Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) play a crucial role in the connection between the scene of an emergency and the healthcare system. They are responsible for providing basic emergency medical care and transporting critical and emergent patients who require access to the emergency medical system. EMTs are trained in various areas such as patient assessment, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, management of medical and trauma patients, medication administration, and safe and effective EMS operations.

The reasons for becoming an EMT are as varied as the people who come into this field. Some become EMTs to learn the skills to help their families and neighborhoods in times of disaster. Some use their EMT training to advance their education to become paramedics or enter other medical fields. Whatever your reasons, this is a dynamic, challenging, and demanding profession. EMS professionals must have passion, dedication, and compassion. Being an EMT is not for everyone, but for those who answer the call, it can be a lifelong passion!

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics will grow 11% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the average for all U.S. occupations (www.bls.gov). A growing aging population will increase the likelihood of medical emergencies, thus increasing the need for EMTs and paramedics. Plus, emergency rooms are frequently overcrowded, increasing the time that EMTs and paramedics must spend with each patient. This is also likely to increase the number of job positions. In addition, job prospects are expected to be good since paid employees are needed to replace volunteers with a high turnover rate.

- High school diploma or equivalent, or associate degree or higher.

- English Placement: Placement into EN 098 Fundamentals of Composition II or completion of EN 090 Fundamentals of Composition I with a grade of C or higher.

- Reading: Reading Placement Test with a score of 246 or higher.

- CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sexual Offender Registry Information) background checks are required before clinical placement and will be conducted in accordance with state regulations. CORI and SORI results are confidential.

- Students who do not submit the required Division of Health Sciences (DHS) health forms or other required information will not be able to attend clinical rotations. This will have a negative impact on the student’s ability to complete the program. Forms/information must be submitted to the student’s Viewpoint Screening account. Students are encouraged to begin completing the required immunizations at least one semester before enrolling. Refer to the DHS Student Handbook for additional information.