Alumni Career Feature
Andrew Mattocks '06 & Joseph Sholl '00

Andrew Mattocks

• A.A.S., Paramedic Technology, 2006
• Geisinger Medical Center
• almattocks@gmail.com

Why Penn College?

I decided to enroll in the Paramedic Technology program because I was a volunteer EMT-Basic and was interested in increasing my knowledge and scope of practice to that of a Paramedic. Penn College was one of the few institutions in the state that had an Associate’s degree program, and was accredited through the CAAHEP/CoAEMSP.

Have you continued your education?

I went to the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 2009 and attended the Critical Care Transport Paramedic Program. I also took the Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification’s Flight Paramedic Examination (One of approximately 2000 successful candidates across the world). I will complete a B.S. in Applied Heath Studies this Spring from Penn College.

Please explain your responsibilities at Geisinger Medical Center.

I am a flight paramedic for Life Flight, Geisinger's critical care transport helicopter. Geisinger is the regional trauma and tertiary care facility for much of Central/Northeast PA. Life Flight is a 5 helicopter program that is spread from State College to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA. My primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of myself, my pilot, my nurse partner, our aircraft, and the patient.  Second, we perform critical care transports from outlying hospitals who have patients who, in some way, overtax their abilities to appropriately take care of the patient.  It is our job to continue hospital-level advanced care while in transport.  The other half of our job, is to respond to scene emergencies.  We are a flying ambulance and can land at accident scenes or respond to medical emergencies that are time-sensitive.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

I enjoy the camaraderie between my fellow paramedics. EMS is a giant family – everyone knows everyone. I enjoy helping people in their times of need and doing that with my friends.

Do you see your field changing in the next three to five years?

I believe our roles will only be more involved in different aspects of care. In the five years that I’ve been a paramedic, I’ve seen tremendous growth in the skill set, expectations of paramedic care, and scope of practice for paramedics.  Education is the foundation for all advancement. A focus on basic sciences (physiology, anatomy, biology, etc) and a sound understanding of the principles of medicine become very important as care gets more advanced and our roles are more involved in providing that care.

What was the greatest strength of your Penn College Education?

The paramedic technology program prepared me by providing a solid education in what I just mentioned, science. Understanding how the body works – when it’s working well and when it’s working abnormally. Also, the opportunity to have such a vast array of field and clinical experiences with the best faculty, staff, and field preceptors available.

What was the most significant thing you learned during your first year of work?

Even though internship was really no different than the “real world”, the first few times I had critical patients and I realized my preceptor wasn't standing over my shoulder “just in case” was a very sobering feeling. However, because our education and training was so strong, I had the confidence to use the knowledge and skills I had obtained as a student paramedic.

What advice do you have for students interested in your career field?

Math and Science. Take them, learn them, and live them. Try to love them!

Joseph Sholl

• A.A.S., Welding Technology, 2000
• Tri County Technical College
• Jadamsholl@gmail.com

Why Penn College?

I did a small amount of welding in high school my senior year and was unable to transfer into the vocational program. After high school graduation, I pursued an education through Penn College. I came to Penn College taking a huge calculated risk as a knew little of the welding trade. Through ample time in the lab, great instruction, and a lot hard work, I was able to leave with a degree that worked.

Please explain your responsibilities at TriCounty Technical College.

I am an adjunct welding instructor at TriCounty Technical College in Pendleton, South Carolina. I currently teach Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Gas Metal Arc Welding. My first semester as an instructor with the college, I taught off-campus at a men's training center devoted to individuals who had life controlling problems such as alcohol and drug addictions. Through the program, all of the men received a certification in Gas Metal Arc Welding and credits through the college which would help them jump start their career.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

Being able to serve and give back for the advancement of students. Through hard work, and studying the technical information for each process, I expect the students to learn more than what their grade shows.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

Learning to teach the students individually.

What was the greatest strength of your Penn College education?

A combination of strong welding skills and theory. Having a degree that works draws attention. It is like a bulls eye on your back. Being able to back up the degree that you've earned by going out and performing quality work will earn the respect of your co-workers.

What advice do you have for students interested in your career field?

Spend summers working on your skills by actually working in the industry. The equipment being produced is becoming more technically advanced and students must learn at the same pace. If you have the opportunity to take course-related work, do so. Don't just learn enough for the best grade.

What are the must-have skills employers are looking for in their employees?

The ability to think on your feet and understand the equipment you are working with, all doing so in a safe manner.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I'd like to become a full-time faculty member. I'd also like to become a Certified Welding Inspector and open my own shop. I have 13 years of field experience including steel fabrication, power plant construction, maintenance, and production welding. I would mainly focus on repair work with the ability to fabricate small projects.

Do you have any special interests or volunteer in your community?

I teach in the children's ministry at church. I also enjoy running and spending time with my wife.