeping up. We’re setting the standard.”
He also offers advice for others trying to build strong EMS programs: “Don’t take shortcuts. Go all in. This is more than a job—it’s about helping people save lives. You want your students to do more than pass the test. You want them to grow and lead.”
Want to Learn More or Partner With BCTC?
Check out their program online at:
🌐 bluegrass.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/paramedic.aspx
📱 Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/BCTCParamedic
📧 Reach out directly to Dan Forbing for info about student enrollment or partnership opportunities.
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