Emergency Medical Services

The Occupations

EMT-Basic

EMS-Paramedic

About The Occupations

EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedics are highly trained and skilled medical professionals who are educated to carry out some of the duties of a physician. EMT-Basics and EMT- Paramedics can examine, evaluate, and treat patients with equipment and medications usually only found in the emergency department of a hospital. EMT-Basic/EMS-Paramedics are typically utilized as emergency care practitioners on ambulances or on first-response emergency vehicles but their scope is rapidly expanding to many other areas. Some of these include industry, elementary and high schools, colleges, hospitals, and doctor’s offices. More challenging and higher paid positions include working in specialty areas such as a cruise ship medical department, off-shore oil drilling platforms, helicopter or fixed wing medical transport and hyperbaric oxygen chambers. Often the EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic is the sole or highest trained medical provider in these areas.

Work Environment

Employers:

EMS providers

Fire Departments

Industrial manufacturing plants

Hospital Clinics

Offshore oil drilling platforms

Air Medical/Helicopter

Typical Schedule:

40-48 hour workweek normal

Shift work normal

Overtime normal

Tools and Equipment:

Ambulance

EKG monitor, Pulse ox monitor, Stretcher

Worker Portrait

Skills and Aptitudes:

Communications

Critical Thinking

Team player

Ability to remain calm in emergency situations

Ability to make quick decisions

Physically fit

Good mechanical aptitude

Ability to administer emergency medical procedures

Good judgment

Ability to take the initiative

Leadership

Interests:

Not adverse to risk-taking

Motivated to take responsibility

Desire to serve the general public

Career Outlook

(Note: Individual earnings may vary based upon the job set- ting and position. These are ranges, not guarantees of earnings.) Sources of occupational information include the Bureau of Labor Elementary Statistical Methods, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and Americas Career Information Net.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) curriculum includes a combination of class lectures, skills, and clinical hours in the hospital and the ambulance. Navarro College’s EMS programs meet Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) and The National Registry of EMT requires for certification eligibility. Upon successful completion of the emergency medical technology services programs (EMT and Paramedic certificates and Paramedic AAS degree) students must be eligible to challenge TDSHS required national Register of EMT certification examination. A criminal background check and a drug screening is required of all Protective Services students enrolling in programs. An applicant convicted of a felony and/or misdemeanor offense may or may not be eligible for participation and/or state certification. Any applicant who has drug screening returned as questionable or positive, must follow the program’s policies of speaking with a Medical Review Officer and may or may not be dismissed from the program.

The Navarro College EMS program is accredited by:

Texas Department of State Health Services EMS and Trauma Systems

1100 West 49th Street

Austin, TX 78765-3199

Office: (512) 458-7111

The Navarro College Paramedic program is accredited by TDSHS and by:

Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP).

8301 Lakeview Parkway

Suite 111-312

Rowlett, Texas 75088

Office: (214) 703-8445

Fax: (214) 4703-8992

A criminal background check and a drug screening are required of all Protective Services students enrolling in programs. A student convicted of a felony and/or misdemeanor offense may or may not be eligible for participation and/or state certification. Any student who has a positive drug screening must follow the policies of speaking with a Medical Review Officer and may, or may not, be dismissed from the program.

Students pursing the Paramedic program should check with Financial Aid regarding details of Aid for mini semester classes. Program registration requirements, length, and mandatory uniforms can be obtained from the College’s website or the Protective Services Office.

Degree Plans

Advanced Paramedic – A.A.S.

EMT Basic Certificate (Institutional Certificate)

Paramedic Certificate