Emergency Medical Technician Certificate

Program Start Date: Fall, Spring and Summer terms
Minimum Program Length: 7.5 or 16 academic weeks; 1 term; 8 credits
Program ID:  CT.EMT
Curriculum Code: 61028

Program Description

This academic credit program provides instruction and practice in dealing with medical and traumatic emergencies. Topics include medical, legal and ethical issues, obtaining vital signs, airway management, oxygen administration, airway devices, CPR and AED operation, scene and patient assessments, physical examination, obtaining a medical history, pharmacology, medical emergencies such as heart attack, respiratory distress, strokes, diabetics and poisonings, traumatic injuries such as bleeding control, wound care, shock management, splinting fractures, motor vehicle collisions, and head and spine injuries, IV maintenance, obstetrics, childbirth, special patient populations, ambulance operations including communication, documentation, infection control, HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials), weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and mass casualty incidents.

Use of diagnostic equipment, operation of stretchers and ambulances and skills related to pre-hospital emergency care will be covered in lab sessions and in field experience on a 911 ambulance.

Graduates of the Emergency Medical Technician program will be eligible to challenge the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ (NREMT) practical and written certification examinations and are immediately employable upon certification.

Practical Experience

Formal classroom learning is combined with practical skills labs and field experience on a 911 ambulance. Competent graduates are well-prepared to face the challenges and rewards of being an EMT.

Professional Opportunities

EMTs are employed in agencies such as the pre-hospital environment on emergency ambulances, in non-emergent transport services, in hospital emergency rooms, clinics and in other allied health care settings.

Unique Aspects

A criminal background investigation (CBI) and drug testing are required at student expense for each Health and Human Services student who has been accepted into a Spartanburg Community College curriculum program of study. For more information, please visit the Criminal Background Investigations and Drug Testing Policy section of the SCC webpage.

The EMT certificate is a credit program taken through the Academic Affairs area. Students taking this program may be eligible for Financial Aid, Scholarships and Lottery Tuition Assistance if qualified. Check with the SCC Financial Aid Office (592-4810) to determine eligibility for financial aid while taking this program.

EEDA Career Cluster:

Health Sciences

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate foundational EMT medical knowledge of established and evolving emergency medical care.
2. Demonstrate hands-on performance of clinical and technical skills typical of an EMT.
3. Demonstrate a professional and ethical behavior in carrying out responsibilities of EMS and the health professions.
4. Practice professional oral and written communication in a healthcare setting.