The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified EMTs. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and is based on the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the EMT program at FSCJ, including the certification process, course requirements, and career opportunities.
EMT Program Overview
The EMT program at FSCJ is a limited-access program that requires students to complete a series of prerequisites before being accepted into the program. The program consists of 12 credit hours of coursework, which includes both classroom and clinical instruction. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam, which is required to become a certified EMT in the state of Florida.
The EMT program at FSCJ covers a range of topics, including patient assessment, trauma care, and medical emergencies. Students also receive training in emergency vehicle operations and communication techniques. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to provide emergency medical care in a variety of settings, including ambulance services, fire departments, and hospitals.
Course Requirements
The EMT program at FSCJ includes the following courses:
- EMT 1119: Emergency Medical Technician
- EMT 1119L: Emergency Medical Technician Lab
- EMT 1126: Emergency Medical Technician Clinical
Students must also complete a series of prerequisites, including:
- BSC 2085: Anatomy and Physiology I
- BSC 2086: Anatomy and Physiology II
- ENC 1101: English Composition I
Students who are accepted into the program must also undergo a background check and provide proof of immunization before starting the clinical portion of the program.
Certification Process
To become a certified EMT in the state of Florida, students must complete the EMT program at FSCJ and pass the NREMT certification exam. The exam consists of two parts: a cognitive exam and a psychomotor exam. The cognitive exam tests students’ knowledge of emergency medical concepts, while the psychomotor exam tests students’ ability to perform emergency medical skills.
Students who pass the NREMT certification exam are eligible to apply for certification as an EMT in the state of Florida. Certification is valid for two years and must be renewed by completing continuing education requirements and passing a recertification exam.
| Course | Credit Hours | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| EMT 1119 | 6 | BSC 2085, BSC 2086, ENC 1101 |
| EMT 1119L | 2 | EMT 1119 |
| EMT 1126 | 4 | EMT 1119, EMT 1119L |
Career Opportunities
EMTs who graduate from the program at FSCJ are eligible to work in a variety of settings, including:
- Ambulance services
- Fire departments
- Hospitals
- Emergency medical services (EMS) agencies
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of EMTs is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for EMTs was $36,670 in May 2020.
Salary and Benefits
The salary and benefits for EMTs can vary depending on the employer and location. However, according to the Florida Department of Health, the average annual salary for EMTs in Florida is around $40,000. Benefits for EMTs may include:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Uniforms and equipment
What are the prerequisites for the EMT program at FSCJ?
+The prerequisites for the EMT program at FSCJ include BSC 2085: Anatomy and Physiology I, BSC 2086: Anatomy and Physiology II, and ENC 1101: English Composition I.
How long does it take to complete the EMT program at FSCJ?
+The EMT program at FSCJ can be completed in one semester, which is approximately 12 weeks.
What is the cost of the EMT program at FSCJ?
+The cost of the EMT program at FSCJ varies depending on the student’s residency status and other factors. However, according to the FSCJ website, the estimated cost of the program is around $3,000.
