The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a career in emergency medical services. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and is approved by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.
Program Overview
The FSCJ EMT course is a 12-credit hour program that consists of both classroom and clinical training. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified as an EMT-Basic (EMT-B) or EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P). The program covers topics such as patient assessment, trauma care, medical emergencies, and ambulance operations. Students will also participate in clinical rotations at local hospitals and ambulance services to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the FSCJ EMT course, students must meet the following admission requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Complete a background check and provide immunization records
- Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam and achieve a minimum score of 60
Course Curriculum
The FSCJ EMT course curriculum includes the following topics:
- Patient assessment and trauma care
- Medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest and stroke
- Airway management and ventilation
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Ambulance operations and safety
- Pediatric and geriatric patient care
- EMS systems and disaster response
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EMS 1119 | EMT-Basic | 12 |
| EMS 1411 | EMT-Paramedic | 14 |
Certification and Licensure
Upon completion of the FSCJ EMT course, students are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam. Passing the NREMT exam is required to become certified as an EMT-B or EMT-P in the state of Florida. Certification is valid for two years and requires continuing education to maintain.
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for EMTs and paramedics was $36,100 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on location, employer, and level of certification.
What is the difference between an EMT-B and EMT-P?
+An EMT-B (Basic) is an entry-level certification that requires completion of a 120-150 hour training program. An EMT-P (Paramedic) is an advanced certification that requires completion of a 1,200-1,800 hour training program and includes additional training in patient assessment, trauma care, and medication administration.
How long does it take to complete the FSCJ EMT course?
+The FSCJ EMT course is a 12-credit hour program that can be completed in one semester. However, students may choose to complete the program at a slower pace, taking one or two courses per semester.
Is the FSCJ EMT course accredited?
+Yes, the FSCJ EMT course is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and is approved by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.
