EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN -
ONE YEAR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Emergency Medical Technician program is designed to articulate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in emergency medial technology-paramedic or a baccalaureate degree in emergency medical services. This certificate would provide the first year of the two year Associated of Applied Science Degree. Click here for information on course requirements.

Students may become certified at the EMT-Basic (EMT-B) level after completing course work and passing the Oregon/National Registry written and practical tests. Students wishing to become certified at the EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) level may test for Oregon Certification after completing an additional two quarters and EMT-I, Parts 1 & 2. The EMT Basic program is required for students wishing to become EMT Intermediates. 

Students registering for EMT courses will need to meet certain criteria and/or prerequisites for placement test level (reading, math, and writing), age, immunization status, and ability to meet Oregon Health Division requirements. 

Job Description
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) give immediate care to critically ill or injured people and may provide transportation to and between care facilitators. EMTs examine patients, obtain vital signs, and medical histories. They give emergency care to stabilize the patient's condition, including splinting fractures, controlling bleeding, giving selected medicines, and monitoring heart status.

Employment Opportunities
While employment for emergency medical technicians is currently stable, long-range projections indicate growth in all areas of health care, including emergency medical services. EMTs work in volunteer and paid positions with ambulance services and fire departments. they are also moving into care provider positions in hospitals and industry as well as pre-hospital settings.

Potential Earnings
Beginning EMTs earn $5.50 to $8.00 per hour. The average earnings are $8.43 per hour. Experienced paramedics will earn up to $15.00 an hour, with higher earnings for supervisors and managers.

Reasons for Seeking this Certificate
1) By July 1, 1999, the Associate of Applied Science Degree will be required for all individuals seeking to become a paramedic. The one year certificate will meet the requirements of the first year, of the two year degree. 46 credits are required for certificate and 95 credits required for AAS Degree.

2) Pending approval, the One Year Certificate program will allow students to qualify for Financial Aid. Assuming that students meet minimum qualifications and/or requirements. This will potentially result in increased enrollments and FTE across multiple disciplines.

3) The EMT Advisory Committee composed of local EMTs and service providers have endorsed and support the adoption of the One Year Certificate Program. Eventually, the committee intends to recommend, that TVCC will adopt a complete Paramedic program.

4) This program allows individuals the opportunity to remain in the community without having to relocate or move to another region of the State to continue their educational and career goals.

5) There is no other Emergency Medical Technician Certificate program in the state program east of Bend, Oregon. This program provides greater opportunity for students to enter into the Health Services field.

6) The growth of the surrounding metropolitan area, including Idaho, will require upgrading of Health Services along the I-84 Corridor. TVCC is positioning itself to meet these increasing health service needs.