Story by MPCC Communications
Bob Molcyk, Mid-Plains Community College Accelerated Paramedic Program Coordinator and lead instructor recently completed teaching his 50th cohort in McCook, Nebr.
Prior to Molcyk joining the college, Program Director Kathy Dernovich envisioned a fast-tracked paramedic course that students could attend. Two attempts using contracted out-of-state paramedics weren’t successful, so the college determined that a full-time person was necessary if the program was going to go anywhere.
The former lumberyard manager was hired at the beginning of September in 2008 as the program’s first full-time employee.
After busting his tail for three years to make record sales, Molcyk had a moment thinking, “What the heck am I doing?”
It was just after the 9/11 terror attacks and the local fire yard had an opening. Molcyk didn’t skip a beat and applied.
“I was ready to do something that actually makes a difference in people’s lives,” he admitted.
He became a first responder, then an EMT and dreamed of becoming a flight medic or instructor in the future.
“I’m living my dream,” Molcyk said.
When he started at the college, he had four months to re-create the program and be ready for his first cohort.
“I have to create this from ground zero,” he recalled.
To attract students, Molcyk called neighboring states to see what they were doing and encouraged them to send any candidates interested in the accelerated program his way. The states of Kansas and South Dakota did just that since they didn’t have their own.
What Molcyk helped create is the only one of its kind in the country. The MPCC Accelerated Paramedic Program must be completed in a year from start to finish. The average time is 10 months for most.
Each cohort is limited to 12 students who are provided with meals and housing near campus. Twelve weeks of classes with Molcyk are held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Students must then work 230 hours at a hospital and 300 hours with an Advanced Life Support EMS department while being reviewed by a preceptor. A portfolio of interventions and assessments must also be completed.
“We take it very seriously because we’re sending people out to life and death situations,” Molcyk explained.
Successful students receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to sit for the National Registry certification exam. After achieving National Registry certification, graduates can apply for State licensure.
The program is intense, so Molcyk said keeping it fun and mixing it up is key.
“In this profession there is a little dark humor,” Molcyk said. “During simulation, our students ride the ‘Death Valley’ ambulance box simulator and transport their patients to ‘Mediocre Medical.’”
The Accelerated Paramedic Program in McCook has an excellent reputation and has seen students from 45 states and four countries.
Many of the students find their way to McCook by word of mouth. A former student landed in New Orleans and his supervisor reached out to Molcyk to let him know how remarkable he was.
Washington and Oregon also have sent accolades and students from the Pacific Northwest Molcyk’s way.
“We don’t graduate a large number of students but quality students,” he shared.
MPCC achieved an average pass rate of 98.23% between 2017 and 2025, based on data reported in its annual reports, well above the national average of 71% reported by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
“I’m proud of the fact that I have graduated 50 cohorts with such a successful pass rate,” said Molcyk.
What keeps him coming back each session is simple – it’s the students.
“When you get a call that your former student saved a life and they tell you it’s because ‘You believed in me,’” Molcyk said. “That makes it all worth it.”