Emergency Medical Technology

Emergency medical technicians are health care professionals who provide emergency treatment to patients in the pre-hospital 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 pre-hospital 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. For those who would be expected to provide initial first aid and emergency care, the First Responder Course is a good choice (EMTP 1010), a 2-3 credit hour course offered every semester.

The entry level course for those wishing to transport patients is the 130 clock hour Emergency Medical Technician Basic Course (EMT-B).  This course, in conjunction with the State of Ohio certification, is one of the prerequisites for EMT-Intermediate and all paramedic programs.

The  EMT-Intermediate provides emergency care at a high level utilizing advanced skills in shock and fluid therapy, limited advanced airway, and cardiac care, etc.(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 encompassing nine courses (EMTP 2999, EMTP 2100, EMTP 2101, EMTP 2102, EMTP 2200, EMTP 2300, EMTP 2301, EMTP2302, EMTP 2500). This education includes classroom, lab, and clinical experiences.

An exciting opportunity exists for EMT-P students at Shawnee State University. 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 pre-hospital 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.