Emergency Medical Technician – Basic
(4 year certification)
The Emergency Medical Technician Basic course is designed to provide training to prepare an individual to function independently in a medical emergency. This course provides the basic knowledge and skills needed to provide basic life support (BLS) care and is required to progress to more advanced levels of pre-hospital patient care.
The course requires a minimum of 111 hours of classroom and skills instruction and 10 hours of Clinical/Field rotations for a total of 121 hours of training. Virginia Certification requires successful completion of a written and practical skills examination. This course is designed to train individuals to serve as a vital link in the chain of the health care team. This includes all skills necessary to provide emergency medical care as an attendant-in-charge with a basic life support ambulance service or other specialized rescue service.
Upon successfully completion of the training program, the student will be capable of performing the following functions:
- Recognize the nature and seriousness of the patient’s condition or extent of injury to assess requirements for emergency care.
- Administer appropriate emergency care to stabilize the patient’s condition.
- Lift, move, position and otherwise handle the patient in a way as to minimize discomfort and further injury.
Typical Tasks
Provides basic medical services, first-aid and assessments of patients in trauma and emergency situations and in a clinical office or hospital.
Potential Positions
Emergency Medical Technicians work in both paid and volunteer positions for ambulance services, rescue squads, law enforcement and in clinical positions in hospitals and private practices.
Employment Outlook
The EMT profession continues to grow and can be found in many different settings and environments.
Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
*Available Virginia Campuses and On-line Only
Program Outcomes: Graduates of our EMS programs will be able to demonstrate effective skills and techniques as a Medical Responder or Emergency Medical Technicians.
Program Length: 18 Weeks