NEW LOCATION - 3845 South Capitol Street SW, Washington, DC 20032
westlink following guidelines in Response to Covid-19
Response to Covid 19
In response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, we want you to know that Westlink Career Institutue (WCI) takes your safety and healthcare very seriously. The American Heart Association (AHA) has mandated steps to be taken by all AHA training centers and instructors to protect training participants. All manikins will be sanitized before class and between students. Each student will have a mask and valve for their own personal use during the class. Usual personal precautions are also mandated such as frequent hand washing, maintaining personal distance, covering the mouth during coughing or sneezing and remaining home if feeling unwell.
Everyone on campus will be required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing. Campus learning areas will be cleaned regularly. All students will be tested for a FREE DOH approved COVID-19 test (or one performed by their Primary Care Provider (PCP) before initially coming to campus; and must regularly document their symptoms through an online or in-person questionnaire. The WCI will provide masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to all students.
We can assure you we are carefully following CDC guidelines as conveyed through the AHA, as well as the Mayor's recommendations and mandates to give you as much peace of mind as possible.
https://www.heart.org/en/coronavirus
https://www.nremt.org/rwd/public/document/covid-19
https://dchealth.dc.gov/page/health-notices
Westlink career institute
Westlink is Governed by Board of Directors
Westlink is Governed by Board of Directors
Westlink is Governed by Board of Directors
Westlink Career Institute is overseen by the Board of Directors. The President of our Board of Directors is Dr. Thomas Pinder, MD (seated above) a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine. The Program Director, Dr. Merriweather, reports directly to the Board of Directors which governs the medical over site of the training facility.
Dr. Merriweather, Founder and CEO Westlink
Westlink is Governed by Board of Directors
Westlink is Governed by Board of Directors
Dr. Merriweather is the founder and CEO of Westlink Career Institute. She has been established in Emergency Medical Services training since 1992. Dr. Merriweather says.... "seeing her students transition to Emergency Services professionals brings her the greatest reward".
about us
History of Westlink Career Institute
Westlink Career Institute has been facilitating the learning process for EMT Training for nearly 30 years. Westlink Career Institute began its quest in 1992, by Dr. Dasia M. Merriweather, sole proprietor whom has years of experience in Emergency Medical Services. Dr. Merriweather combined her education and experience with her passion for teaching and envisioned challenging, exciting and rewarding EMS and Allied Health training.
A 27th Anniversary logo
Westlink Career Institute Staff
Dr. Thomas Pinder, MD - Board of Directors
Dr. Thomas Pinder, MD - Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease. Graduate of Howard University College of Medicine. Dr. Pinder is the President of the Westlink Board of Directors.
Dr. Dasia Merriweather, CEO - Program Director
Dr. Dasia M. Merriweather is an educator, graduating from Texas Lutheran University in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Merriweather has been in EMS training for nearly 30 years. Dr. Merriweather realized her vision of creating an Allied Health training facility, She is the proud owner and founder of Westlink Career Institute.
Vanessa Stanton, PMC Adult Ed - School Administrator
Ms. Stanton has been volunteering with Westlink since 2013. Ms. Stanton has a BS in Psychology with emphasis on counseling; Masters in Human Services and Post-Masters Certification in Adult Education with emphasis upon curriculum design.
Earl Gardner, CPR and Skills Instructor
Earl Gardner has been working part time with Westlink Career Institute as both a CPR instructor as well as a psycho-motor skills instructor. Earl Gardner is a retired paramedic.
Fire/EMS Lieutenant Romilus Queen, Assistant to Instructor
Romilus Queen was a student at Westlink Career Institute, he was recruited by Arlington Fire Department where he has been working for 20 years. His current position is Fire EMS/Lieutenant.
Andrea Cummings, Skills Instructor
Ms. Cummings is an excellent skills instructor. She is also a Westlink graduate in both EMT and Phlebotomy. Ms. Cummings has been working with Westlink for over 15 years. .
day and evening instructors
Captain Gerald Blanks
Captain Gerald Blanks
Captain Gerald Blanks
Captain Blanks....as we often refer to him is our (Day) instructor and EMS Coordinator. Blanks has been with Westlink since 2007. He is a retired DC Fire Department Captain with 28 years of service. Captain Blanks has an honorable military background, and has a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree.
Captain Karl Robinson
Captain Gerald Blanks
Captain Gerald Blanks
Captain Karl Robinson has been working as a part time (Evening) instructor with Westlink Career Institute for over 10 years. Karl Robinson is a Captain at the DCFD training academy, and has been with the DCFD since 1999. Karl Robinson is a paramedic and has advanced level instructor training in EMS.
Emma Campbell, Skills Instructor and Student Advisor
Emma Campbell is a part-time psycho-motor skills instructor with Westlink Career Institute. Emma Campbell is currently employed as a Paramedic with the DC Fire Department (DCFD). She is a proud graduate of the DCFD Academy and the EMS Paramedic Program.
Welcome to Westlink Career Institute!
Westlink Career Institute welcomes the opportunity to navigate participants to a new career path such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic or Advanced, and EKG/Phlebotomist. Just imagine embarking upon a new career in as little as 12-16 Weeks.You can do this!
Westlink has trained and job placed nearly 300 DC residents into Emergency Medical Services. If you are 18 years old or older, Unemployed, and No Legal Felonies, you may be eligible for Free Training. Click on our Enrollment Tab and application process to find out more about our Free Training!
Westlink Career Institute Mission Statement
At Westlink Career Institute, our mission is to provide a stimulating blended learning environment where both students and instructors can explore the human condition through the tools of research and technology applying this learning to community health services. In addition to our academic and hands-on training of students, our mission is to bring credibility and confidence “real-time” through our student-centered curriculum, supportive services and career readiness training.
Westlink Career Institute's mission serves not only the student but also serves to create lasting benefits and collaborative opportunities for the District of Columbia and the Nation at Large.
Interested in free Training?
Westlink has training that fits your needs. Ever consider working for EMS Ambulance Services or DC Fire Department? How about a Patient Care Technician in the Emergency Room or perhaps an EKG/Phlebotomist in a hospital or clinical setting.
We look forward transitioning you to your new career
Westlink Career Intstitute provides quality Allied Health Training for students committed to establishing a new career in health services. We are committed to providing the best occupational training in the District of Columbia.
- Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
- Emergency Medical Technician - Advanced
- EKG/Phlebotomists,
- Medical Assistant
- CPR Training
- Recertification ACLS/BLS
- Recertification NREMT
If you are interested in receiving free training for any of our Allied Health Services Courses, go to the Enrollment Drop Down Menu and Click on Application Process.