Program Info
Program Description
This certificate program is designed to meet the needs of students interested in entry-level training as well as those seeking a career in the emergency medical and paramedic fields.
Basic Emergency Medical Technicians are trained in basic life support procedures and the principles of care and transportation of the sick and injured. Basic EMT licensure qualifies the student for an entry-level position as an emergency care provider with municipal and private ambulance services as well as some hospital emergency departments. The basic EMT license is often a prerequisite for employment as a firefighter. (Progressive fire departments in our service area require a paramedic license. An EMT Basic license is the first step in meeting this criterion.)
The EMS Programs at HFC offers the options of certificates of achievement in Basic EMT and Paramedic, or the option of an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Maintain equipment and facilities.
- Respond appropriately to calls, as an EMT Basic.
- Demonstrate scene control.
- Conduct a proficient primary and secondary patient assessment, within the scope of an EMT basic.
- Identify and manage patient illness and or injury, within the scope of an EMT basic.
- Determine when to provide patient transport.
- Effectively document the incident and patient information.
- Perform post-incident management tasks.
- Perform professionally within the emergency medicine field.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 24 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to create demand for EMTs and paramedics."
In emergency medical services, both in school and on the job, exposure to infectious diseases and latex may be minimal to moderate depending on the setting in which you are working.
Exposure to illness and infectious disease is an occupational risk for all health care workers. Persons should not become health care workers unless they recognize and accept this risk. Proper education and strict adherence to well established infection-control guidelines can reduce the risk to a minimum. Persons who have latex sensitivity or allergies should consult with a physician prior to entering the program for guidance on the merits of continuing in a health care career.
If an individual is a convicted felon, it could disqualify him/her from obtaining the necessary National Registry Certification. Visit the National Registry EMS Policy for details. After obtaining a National Registry Certificate, individuals can apply for a Michigan EMS License, which is necessary to practice EMS as a profession. If an individual is a convicted felon, questions regarding potential licensure should be directed to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Bureau of Health Professions.
The College continuously attempts to improve each program and as a result, courses and/or requirements may be modified. Curriculum, course content, and admission criteria are subject to change by action of the College faculty and administration. Contact the Health Careers Office at (313) 845-9877 for any current program updates or visit HFC's website.
Admission Requirements
The Emergency Medical Service certificate is open enrollment as long as the student is eligible for placement in ENG-131.
A "C" grade or better is required for successful completion of all courses required in the Basic EMT program. Students not receiving a C or better cannot continue in the program until they have successfully repeated the course(s) earning a C or better. Students who do not successfully complete all co-requisite courses in the Basic EMT Program cannot continue. Therefore, students who fail must repeat all coursework, and then progress in sequence.
Health Appraisal
Each student is required to complete a Health Appraisal, forms are available in the Health and Human Services Office. This appraisal includes a physical, blood titers (to validate immunity to childhood immunizations), TB test, Hepatitis B and boosters if necessary. The cost for this appraisal is in addition to the basic tuition and fee schedule..
Students in the EMS program are expected to meet the same physical and mental requirements as emergency medical technicians. A representative job profile, also available in the Health Careers Office, lists the specific physical and mental requirements as well as the environmental conditions of the occupation.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
Consistent with Section 20173 of the Michigan Public Health Code and the requirements of our clinical affiliates, a Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen clearance on the first test is required for all students in EMS programs prior to beginning clinical assignments. The cost for this test is in addition to the basic tuition and fee schedule.
Students with felony convictions on their record should not enroll into the program as we have a zero-tolerance stance from our clinical affiliates. If such individual is granted an expungement, then s/he would be considered for eligibility. Students with a history of alcohol related driving offenses and or felony convictions will find it difficult if not impossible to gain employment in public safety careers.
Students who are not cleared for clinical through the Health Appraisal, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen will not be able to complete the EMS education programs.
Health Insurance
Students must maintain proof of health insurance while in the program.
CPR
Students must maintain a valid American Heart Association (AHA), Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider card throughout the Program. May be fulfilled by taking AH-105.
Uniforms
Uniform shirts are provided through the program at the Basic EMT level. Pants, shoes, work belt, stethoscope, and National Registry exam fees are in addition to the basic tuition and fee schedule.
Job Placement Information about career placement and job success is available through HFC's Career Services Office.
Program Requirements
| Course name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| EMS-100: EMT-Basic Fundamentals | 9.00 |
| EMS-107: Basic Procedures Lab | 1.50 |
| EMS-109: EMT-Basic Clinical Externship | 2.00 |