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Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) Paramedic

Students in classroom setting for EMT - Paramedic program

Department: Emergency Services

Program Type: Fire Science and Public Safety


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Overview

Are you intrigued by a career as an Emergency Medical Professional? Working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and paramedic means working in emergency medical care at crime scenes, rescue operations, ambulance calls, and medical incident command. EMT is an excellent introduction to medicine; you will be a critical part of a health care team. Illinois and most other states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed. If you already have an associate's or bachelor's degree, you may consider an EMT-P certificate to gain clinical experience and learn lifelong skills. ECC's paramedic training program collaborates with area hospitals Advocate Sherman Hospital and Amita St. Joseph Hospital. Course completion is followed by passing the Illinois paramedic licensing exam offered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

Program Accreditation

Advocate Sherman Hospital (CoAEMSP 600695) and AMITA St. Joseph Hospital (CoAEMSP 600685) Paramedic Program are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). This certification is designed to promote high-quality education and training. ABA representatives' intensive review process examines all aspects of the program for compliance with the ABA's Guidelines

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The future employment outlook for Emergency Medical Technicians (paramedics) is positive. Over the next decade, about 20,000 job openings are projected yearly for EMTs and paramedics. Growth is due to an increasing and aging population, which leads to more demand for emergency medical services.

Additionally, advancements in emergency medical technology and using paramedics in non-traditional settings, such as schools and sports teams, are expected to contribute to job growth. Refer to Career Coach to learn more about related professions and compensation. (Accessed September 08, 2022)

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the emergency medical technology plan of study and course descriptions.

Basic Vocational Certificates

What training is required to become certified as a paramedic?

A criminal background check, drug test, appropriate PSB-HOA test scores, and successfully passing the program's entrance exams are required. After completing your EMT certification, you'll continue learning skills most medical staff need. Paramedics receive training in pathophysiology, pharmacology, venous access, medication administration, and specific medical emergencies, including pulmonary, cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, toxicology, and hematology. To complete your degree, you must study infectious and contagious diseases, allergies and anaphylaxis, obstetrics, neonatology, pediatrics, geriatrics, particular challenges, and home health care patients. After completing your clinical experience and classroom requirements, you can sit for your National Registry Exam to become a Certified NREMT Paramedic.

Who should choose to be a paramedic as a career?

If you decide to pursue a paramedic career, you will find it very rewarding. Paramedics can make a difference through the many lives they can save. They are trained to provide care and treatment at the scene of an emergency. If helping others in times of need is something you would like to do, this career will give you that opportunity. Paramedics are an essential part of your community and highly demand employment. A career as a paramedic also opens the door to other professions, including fire service, law enforcement, and other health care careers. To join, you must be 18 or older, have finished high school, or have the State of Illinois High School Diploma (previously called the GED).

Are all firefighters also paramedics?

Not all firefighters are required to be paramedics, but most departments need you to be an EMT. However, many fire departments, particularly in the US, prioritize recruiting licensed paramedics and firefighters; some require it.

Is a paramedic and an EMT the same thing?

Paramedics provide more extensive pre-hospital care and do the work of an EMT. For example, a paramedic can give oral medications, set up an IV, interpret an EKG, or other complex medical devices. Emergency EMTs are trained to provide essential medical assistance with minimal equipment, such as banding a wound, visually assessing a condition, and communicating with doctors and nurses at the hospital. You may be asking yourself, what do paramedics do? As an EMT-P, you'll be able to do everything an EMT does, but with more complexity.

What will I study in a paramedic training program?

ECC's training programs teach the basics of various emergency services fields. Experienced faculty focus on training you for roles such as firefighters, emergency dispatchers, and EMTs (both basic and paramedic). The training covers fire science and safety, basic emergency medical techniques, paramedic skills, and emergency dispatch. You gain entry-level knowledge and skills required for success in these areas, learning from current practitioners in the field. The programs are also beneficial for experienced professionals seeking to update their skills. When you graduate from ECC, your certification aligns with local, Illinois, and national standards, making you job-ready.

What is the difference between the EMT-B and the EMT-P program certificate?

You will need to complete the EMT-Basic as it is a prerequisite for meeting the minimum requirements to apply for the paramedic program (EMT-Paramedic). The paramedic program is taught at our two local partners, Advocate Sherman Hospital and Amita Health St Joseph Hospital. You will receive the lifelong skills to help you begin your career in this rewarding field.

Learn more about Paramedic or EMT Training at ECC!

With an Emergency Services certification from Elgin Community College, you can change—and save—lives.

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Train for a Career in Health Care

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