CPW--Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Services
Certificate
Curriculum code 1320

Moraine Valley Community College's Emergency Medical Services Program is for individuals who want to go into the public or private sector as emergency medical technicians. It can also be an alternative career path for those presently in the fire science field. The program includes an Emergency Medical Technician course and a Paramedic Certificate Program.

Emergency Medical Technician Course (EMT-B)—To enroll in the EMS-101 course, new students must apply for admission to Moraine Valley, then register for the class. This course develops skills to the level of Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. This program emphasizes all skills necessary to provide emergency medical care at a basic life support level with an ambulance service or other specialized service. Students will be expected to complete 60 contact hours in the clinical setting, including: 24 hours in the emergency room, 24 hours of ambulance ride time, 8 hours in obstetrics, and 4 hours in dispatch.

The following documentation must be submitted by midterm so that students may participate in the clinical training component of the course:

Complete History and Physical form, including personal health insurance information
Complete the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training provided by the college and submit a complete Confidentiality Statement
Satisfactorily complete instruction on preventing the spread of blood borne pathogens, per the standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Satisfactory completion of a drug screen
Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check
Submit a photo identification (state ID or driver's license)
Demonstrate successful completion of high school or GED
Obtain uniform polo shirt from the Bookstore

Clinical sites include Little Company of Mary, Palos Community Hospital, Orland Fire Protection Dispatch, and several fire departments on the south side of Chicago. Successful completion of the course prepares the student to take the Illinois Department of Public Health examination for EMT-B licensure. After passing the examination, the student is licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician-B to provide basic life support.

Emergency Medical Services Certificate Program—EMT-P: technician (EMT-B) to meet licensure standards to function as an advanced life support provider (EMT-P) in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health Emergency Medical Services Act. Upon successful completion of the EMS courses and final exam, students are eligible to take the State of Illinois Paramedic Examination. This exam must be passed in order to receive paramedic state licensure. The program is offered through Moraine Valley in cooperation with Christ Hospital and Medical Center. All EMS courses are taught at Christ Hospital.

Employment Outlook—Employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Population growth and urbanization will increase the demand for full-time paid EMTs and paramedics rather than for volunteers. In addition, a large segment of the population the aging baby boomers will further spur demand for EMT services as they become more likely to have medical emergencies. There will still be demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas. In addition to those arising from job growth, openings will occur because of replacement needs; some workers leave the occupation because of stressful working conditions, limited potential for advancement, and the modest pay and benefits in private-sector jobs. Earnings of EMTs and paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual's training and experience. Median hourly wages were $14.10 in May 2008. The lowest was $23.77. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.13 and $18.28. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of EMTs and paramedics in 2008 were:

General medical and surgical hospitals $23,250
Ambulance Services $20,350

Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Those in emergency medical services who are part of fire or police departments receive the same benefits as firefighters or police officers. For example, many are covered by pension plans that provide retirement at half pay after 20 or 25 years of service or if the worker is disabled in the line of duty. Source: U.S. Dept. of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics

For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Resource Center in the Student Services Center, S202, (708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jrc.

Admission Requirements
Students interested in training to meet EMT-P certification should contact the Christ Hospital and Medical Center at (708) 684-5957, after completing EMS-101. Students applying for admission to this program must meet the following criteria:

Possess valid/current EMT-B or EMT-I license. EMS-101 leads to EMT-B license.
Have a written recommendation for admission to the program from an employer, former teacher, etc.
Secure an ALS ambulance affiliation in order to meet the ambulance riding requirement of the courses.
Must be 18 years of age or older. A physical examination including drug screen is also required.
Successfully complete a skills practical exam.
New students must apply to Moraine Valley Community College.
Admittance to the Christ Hospital EMT-P program is by selective admission. Criteria for admission is established by Christ hospital personnel.

Six months of ambulance experience as EMT-B or EMT-I is preferred.

Additional Information
To qualify for Moraine Valley's certificate in addition to the EMT-P state license, you must:

Register for credit through Moraine Valley Community College
Complete a graduation petition available in the Moraine Valley Admissions Office at (708) 974-2110.

If you have successfully completed the EMT Paramedic Certificate P, you may test for proficiency credit for EMS-102, 103, 104, 233 and 237. Contact the Moraine Valley Alternative Learning Office at (708) 974-5710.

If you are seeking Moraine Valley course credit for equivalent courses completed at another college or university, initiate a transcript review through Moraine Valley's Admissions Office at (708) 974-2110.