Programs

Emergency Medical Science – Paramedic
Associate in Applied Science Degree (A45340)

EMT-Basic ( Emergency Medical Technician Basic)

EMT classes last one semester and are offered every Fall, Spring, and 10-week Summer EMT-BOOT CAMP at the Albright Public Safety Building on the Dallas Campus.  Classes are offered every Fall and Spring at the Lincoln Campus in Lincolnton and late Fall at the East Campus in Belmont, NC.   

• Fall and Spring Curriculum Courses for College Credit courses:
  • EMT-Basic, EMS 110 (Lecture, Lab and Clinicals) Daytime Class Sections
     
• Fall, Spring and Summer Initial Continuing Education Classes
  • EMT-Basic, EMS 3044 (Lecture, Lab and Clinicals) Afternoon and Evening Classes

General information about EMT-Basic classes

Continuing Education classes are primarily offered in the evenings, usually from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm twice a week. Consult the current credit course schedule or continuing education schedule for specifics.

Please note that at least two full days (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) are scheduled on a weekend during the semester for extrication scenario training and technical scope of practice.

Mandatory clinicals are a defining part of the EMT-Basic education.  Clinical schedules are developed during class, however the clinicals are attended outside of class time. Clinicals include shifts with area 911 EMS services.

General information about EMT-Basic course expectations

EMT-Basic classes are fun, active, challenging, fast-paced courses designed for the adult learner. These courses are not your typical college classes. Students are expected to spend a large amount of time outside of class studying, practicing skills, and applying the material that is presented in class.

Classes are typically team taught by certified instructors who are active participants in EMS. Lead instructors are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures and skills instructors help the students master the various skills presented in the class. Students work in a collaborative environment designed to help them stay motivated and excited about the profession.

During class, students will learn about:

• Human anatomy
• Basic human physiology
• Basic psychological information such as dealing with job stress, stages of grief, dealing with difficult patients, etc.
• Patient assessment
• Kinematics
• Trauma
• Cardiac emergencies
• Respiratory emergencies
• Metabolic/Endocrine emergencies
• Toxicological emergencies
• Special populations such as pediatric and geriatric patients
• Basic pharmacology
• Disaster response, Incident Command, Triage, HAZMAT , and Terrorism response.
• Bandaging techniques
• Splinting techniques
• Oxygen administration techniques
• Basic medication administration techniques
• Spinal motion restriction techniques
• Patient lifting and moving techniques
• Traction splinting techniques
• Vital sign assessment techniques
• Advanced Airway Management
• among others

Since students will be working in a clinical setting with real patients, students must meet certain requirements prior to attending class:

• Students must be 18 years old to receive North Carolina certification - no exceptions can be made
• Students must show proof of certain disease immunities/vaccinations
• Students must be certified in CPR at a healthcare provider level prior to entering class

General information about EMT-Basic career opportunities

Certification as an EMT-Basic is the entry level for a career in EMS and is a required certification for admission into the Emergency Medical Science-Paramedic training program. EMS certification may also be a requirement for anyone seeking a position as a firefighter in North Carolina.

In the local area, EMTs with paid and volunteer first responder organizations provide medical care at emergencies while awaiting an paramedic ambulance. EMTs may also be hired by hospital emergency rooms in supportive patient care roles. There are also several non-emergency and a few emergency ambulance services in the area that hire EMT-Basics. Starting pay varies from $7.00 to $15.00 per hour, depending on the employer.

For further information about the EMT-Basic class

Contact Cindy Allen at (704) 922-6241 or via email at allen.cindy@gaston.edu.

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