Emergency Medical Technology
A Life-Saving Job
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) learn how to assess patients and determine if they have any life threatening illnesses
or injuries. EMTs splint and bandage injuries and care for patients after a motor
vehicle collision. They can also administer lifesaving medications such as epinephrine
for a patient suffering an allergic reaction and administer CPR to a patient in cardiac
arrest. Other skills the EMT performs on the ambulance include administering oxygen,
bag valve mask ventilations, and delivery of a newborn. The EMT’s assessment and
treatment skills saves lives and is the primary focus of our program.
You do not need any previous medical experience to enrollment in our EMT program.
In California, you must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to certify as an
EMT and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at SWC consists of the following 4 classes: EMT 101, EMT 109, EMT 113, and
EMT 113L. They can be taken over one or two semesters to accommodate your work and
personal schedules.
EMT 101 (1 Unit) Healthcare provider CPR and introduction to patient assessment, oxygen
administration, and vital signs. Upon successful completion the student will receive
an American Heart Association CPR card.
EMT 109 (3 Units) This Emergency Medical Responder class serves as the first course
in the track for students interested in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Training
includes basic and advanced first aid, care of medical and trauma patients, and prepares
the student for the next step in the EMT Program.
EMT 113 (5 Units) Provides the theory designed to prepare students to assess a patient’s
condition and manage emergencies such as those related to respiratory, cardiac, or
trauma incidents.
EMT 113L (3 Units) This lecture/laboratory course allows the student to attain competency
in the skills necessary to provide basic emergency medical and trauma care. Upon successful
completion of this the class the student will be eligible to take the National Registry
EMT certification exam and obtain their California EMT and San Diego EMT certification.
Program Awards
Our Emergency Medical Technology programs are included in the Health, Wellness & Public Safety field of study and offer these awards:
| Award | Location | Estimated Completion |
Program Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technology, Certificate of Achievement | Chula Vista | # Semesters |
Common Careers
Earning the EMT certification can make you eligible for various rewarding career opportunities such as: EMT on an ambulance responding to emergency 911 calls and/or transfers to and from healthcare institutions, Lifeguard, Firefighter, Medical Assistant, Emergency Dispatcher, Medical Equipment Service Technician, Emergency Room Technician, and Forensic Science Technician, to name a few. Successful completion of the EMT program is the first step on your educational journey to become a paramedic.
The average annual salary in this field is $40,120 for occupations like Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Typical Duties
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Treat medical emergencies.
- Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.
- Interact with patients to build rapport or provide emotional support.
- Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
- Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
- Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
- Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
- Position patients for treatment or examination.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.
Next Steps
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