EMT-Basic - Program Description

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program provides an excellent educational experience for qualified candidates that will prepare them to be successful EMT-Basic practitioners. Students who complete the program will be awarded a certificate and will also be qualified to take the National Registry examination for licensure as an EMT.

An additional benefit of completing the HLGU program includes receiving 6 college credit hours from a regionally accredited institution which can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree through further education.

Course Description

EMS 116 Emergency Medical Technician is a 6 credit-hour course that covers all emergency care procedures relating to medical and trauma situations. Emphasis is given to the development of student skills in the recognition of the signs and symptoms of illness and injury as well as proper pre-hospital treatment. The course consists of 120 contact hours of classroom instruction plus 48 hours of clinical experience (24 hours of Emergency Department clinical and 24 hours of Ambulance clinical).

Course Dates and Class Schedule

The EMT-Basic course will be offered on Saturdays from 8 am to 5 pm for 15 weeks; start date is September 1st. We are offering the course in a 1-day a week format to allow the student more flexibility for personal and work commitments. As interest demands, we will reassess other course time offerings.

This course is limited to 25 participants. All course requirements must be completed to be considered for selection.

Course Location

All course work will be conducted on the campus of Hannibal-LaGrange University in the Mathews Science Building. This provides the student with access to multiple large classrooms and skills laboratory facilities as well as a state-of-the-art computer lab to aid in practice and preparation for online testing leading to licensure.

Course Entry Requirements

All applicants must:

1. Be at least 17 years of age
2. Have a high school diploma or GED (or current 6-semester high school transcript).
3. Complete EMS application with $25 non-refundable application fee (will be applied towards tuition)
4. Show proof of valid driver's license
5. Provide verification of all immunizations:
   1. TB skin test
   2. Hepatitis B Vaccination (either completed or series in progress)
   3. MMR
   4. Tetanus/Diphtheria
   5. Varicella (Chicken Pox)
6. Pass criminal background check and drug screen*

*Students who have felonies or misdemeanors on their record may enroll for the class, but are not guaranteed eligibility to take the licensure examination.

**Please note: If you have previously attended any college or university, we ask that you send all official transcripts to: The Office of Registrar.2800 Palmyra Road. Hannibal, MO. 63401

Tuition

Tuition for the course is $900 (this includes awarding of 6 college credit hours upon successful completion of the course). An additional fee of $300 includes textbooks, uniform shirt, testing package and background/drug testing expense. All costs may be covered by financial aid to those that qualify.

If medical equipment is needed (stethoscope, scissors, pen light), you may purchase these through the Hannibal-LaGrange University Bookstore. If you have this equipment, please check with your instructor to make sure that it meets requirements.

Financial Aid

Financial aid assistance is available for qualified applicants. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at 573.629.3279 for additional information and assistance. You may file a 2011–2012 FAFSA form at: www.fafsa.ed.gov HLGU school code is 009089. Scholarships are also available from the following:

• The Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA) awards scholarships to provide financial help to students training for Emergency Medical Services. You may download an application at: www.memsa.org/pdf/scholarships.pdf
• The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) provides scholarship assistance at: www.naemt.org .
• The Michael J. Latta EMS Scholarship Foundation provides financial assistance to students who are training to become Emergency Medical Technicians. These scholarships are awarded in varying amounts according to need and available funds. Applicants are judged on the basis of their work ethic, dedication, energy and enthusiasm, as well as their record of community service and why they desire to become an EMT. The annual deadline for application is April 15. Interested students should visit the Michael J. Latta EMS Scholarship Foundation website to download an electronic application at www.emsscholarship.com
• Bound Tree Medical provides scholarship assistance to qualified individuals pursuing EMT certification through the Bound Tree Medical Legacy Scholarship Program. You may apply at www.boundtree.com

Occupational Employment Statistics

(Taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010–2011)

Type of Work

The EMT-Basic represents the first response of the emergency medical system. An EMT trained at this level is prepared to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under the direction of more highly trained medical personnel (paramedic). Because of the nature of work, EMTs should be emotionally stable, have good dexterity, agility, and physical coordination, and be able to lift and carry heavy loads.

Work Environment

EMTs can work for private ambulance services, hospital-affiliated ambulance services, or with firefighters.

Job Outlook

Employment of EMTs and Paramedics is expected to grow 9 percent between 2008–2018. This growth is due in large part to increasing call volume due to aging population.

Earnings

Earnings of EMTs and Paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location of employment, as well as training and experience. As of May 2010, hourly wage ranged from $9.48 to $ 24.70, with the Median hourly wage of $14.60.

Advancement

A number of people become EMTs and paramedics to test their interest in health care before training as registered nurses, physicians, or other health workers. Some EMTs and paramedics become instructors, dispatchers, or physician assistants. Paramedics can become supervisors, operations managers, administrative directors, or executive directors of emergency services

Applying for the Program

An application for admission may be downloaded here .