Mt. Hood Community College Announces Return of EMT Program Under New Leadership

GRESHAM, Ore. — Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is pleased to announce the relaunch of its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program under new leadership and in a new academic home. The program is now directed by Petra LeBaron-Botts and will be housed within the College’s Health, Physical Education, Athletics, Aquatics, and Recreation Division.

Petra LeBaron-Botts is a full-time faculty member in MHCC’s Health and Physical Education department, where she teaches first aid and outdoor education courses. She brings fifteen years of experience in outdoor and experiential education and holds EMT and Wilderness EMT certifications. LeBaron-Botts also serves as a rescuer with Portland Mountain Rescue and is the current, and first female, President of the unit.

The revitalized EMT program reaffirms MHCC’s commitment to preparing highly skilled, job-ready first responders to meet the region’s growing emergency medical services workforce needs. Under LeBaron-Botts’ direction, the program will focus on strengthened training standards, enhanced student support, and close alignment with industry expectations.

“The return of the EMT program at Mt. Hood Community College marks a vital investment in public safety,” said Kim Hyatt, Dean of Health, Physical Education, Athletics, Aquatics, and Recreation. “Thanks to the vision and dedication of Petra LeBaron-Botts, the program has been thoughtfully revised to meet today’s standards and community needs. Her leadership ensures that MHCC is not only training highly skilled emergency responders, but also strengthening the health and resilience of our entire region.”

MHCC proudly welcomes students of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, religions, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, nationalities, physical abilities, and cognitive differences. The College remains committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed.

Classes begin January 5, 2026. Interested students can contact Petra LeBaron-Botts at Petra.LeBaronBotts@mhcc.edu or visit mhcc.edu/emt for more information.

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) offers a variety of unique, flexible education options to a highly diverse student body. Situated in the beautiful foothills of Mt. Hood, we empower students to accomplish short- and long-term goals with regionally unique degree programs, public classes and events, high-contact advising, and an array of resources for students’ basic needs. As a community hub for cultural, economic, recreational, and intellectual enrichment, we’re committed to advancing equity, building responsible partnerships, and supporting every student’s personal and professional growth. Visit our website to learn more about Your Community’s College at www.mhcc.edu/.