EMT Basic Information

• Are you interested in helping others?
• Able to take charge, handle crisis, and adapt to new situations?
• Able to function well in intense situations; followed by periods of quiet and routine?
• In good physical condition?

This information is designed to answer questions and give initial guidance in developing your personal program plan. It is also for students who have chosen or are exploring a career as a paramedic. You may take EMT-Paramedic core courses (prerequisites) a few at a time or a full schedule depending on your individual goals.

The EMT Basic curriculum is designed to develop a person to function in the pre-hospital environment as a vital link in the chain of the health-care team. These Chemeketa courses follow Department of Transportation guidelines. Successful completion of EMT151 and EMT152B qualifies the student to take the State of Oregon and/or National Registry examinations for certification as an EMT-Basic.

Contact the College Counseling Center in Bldg. 2 for general guidance about the College admission procedures. Contact EMT program staff for specific guidance about the program classes; 503.399.5163

EMT-Basic Steps to Follow:

Placement test. Complete the placement testing at the Counseling Center. Photo ID and your Social Security or your K-number will be required. To register for EMT151 you will need to place at:

• WR049 level or higher for writing skills
• RD090 or higher level for reading skills
• MTH020 or higher for math skills

Additional EMT151 requirements which must be submitted within the ten-week course.

• Documentation of completion of High School requirements with diploma or equivalent.
• Documentation of being 18-years-old by the beginning of term 2 of the EMT-Basic class.
• A "fit" determination in a criminal history check to continue with the program.
• You must register for the concurrent BLS Health Care Provider class.
• Physical fitness is important to function as an EMT. A signed Technical Standards form (as written by the program) attesting to your ability to function at that level.
• Completion of the course assignments and tests at a level of at least 80%.
• Completion of the following required immunizations/screenings by week 8:

  Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR): State law requires that persons have proof of immunity to Measles (2 doses, a positive titer, or a physician documented disease), Rubella (1 dose after age 1, or positive titer test), and Mumps (2 doses after age 1, or positive titer test).
  Tetanus: Toxoid injection within last ten years.
  TB screening: Consists of an annual Mantoux PPD Tuberculin skin test; must be current though the end of EMT152B. Those with positive reactions to the skin test or with a history of known positive reactions must have a chest x-ray and a medical evaluation certifying that they do not have active infectious tuberculosis.
  Hepatitis-B: First in the series of 3 injections or positive titer prior to the start of classes.
  Chicken Pox immunity: Two doses for those over 12 who have not had the disease.

Other information to know about the EMT-Basic courses:

• EMT151 will meet for four hours of lecture and a minimum of three hours of lab per week.
• You will be expected to wear a program-approved uniform to all EMT lectures and labs. The policy and explanation of the approved uniform is in the EMT Handbook. Questions about uniform expectations can be answered on the first day of class. These uniforms are available at the Chemeketa bookstore.
• If the course is full, contact the instructor to convey interest in being placed on a waiting list.
• There are some EMT Basic courses in the college schedule that are designated for Chemeketa Fire students only.

EMT Basic Part 2 (EMT152B)

• This course will require attendance of a seminar class weekly and clinical experience in an emergency room and with an ambulance agency.
• Other concurrent registration requirements will be for the State/National testing.

Program Costs

See college schedule and catalog for tuition and access fees. Other costs associated with  EMT-Basic as of 6/08:

Immunizations approximate $332 (1 Hepatitis req. 3 rec.)
Uniform (with optional sweatshirt) $64
Chemeketa ID $5
Stethoscope $15
Parking Permits (yearly) $25
EMT State Basic Exam $70
Pearson VUE National Registry Exam $70

All first-year courses listed in the catalog are open entry. This means that you can register for classes as they fit into your schedule without being admitted to the program. Only EMT151 and 152B must be taken consecutively. The second year of the EMT Paramedic program has admission requirements.