CIP Code: 51.0904
Length: 13 credits
G3 Tuition Assistance
Purpose
To produce competent entry-level Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who can serve the community with basic life support care via the Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) infrastructure. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing resulting in National Registry certification as well as certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Employment opportunities for EMTs are available with ambulance services, fire and rescue services, hospitals, local, state, and federal government agencies, and humanitarian relief organizations.
Program Goals
At the completion of the program, the graduates will be able to demonstrate:
- the ability to comprehend, apply and evaluate the clinical information relevant to their roles as entry-level EMT; technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of entry-level EMT; and
- personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations for entry-level EMT.
Admission Requirements
Prior to beginning program courses, applicants must:
- meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by the Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS);
- meet the college’s general admission requirements and enroll as an RCC college student;
- complete all developmental coursework;
- meet with the program head; and,
- complete the program application.
Accreditation
The Basic Life Support (BLS) program is accredited by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, and Division of Educational Development. The EMT is considered a BLS provider.
Physical Requirements
An EMS provider is faced with many physical and psychological challenges. Please refer to the OEMS website for a more detailed functional job description.
Academic Requirements
Students must make a “C” or better in all program core courses and general education support courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain in the program. Any student receiving a grade less than “C” in a curricular course will be placed on academic probation for the program. The course may be repeated once, with a written contract containing the requirements of the remediation. Repeated courses must be completed with a final grade of “C” or better. Dismissal from the program may result if the student does not meet the requirements of the contract.
Clinical and Behavioral Requirements and supervised student experiences are required by the program and will be accomplished at selected regional healthcare facilities. Students are responsible for transportation to these facilities, as well as for any scheduled field trips. Program preceptors will observe and evaluate student suitability for the profession across all domains of learning. If students do not exhibit the documented behaviors required of the EMS professional, they may be asked to withdraw from the program. All EMS students must comply with healthcare agency requirements for criminal background checks, drug testing, CPR certification, and immunizations.
Other Requirements
Applicants accepted to the program are required to submit a health certificate signed by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or Licensed Nurse Practitioner attesting to the applicant’s general health and ability to perform the program’s activities. Students who are required to perform clinical rotations in cooperating healthcare agencies must be willing and able to conform to all clinical requirements of participating clinical agencies, including but not limited to: criminal background investigation; drug screening; immunizations including seasonal influenza vaccines; Tuberculosis screening; employment verifications; and, successful completion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. (CPR certification must be the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification or American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or Professional Healthcare Provider). Students are responsible for all costs associated with these requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain current records throughout the program. RCC uses third-party vendors for all screenings and the maintenance of documents. Your instructor will provide you with all details to purchase this service, including deadlines for completion. The purchase of items such as uniforms, liability insurance, and other accessories is the financial responsibility of the individual student.
Students assume full responsibility for all errors, omissions, accidents, exposures, and illnesses as a result of laboratory and clinical experiences. Students are required to complete an Assumption of Risk form prior to beginning the program.
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