Emergency Medical Technician—Basic (EMT-B) and Paramedic (EMT-P)

Most fire departments prefer hiring candidates who have already met state certification requirements for firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics work for fire departments, ambulance services and hospital emergency units. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006-2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook, job openings in these careers are expected to grow by as much as 27 percent by 2014. For more information on career outlook and salary information for EMTs and Paramedics, visit the BLS web site.

College of DuPage offers certificate programs in Emergency Medical Technician, which is offered each semester, and Paramedic, which is offered once a year. Students interested in completing these courses are encouraged to enroll early, as the classes fill up quickly. See certificate requirements below.

Emergency Medical Technician—Basic (EMT-B)
8 credit hours
Completing EMT training is a first step toward becoming a paramedic, and is also a great way for students to decide whether this is a career they would truly like to pursue. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-B) are trained in basic emergency skills, rescue techniques, assessment of illness and the handling of hazardous materials. An EMT-B is trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. The EMT-B has the emergency skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies.
[EMT Handbook]
[Certificate Requirements]

Paramedic (EMT-P)
32 credit hours
Paramedics are EMT-B certified and receive more advanced training to perform more difficult pre-hospital medical procedures. Paramedics have advanced training in the administration of intravenous fluids, the use of manual defibrillators to give lifesaving shocks to a stopped heart, and the application of advanced airway techniques and equipment to assist patients experiencing respiratory emergencies. In addition, paramedics extensive pre-hospital care on the scene of an accident or other life-threatening situation. In addition to carrying out the procedures already described, paramedics may administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex equipment.
[Paramedic Handbook]
[Certificate Requirements]



How to Become a Firefighter Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Degrees and Certificates Course Descriptions Bachelor Transfer Programs Fire Officer Classes Firefighter Testing Informational Video Home		Darryl Haefner, coordinator M 104 (630) 942-2107 E-mail Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences Division IC 1028 (630) 942-2495
	Emergency Medical Technician—Basic (EMT-B) and Paramedic (EMT-P) Most fire departments prefer hiring candidates who have already met state certification requirements for firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics work for fire departments, ambulance services and hospital emergency units. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006-2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook, job openings in these careers are expected to grow by as much as 27 percent by 2014. For more information on career outlook and salary information for EMTs and Paramedics, visit the BLS web site. College of DuPage offers certificate programs in Emergency Medical Technician, which is offered each semester, and Paramedic, which is offered once a year. Students interested in completing these courses are encouraged to enroll early, as the classes fill up quickly. See certificate requirements below. Emergency Medical Technician—Basic (EMT-B) 8 credit hours Completing EMT training is a first step toward becoming a paramedic, and is also a great way for students to decide whether this is a career they would truly like to pursue. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-B) are trained in basic emergency skills, rescue techniques, assessment of illness and the handling of hazardous materials. An EMT-B is trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. The EMT-B has the emergency skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies. [EMT Handbook] [Certificate Requirements] Paramedic (EMT-P) 32 credit hours Paramedics are EMT-B certified and receive more advanced training to perform more difficult pre-hospital medical procedures. Paramedics have advanced training in the administration of intravenous fluids, the use of manual defibrillators to give lifesaving shocks to a stopped heart, and the application of advanced airway techniques and equipment to assist patients experiencing respiratory emergencies. In addition, paramedics extensive pre-hospital care on the scene of an accident or other life-threatening situation. In addition to carrying out the procedures already described, paramedics may administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex equipment. [Paramedic Handbook] [Certificate Requirements]