Purpose: This career studies certificate program is designed to prepare students to be knowledgeable, competent, entry-level, pre-hospital care practitioners, and includes the foundational preparation to initiate study in the advanced life support/paramedic program. Students who successfully complete program requirements and attain national or state certification as an emergency medical technician are prepared to enter the workforce and provide entry-level emergency medical care in areas such as hospitals, transport agencies, fire-rescue-emergency medical services organizations, military, volunteer services, and other fields that require emergency services and/or for patients requiring emergency medical services.
Admission Requirements: There are no admission requirements beyond admission to the College for this program. Students must maintain an acceptable criminal background check to remain eligible to complete clinical and field course requirements. Students must meet the requirements of the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services to remain enrolled in EMS programs. Students must be at least 18 years of age (16 years of age with written parent/guardian consent) on the first class date in order to enroll in this program.
Employment Requirements: Employment in fire-rescue service agencies may have specific physical requirements such as height, weight, eyesight, and/or other physical dexterity and ability. Employment in fire-rescue and clinical agencies requires acceptable criminal background check and may require drug screening. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with program chair to discuss potential concerns.
Financial Requirements: In addition to college tuition, fees, and course textbooks, the Emergency Medical Services program has additional costs for which students will be responsible. Costs may include but are not limited to criminal background check, medical examination, immunizations/titers, CPR and other related certifications, uniforms, transportation to and from clinical sites, and certification and licensure fees. Contact the Health Professions division office for additional information.
Accreditation: The Emergency Medical Services program is offered in partnership with Tidewater Community College. Tidewater Community College’s Emergency Medical Services program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). To contact CAAHEP: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-210-2350, http://www.caahep.org. To contact CoAEMSP: 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX 75088, (214) 703-8445, FAX (214) 703- 8992, or http://www.coaemsp.org.
