Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Technician Ventura County Community College District - Ventura College, USA

Program Purpose:

Students who complete the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course will apply scientific knowledge while utilizing effective communication and interpersonal skills in the techniques considered to be within the scope of practice of ambulance personnel and others engaged in the delivery of emergency services. Students will participate in classroom, hospital, and field settings. Upon successful completion of both the written and practical examinations with a grade of B or better, the student will be eligible to sit for the certifying examination administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Program Description:

A community depends on an emergency medical system that responds quickly with well-educated and competent EMTs. Successful completion of the EMT program and the National Registry certifying examination presents the EMT with exciting employment opportunities with private ambulance companies, fire departments, and hospitals that utilize basic life support skills. They may also find employment with companies providing basic medical care at concerts, sporting events, and amusement parks. Completion of the EMT program is a prerequisite for most Paramedic Programs throughout the United States.

What is an Emergency Medical Technician?

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) provide urgent care in any location or while transporting patients in ambulances or helicopters. As first responders in the delivery of emergency services, these men and women apply life-saving medical techniques to the injured. EMTs possess the ability to manage both physical and psychological distress in challenging situations. EMTs receive varying levels of certification depending on their cumulative training and experience. In California, paramedic is the highest level of EMT certification.

Employment of EMTs is expected to be above the average growth for all occupations primarily because of the rapidly expanding aged population. Recent surveys show that there is more demand for paramedics, who are usually placed as soon as they complete the required certification because of their advanced training and experience.