Our History
Platinum Educational Group is a global leader in online testing, tracking, scheduling, and reporting. Our areas of focus include the Emergency Medical Services, Allied Health, and Nursing industries. Since 2002, we have provided valid and reliable online testing with EMSTesting for the EMS profession. In 2016, we launched Platinum Tests to provide testing for Registered Nursing educational institutions. Platinum Planner, our scheduling software program includes the EMS, Nursing, and all Allied Health industries. In 2019, we designed AccredAssist® to help college program directors organize and manage the information necessary for accreditation reporting.
With more than 75 years of combined education, testing, and scheduling expertise, we provide services to several thousands of individuals, businesses, and organizations globally via our main office in Grandville, Michigan, and affiliated locations throughout the United States.
Read our testimonials to see how we have improved thousands of student examination outcomes and ultimately improved patient care.
Our Mission: Deliver valid and reliable testing, assessment, scheduling, competency tracking, and compliance reporting solutions.
Our Vision: Every learner in the world can benefit from our solutions.
EEOC Statement
Platinum Educational Group (PEG) is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, height, weight, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation (LGBTQ+), gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or military service, political affiliation, retaliation or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
PEG will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
About Us
Learn more about Platinum Educational Group’s founders and view information on our Medical Director below!
Doug Smith, Founder
Doug is a co-founder of Platinum Educational Group. He is a licensed Paramedic and Instructor Coordinator in the state of Michigan and has been involved in EMS for over 20 years. Doug has a Master’s Degree in Education and has taught numerous instructor classes. He is involved as a committee chair for the National Association of EMS Educators and has spoken at numerous State and National Conferences. He is also the past president of the State of Michigan EMS Instructor Coordinators and was the 2003 EMT of the year for the State of Michigan.
Thomas Gottschalk, Founder
Thomas is a co-founder of Platinum Educational Group. He has been involved in EMS as a practitioner and instructor since 1986. Tom maintains Nationally Registered certification and is a licensed Instructor Coordinator in the state of Michigan. He works as a Critical Care Paramedic for both pediatrics and adults patients in the 911 system of Grand Rapids, MI. He is a previous National Star of Life recipient and remains passionate about teaching EMS topics like emergency driving to his colleagues. As dad and entrepreneur his recreational hobby list is short but does include biking, dog walking and challenging traditional thinking via humor.
Nicholas M. McManus, DO, Medical Director
Dr. McManus joined Platinum Educational Group in February 2022 as our Medical Director. He is a practicing emergency physician with board certification from the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Before becoming a physician, Dr. McManus started his career in 2001 as an EMT and tactical medic. He served as a medic in the Iraq war with recognitions including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge. He currently holds a position as the Assistant Medical Director for the Muskegon County Medical Control Authority. He is an active clinical faculty member with Michigan State University and the West Michigan Emergency Medicine Residency. He has a passion for advancing prehospital medical education and evidence-based practice and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Emergency Medicine. He writes a medical blog in his free time and enjoys prehospital and medical research