Center for Emergency Medicine

What Center for Emergency Medicine does

The Center for Emergency Medicine (CEM) of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1978 and headquartered at 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA. It operates as a multi-hospital consortium within the UPMC system and is organized into four divisions: STAT MedEvac (air medical transport), the Office of Education, the Center for Research in Emergency Medical Services, and Emed Health. The organization employs more than 400 clinicians, educators, and researchers across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Washington DC.

CEM's core products and services span emergency medical transport, EMS education and credentialing, applied research, and community health. STAT MedEvac operates 17 helicopter bases and has completed more than 120,000 missions since 1984, transporting over 9,000 patients annually. The Office of Education delivers CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic training, EMT, AEMT, CCEMTP, CPR, ACLS, and other certification programs, and developed the National Standard Curriculum in 1994 that became the basis for paramedic education nationally. Educational delivery uses microsimulation technology with intelligent debriefing capabilities and an ECG rhythm recognition module. The organization holds a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh for a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine degree and maintains affiliations with 30+ EMS agencies and 10+ hospitals for clinical rotations.

Revenue is generated through a combination of air medical transport billing, tuition (ranging from $85 for CPR classes to $16,000 for paramedic programs), continuing education fees, research grants, and community health services. The Emed Health division extends services into workforce and public health. As a non-profit consortium, financial results are not publicly disclosed, and strategic direction is shaped by parent health system priorities and accreditation requirements.

Name

Center for Emergency Medicine

Legal name

Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.

Website

https://centerem.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Center for Emergency Medicine is a Pittsburgh-based non-profit consortium operating STAT MedEvac air medical transport (17 bases, 9,000+ annual transports), CAAHEP-accredited EMS education programs, emergency medical research, and community health services across four states under the UPMC system.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Emergency Medical Services Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Ambulance Services (621910)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

EMS Education, Training & Simulation Centers (HLAFANAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Emergency Medical Services (EMT/Paramedic) Training (EDAOAMAC), 911/Public EMS Agencies (Municipal/County/Fire-Based) (HLAFANAA), Nursing & Allied Health Certification Prep (CNA, EMT/Paramedic, Radiology, Sonography, PT/OT) (EDANAIAB), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) & Ambulance Services (BPAIAGAC)

Keywords

• EMS education programs
• Paramedic certification training
• Continuing medical education
• Air medical transport
• EMT training courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburgh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Paramedic Program Tuition: Ten-month paramedic diploma program with tuition based on residency status: in-state residents pay $7,950, out-of-state residents pay $16,000. Additional fees apply for NREMT testing, books, and uniforms. VA educational benefits accepted.
2. EMT Program Tuition: EMT courses priced at $950 for in-person spring 2026 classes and $1,000 for hybrid spring 2026 classes. Includes access to online learning platform; textbooks purchased separately.
3. AEMT Program Tuition: Advanced EMT program (16-week course) priced at $1,500 tuition, textbook/online access not included. Includes 185 hours of lab/lecture plus 100 hours of clinical and field rotations.
4. CPR Training: Monthly CPR classes at $85 per student. Heartcode BLS hybrid course available. Group training: $65 per student on-site, $85 per student off-site. AHA BLS Provider certification included.
5. CCEMTP Course: Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Program two-week intensive course priced at $1,100 tuition. Mandatory pre-registration required one month before class start.
6. ACLS Anywhere: American Heart Association ACLS recertification course combining online HeartCode module with in-person skills session, priced at $275 including online access and skills check.
7. EVOC Training: Emergency Vehicle Operators Course - two-day course priced at $150, offering 12.5 hours of continuing education credits for safe ambulance operation.
8. AMLS Training: Advanced Medical Life Support two-day, 16-hour course priced at $150. Approved for 15.5 ALS hours and 9.5 BLS hours of continuing education.
9. Paramedic Refresher: Paramedic National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) covering 30 hours of National content at $165 tuition.
10. BLS Instructor Course: American Heart Association BLS Instructor Course priced at $180, including instruction, online Heartcode module, and required AHA textbook.
11. STAT MedEvac Air Medical Transport: Patient billing for air medical transport services via STAT MedEvac, operating 17 helicopter bases across four states with over 9,000 critical patient transports annually.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Center for Emergency Medicine delivers CAAHEP-accredited initial EMS certification programs (Paramedic, EMT, AEMT) and continuing education courses (CPR, ACLS, PHTLS, AMLS, EPC, EVOC, CCEMTP) for healthcare professionals and prehospital providers. It also operates STAT MedEvac air medical transport service across multiple states and partners with the University of Pittsburgh to offer a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine degree pathway.

Product overview

The Center for Emergency Medicine operates as an educational institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of EMS training programs, not a unified software product. The core educational offerings consist of primary certification programs (Paramedic, EMT, and AEMT) alongside a suite of continuing education and specialty certification courses (CPR/BLS, ACLS, CCEMTP, EVOC, PHTLS, AMLS, EPC, and Paramedic Refresher). Additionally, a pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine is available through partnership with the University of Pittsburgh. These programs are delivered through in-person, hybrid, and online formats, with clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals and field placements with regional EMS agencies throughout Pennsylvania.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• STAT MedEvac: Premier air medical and critical care transportation service operating 17 helicopter bases in four states
• Emed Health
• CONNECT Community Paramedic Program

Products and services

• Paramedic Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 91% three-year average NREMT Cognitive Exam pass rate for paramedic graduates
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• STAT MedEvaccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1984One of the premier air medical and critical care transportation services in the country. Operates 17 helicopter bases in four states, transports 9,000+ critical patients annually, and has flown 120,000+ missions since 1984. Provides field rotation opportunities for paramedic students.
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1978CEM is a multi-hospital consortium operated by UPMC, with member hospitals including UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and UPMC Mercy Hospital. The organization operates STAT MedEvac air medical services under UPMC. Faculty are integrated with University of Pittsburgh's bachelor's degree program in Emergency Medicine.
• University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Medicine program offered. The Center's faculty are integrated with the University's bachelor's degree program, and didactic classes are held at UPMC St. Margaret Hospital. Students completing Center diploma programs can apply education toward bachelor's degree.
• UPMC Prehospital CarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated program providing prehospital care services and clinical rotation opportunities for paramedic students at UPMC facilities.
• UPMC Shadyside Department of EMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical rotation site and affiliated emergency medicine department providing hands-on training opportunities for CEM students.
• UPMC Presbyterian Department of EMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical rotation site and affiliated emergency medicine department providing hands-on training opportunities for CEM students.
• University of Pittsburgh Department of Emergency MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research and education in emergency medicine. Faculty hold positions in both organizations.
• Journal of Prehospital Emergency CareminorOthersAffiliated academic journal for prehospital emergency care research, supporting the Center's research mission.
• Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine FoundationminorOthersNon-profit foundation supporting emergency medicine education and research in the Pittsburgh region.
• American Heart Association (AHA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial American Heart Association training site offering BLS Provider, ACLS, and instructor courses. Courses taught to AHA standards with digital provider cards and manuals.
• Emed HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity and public health division utilizing EMS providers in prevention, screening, and disease management initiatives. Part of the Center's four divisions.
• City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety, Bureau of EMScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerField rotation site for paramedic students including STAT MedEvac air medical services. Primary EMS provider for Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
• McCandless/Franklin Park Ambulance AuthoritymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical rotation site for paramedic education and AEMT program location for practical and didactic sessions. Multiple EMT class sessions hosted at this facility.
• Cranberry Township EMSmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerField rotation site for paramedic students. Fall 2026 EMT in-person class hosted at this location.
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)coreOthersNational certification body for EMS providers. CEM students are eligible to take NREMT examinations upon program completion. Strong 91% three-year pass rate for paramedic NREMT CBT.
• Allegheny County Emergency Medical Services CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional EMS council offering the Allen S. Schnattner, MD Memorial Scholarship for qualified students. Provides resources and advocacy for EMS providers in Allegheny County.
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)coreOthersProgrammatic accreditation body that accredited the Center's Paramedic Education Program upon recommendation of CoAEMSP. Required for program eligibility for Title IV funding and VA benefits.
• Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP)coreOthersAccrediting committee that recommended CAAHEP accreditation for CEM's paramedic program. Dr. Platt serves as active volunteer, self-study reader, site visitor, and team captain.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Med-Trans Corporation: Air ambulance operator affiliated with Global Medical Response providing rotor-wing and fixed-wing medical transport. Direct competitor to STAT MedEvac in the air medical transport market.
• UCLA Center for Prehospital Care: UCLA-affiliated EMS education center offering EMT, paramedic, and continuing education programs with academic medical center backing. Comparable in mission, curriculum scope, and university-hospital consortium structure.
• PHI Health (PHI Air Medical): Major air medical transport company operating helicopter emergency medical services across the US. Direct competitor in the same air ambulance service category as STAT MedEvac.
• Air Methods Corporation: Largest US air medical transport operator, providing helicopter EMS services across multiple states. Direct competitor to CEM's STAT MedEvac subsidiary in the air ambulance industry.
• University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC): Original developer and licensor of the CCEMTP curriculum that CEM exclusively licenses in southwestern PA. Comparable in EMS education depth and academic medical center partnership model.
• Creighton University Emergency Medical Services Education: University-affiliated EMS education program providing paramedic and EMT training with academic medical center partnerships. Comparable in mission, curriculum, and Jesuit/academic medical center affiliation model.

Broad incumbents

• American Heart Association (AHA): Sets the standards for BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification that CEM's CPR/ACLS courses operate under. As the certifying authority, AHA defines the market in which CEM's continuing education business competes.
• Global Medical Response (American Medical Response): Largest US ground and air ambulance provider operating both AMR ground EMS and Med-Trans air medical services. Overlaps with CEM via STAT MedEvac air medical services and operates EMS training programs nationwide.
• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT): National EMS professional association that develops and licenses PHTLS, AMLS, and EPC curricula used by CEM. A broader industry body whose education products compete with CEM's continuing education offerings.

Regional players

• Indiana University of Pennsylvania EMS Program: Pennsylvania-based university offering EMS education programs including paramedic certification. Regional competitor serving the same Pennsylvania and mid-Atlantic markets as CEM.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/Center-for-Emergency-Medicine/199342384358?ref=ts
• Xx.com/cemeducation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/center-for-emergency-medicine

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Center for Emergency Medicine