Catalog description of program

EMT certification is required to work for an ambulance service or in an emergency room and may be required for lifeguards, ski patrol, and fire fighters.  The EMT provides the care necessary to preserve life and to prevent disability among the acutely ill and the seriously injured.

The EMT must have basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and sterile techniques.  The course of study emphasizes treating traumatic injuries and medical emergencies, as well as treating minor disorders and emotional problems.  Specialized areas include obstetrical and pediatric emergencies and extricating entrapped persons.

Successful completion of the EMT course qualifies the student to sit for the EMT county certifying examination.

The EMT course is a prerequisite for paramedic training.  Job opportunities are excellent.

There is a required online component of this class.

Description of job for which program prepares students

The EMT program trains students for entry-level positions including: ambulance attendant/driver, industry, prerequisite for paramedic training, required by many lifeguard, ski patrol and firefighting agencies.

Required program prerequisites

American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR is the prerequisite for EMT 150.  Concurrent enrollment in EMT 151 is required.

Recommended program prerequisites

          q  Biology 221: Human Anatomy and Physiology

          q  Allied Health 111: Medical Terminology

          q  ESL completion (helpful if student is not a native English speaker)

          []  EMT 100: Emergency Medical Care
 

Certification type offered

Upon successful completion of the EMT program, the student will receive a course Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to sit for the National Registry EMT-B Certification Exam.

Does this program transfer?

This program does transfer to any paramedic program; EMT is a prerequisite for paramedic training.

Procedure for program admittance

Open registration. Early registration recommended; classes fill rapidly.

Program start

Fall and Spring semesters

Employment possibilities upon program completion

Ambulance services, industry. With additional patient care experience: emergency room and free-standing clinics.

Employment prospects

Excellent

Salary

Ambulance Servcie: $8 - $12/hr, approximately $2,300-3,456/month based upon full-time, 24-hour shifts. 

Emergency Room: $11 - $15/hr.

Spaces available

25 per class, 2-3 classes/semester, total of 50-75 students per semester

Background checks

All students will be required to submit an application for pre-clinical background check.  The background check will include Social Security number, address verification, a two-county felony criminal history, a State sex offender search, and a Medicare/Medicare Sanctioned Fraud List verification (OIG/GSA) search.  The background checks will be performed by a service provided by the District and must be completed prior to beginning of the first clinical rotation.  The student understands that the results of background checks must be provided to the clinical sites before patient care or clinical work commences.

Clinical requirements

The program requires that students participate in scheduled course clinical experience concurrent with classroom courses. Clinical assignments provide students with hands-on application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory courses at OCC contracted hospitals, medical centers, and/or outpatient facilities.  It is the responsibility of each student to provide his or her own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Just prior to entry into clinical, students are required to complete/obtain:

          q  A physical examination

          q  Criminal background check clearance

          q  CPR, HIPAA training, Blood borne pathogen training provided through Al H 115

          q  Student liability insurance

Students must adhere to appropriate required dress code which may include a laboratory coat, nametag, and other program specific requirements.

Clinical sites may require drug testing or other blood work.  There may be exposure to hazardous materials or pathogens in the clinical setting.  Students will adhere to all safety and precautionary measures.  The student receives no financial compensation for clinical experience, but does receive course units as a required class in the program.

Student liability insurance

All students will be required to obtain a general healthcare provide professional liability policy prior to entering the clinical training phase of the program.  Students will be provided with instructions on how to purchase this insurance at the start of the semester. (current cost is $20/year – 2006)

Physical examination

During the course of he semester, students will be required to submit a current physical examination.  You may complete your physical with your private physician using the School of Allied Health Profession’s from or your may utilize the Student Health Center.  There are four components of your physical that must be easily identifiable.

          — Dates of 2 separate MMR vaccinations or proof of immunity titer.

          — Negstive TP skin test (PPD) within the last six months.

          — Applicable history, physical exam and pertinent lab work.

          — Physician signature clearing you for your clinical.

Physical examinations must have been completed within six months of the start of clinical.

Clinical uniform

Students will be requied ot purchase an official OCC EMT student polo shirt, coordinated through the instructor during the second or third week of class.  The cost will be between $25-$30, payable by check or cash only. You must bring your shirt to class the day of the clinical orientation.  Additionally, you must purchase a standard stethoscope that has a diaphragm and a bell.  You must bring your stethoscope to class the day of the clinical orientation.  This may be purchased at any uniform shop or on the Internet.  You will be required to wear your student polo shirt, your stethoscope, your name badge, and comply with all other dress code requirements while at the clinical site.

Employment prospects

Excellent

Accreditation of program

This program is accredited by the Orange County Emergency Medical Services Authority, State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority, State Community College Chancellor’s Office.

Other

Students must have a means of reliable transportation to complete the clinical internship.

Contact information

Phylicia Hassapis, Program Coordinator         Dan Adelmann, Allied Health Advisor

Office: Bldg D 104 A                                     Office: C&L 114 B

phassapis@occ.cccd.edu                                  dadelmann@occ.cccd.edu

714-432-5089                                                714-432-5541
                                                                   714-432-5702 appts.

Allied Health Program Assistant
Jane McLaughlin
jmclaughlin@occ.cccd.edu
714-432-5729          

NOTE:   Al H 010 is not a required prerequisite for entry into the EMT-1 program.