The Advanced Life Support (ALS) Internship program was developed by a consortium of personnel to ensure that all licensed providers can function independently within Prince George’s County. The process is designed to develop the employee into a confident and competent ALS provider, having attained both the knowledge base and skill set needed to perform within this realm. The Intern Process is competency based; however, the evolution of attaining "Professional Maturity" is an on-going process that develops over many years. As an inexperienced ALS provider, this may not be apparent. In time, the wisdom of "Professional Maturity" enhances critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills. It also enhances the ability to employ timely interventions in the situations when it is medically appropriate.

During the internship, providers work under the direction of an assigned Field Training Officer(s) (FTO) who guides the Intern through a standardized process to ensure success. Once the provider successfully completes the Internship process, they become “County Certified” as an advanced life support provider. This allows the ALS provider to function independently under the authority of the Jurisdictional Medical Director. 

This ALS Internship Program not only encompasses a process for medical credentialing for ALS providers, but also a process for career members to achieve (Y03) promotion within the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.  As such, the Fire/EMS Training Academy has oversight of this program to ensure that development and compliance meets the requirements for human resources, training, provider development, examination, and certification. Proficiency, confidence, and competency are achieved through experience within operations. As such, the Emergency Medical Services office is responsible for administration of this program. Authority for oversight of this ALS Internship Program is granted to the EMS Education and Training Program Manager through the Assistant Fire Chief of the Fire/EMS Training Academy. Authority for administration of this program is granted to the EMS Development Officer through the Assistant Fire Chief of EMS.