EMT- Basic

EMT-Basic classes prepare the student for certification as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician - Basic with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Once a student successfully completes requirements for National Registry, he or she then may become certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services EMS Division as an EMT-B.

Use the following links to jump to specific information:

• Classes
• Course Expectations including prerequisites
• Career Opportunities
• How to Register

Classes
EMT-Basic classes last one semester and are offered every Fall, Spring, and 11-week Summer semester.

These classes may be taken for college credit.

• Credit courses: EMSP 1501 (Lecture and Lab) and EMSP 1160 (Clinicals)

Both classes must be taken concurrently (1501 and 1160).

Classes are primarily offered in the evenings, usually from 5:30-10 p.m. twice a week. In the summer semester, the class is held three times per week. Consult the current credit course schedule for specifics.

Please note that two full days (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) are scheduled on weekends during the semester for state required extrication training. At the the begining of each EMT-Basic semester students will gather on a scheduled Saturday morning for clinical signup.  Students will also gather on one Saturday at the end of the semester for a final skills day.

Mandatory clinicals are a defining part of the EMT-Basic education.  Clinical schedules are developed during class, however the clinicals are attended outside of class time. Clinicals may include shifts with area 911 EMS services, hospital emergency departments, hospital labor and delivery wards, and non-emergency ambulance transfer services.

Course Expectations
EMT-Basic classes are fun, active, challenging, fast-paced courses designed for the adult learner. These courses are not your typical college classes. Students are expected to spend a large amount of time outside of class studying, practicing skills, and applying the material that is presented in class.

Classes are typically team taught by certified instructors who are active participants in EMS. Lead instructors are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures and skills instructors help the students master the various skills presented in the class. Students work in a collaborative environment designed to help them stay motivated and excited about the profession.

During class, students will learn about:

• Human anatomy
• Basic human physiology
• Basic psychological information such as dealing with job stress, stages of grief, dealing with difficult patients, etc.
• Patient assessment
• Kinematics
• Trauma
• Cardiac emergencies
• Respiratory emergencies
• Metabolic/Endocrine emergencies
• Toxicological emergencies
• Special populations such as pediatric and geriatric patients
• Basic pharmacology
• Disaster response, Incident Command, Triage, HAZMAT
• Bandaging techniques
• Splinting techniques
• Oxygen administration techniques
• Basic medication administration techniques
• Spinal motion restriction techniques
• Patient lifting and moving techniques
• Traction splinting techniques
• Vital sign assessment techniques
• among others

Since students will be working in a clinical setting with real patients, students must meet certain requirements prior to attending class:

• Students must be 18 years old prior to the first day of class - no exceptions can be made
• Students must show proof of certain disease immunities/vaccinations
• Students must be recently certified in CPR at a healthcare provider level
• Students must pass a criminal background check

Career Opportunities
Certification as an EMT-Basic is the entry level for a career in EMS and is a required certification for admission into the advanced (EMT-Intermediate/Paramedic) training program at ACC. EMS certification is also a requirement for anyone seeking a commission as a firefighter in Texas.

In the local area, EMTs with paid and volunteer first responder organizations provide medical care at emergencies while awaiting an ambulance. EMTs may also be hired by hospital emergency rooms in supportive patient care roles. There are also several non-emergency and a few emergency ambulance services in the area that hire EMT-Basics. Local pharmaceutical research companies hire EMT-Basics to assist in research. Starting pay varies from $7 to $15 per hour, depending on the employer.

How to Register
Visit our EMT-Basic FAQ page for registration information and more about the EMT-Basic track. You may also contact Eric Merino at 512.223.5918 or email emerino@austincc.edu.