Emergency medical technicians are health care professionals who provide emergency treatment to patients in the prehospital environment. They are familiar and comforting figures at the scene of an accident or medical emergency, where their special skills often mean the difference between life and death.

Careers in prehospital care are challenging and exciting. They require students who possess leadership skills, are good decision makers, can remain calm in emergency situations, and who are compassionate and caring.

Emergency medical technicians work directly with physicians in correlating and providing care to patients experiencing illness or injury.

Several levels of training are available at Shawnee State for emergency medical technicians. The entry level for the profession is the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B). Education for this level of emergency care is the 130-hour Emergency Victim Care Course (EMTP 1100).

The Intermediate Emergency Medical Technician - (EMT-I) provides emergency care at a high level, utilizing advanced skills in airway and shock management. Educational preparation for the intermediate EMT is included in EMTP 2150.

The Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT-P) is the highest level of certified emergency care provider. The paramedic receives education in a program of study  eight courses in addition to the EMT-B courses (EMTP 2100-2102, 2200, 2300-2302,  This education includes classroom and  instruction, as well as hospital and field clinical experiences.

An exciting opportunity exists for EMT-P students at Shawnee State. Students can pursue the associate of applied science degree in emergency medical technology. This two-year program is intended to expand the knowledge and experience base of the EMT-Paramedic in both general academics and prehospital emergency medicine. Completion of this program prepares the paramedic student for supervisory positions, advanced clinical procedures, as well as teaching opportunities in EMS. This degree may be pursued as part of the initial educational experience or for career advancement.

Certification

Upon successful completion of:

• EMTP 1100: Students are eligible to sit for the Basic National Registry Exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student receives Ohio and National Registry certification as an EMT-Basic.
• EMTP 2150: Students are eligible to sit for the Intermediate National Registry Exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student receives Ohio and National Registry certification as an Intermediate EMT.
• EMTP 2100-2102, 2200, 2300-2302, 2500: Students are eligible to sit for the Paramedic National Registry Exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student receives Ohio and National Registry certification as a Paramedic (EMT-P). Upon completion of the two-year program, the student receives the associate of applied science degree.

Accreditation

The EMT-B, EMT-I, and paramedic training programs have received accreditation from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services – Accreditation #325.

Employment Opportunities

Positions for emergency medical technicians are available in private ambulance companies, hospitals, industry, fire departments, 911 dispatch offices, and the armed forces. Law enforcement agencies, park services, ski patrols, and other groups train their personnel to become EMT-Bs or paramedics as part of their duties.

Academic Requirements

In order to remain in good academic standing in the emergency medical technology program, you must:

1. Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 in all coursework needed to meet the requirements for an associate of applied science degree in emergency medical technology. This applies to all required courses taken before, as well as after, admission in the emergency medical program.
2. Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 in all emergency medical technology courses.
3. Not receive a failing grade in any of the required courses for the emergency medical technology program.

Students who fail to achieve any one of the three requirements for good academic standing will be dismissed from the emergency medical technology program with the option of reapplying for admission the following year. You may appeal a dismissal from the emergency medical technology program by following the guidelines for appeal as detailed in this catalog.

Entrance Requirements

EMT-B Course (EMTP 1100)

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current, unconditional driver’s license
• Completed Pre-Entrance Medical Record with recent TB and Tetanus
• Evidence that you have not been convicted of, pled guilty to, or had a judicial finding of guilt for any of the following: fraud or material deception in applying for or obtaining a certificate to practice; any of the following felonies: murder, aggravated murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, aggravated arson, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary; a misdemeanor, other than a traffic violation committed in the course of practice; a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; a violation of any federal, state, county, or municipal narcotics law; any act committed in another state, that, if committed in Ohio, would constitute a violation set forth in 4765-8-01 (A) (3) (b) of the Ohio Administrative Code.

EMT Intermediate Course (EMTP 2150 and paramedic skills 1, 2, and 3)

All EMT-B requirements, and:

• Completed University application
• Current Ohio EMT-B certification
• Two letters of recommendation from a supervisor of the emergency medical service
• Conference with the director of the department, showing evidence of maturity, good judgement, and good moral character
• Completion of an examination which addresses aptitude in reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Remedial education in deficient areas may be required. Paramedic Program (EMTP 2100- 2102, 2200, 2300-2302, 2500) All EMT-B requirements, and:
• Successful completion of the national registry of EMT’s basic or intermediate level examination
• Must have BIOL 1130 or higher anatomy and physiology course as a pre- or corequisite (can be integrated into EMTP curriculum; e.g., EMTP 2999 Anatomy and Physiology for EMS).

Please Note

• After the first quarter, all subsequent basic and technical courses are closely related and, therefore, must be taken in sequential order.
• Only those students who have been officially accepted into the program or who have received the approval of the department’s director may take the courses beginning with the EMTP prefix, except EMTP 1010 and 1020.