Accredited first responder schools in Alabama
11 accredited schools in Alabama offer first responder programs approved for WIOA funding
These schools are on the US Department of Education's list of accredited schools, and Alabama has approved their programs for workforce funding. Between them they offer 16 of the 16 first responder programs on the state's list.
The Department doesn't accredit schools itself. It reviews accrediting agencies and lists the ones it recognizes as reliable judges of the quality of the education they accredit.1 Each school below names its accreditor, the year it was first accredited where the list records it, and its next review.
WIOA funding doesn't require accreditation. Besides colleges, a state can approve other public and private training providers,2 so many short courses come from schools that aren't on the Department's list. Their programs and results are on each field's page.
All job training programs in Alabama
More accredited schools in Alabama: Trade schools · Nursing schools · Medical certification programs · Allied health programs · IT schools · Transportation schools
Accredited EMT and paramedic programs in Alabama
All 11 schools with EMT and paramedic programs on Alabama's list are accredited. They offer all 16 programs. See these programs with prices and results
Bevill State Community College
Sumiton
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegessince 1998, next review 2030
3 programs
Chattahoochee Valley State Community College
Phenix City, listed as Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegessince 1976, next review 2028
2 programs
George C. Wallace Community College
Dothan
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegesnext review 2027
2 programs
Herzing University, Ltd.
Birmingham, listed as Herzing University
Accredited by Higher Learning Commissionnext review 2036
2 programs
Calhoun Community College
Decatur
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegesnext review 2027
1 program
Coastal Alabama Community College
Bay Minette
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegessince 2016, next review 2031
1 program
Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegessince 2003, next review 2028
1 program
Lawson State Community College
Birmingham, listed as T.A. Lawson State Community College
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegesnext review 2030
1 program
Northeast Alabama Community College
Rainsville
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegessince 1969, next review 2030
1 program
Southern Union Community College
Opelika, listed as Southern Union State Community College
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegessince 1994, next review 2027
1 program
Show the other 1 accredited school
Wallace State Community College - Hanceville
Hanceville
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegesnext review 2030
1 program
How we matched Alabama's schools to the accreditation list
Which schools are counted?
Schools with programs Alabama approved for WIOA funding in public safety, from the US Department of Labor's file for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).3 The two lists share no ID number, so we matched each school by its website and name in the same state, and checked every unclear case by hand. A school that only hosts a college's classes doesn't count as the college. Where we couldn't tell, the school is left out.
How current is the accreditation?
We read the Department's list of October 24, 2026 and count only current accreditation. The Department notes that agencies report this information, that it isn't audited, and that the agency itself has the latest status.1 Before you enroll, check the school's standing with its accreditor.
Sources for the accreditation facts about Alabama
Show the 3 sourcesHide the sources
- US Department of Education, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), data files of 2026-10-24
- 20 CFR 680.410, What is an eligible training provider? (eCFR)
- US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List