Wednesday 30 May 2012

Online EMS Training Programs, Courses and Classes

Those who want to pursue emergency medical services training online can do so at the basic, intermediate and paramedic levels. All programs are available in a hybrid format, with distance-learning courses complementing in-person components, and they are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Online Certificate Program Overview

This program allows students to work toward EMT-Basic certification from their state of residence as well as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Lessons cover pre-hospital emergency medical training and techniques. Students familiarize with basic emergency medical techniques, including windpipe obstructions, diabetes management, cardiovascular trauma and shock emergencies. To be eligible for enrollment, applicants must have an up-to-date CPR certificate from an accredited institution.

Program Information and Requirements

This program can be completed in one semester. It consists of 2-4 courses that can be taken completely online, as well as one laboratory course that must be completed on campus. In addition, students are required to complete a set amount of hours applying their EMS skills to real-world practice at a local healthcare emergency department.
Enrollees must have a computer with a high-speed connection to the Internet. Course material is typically accessed through a system such as Blackboard, which hosts assignments, streaming video and downloadable PowerPoint presentations.

Common Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Courswork

Students in this program can log in to their accounts online to access course material. In addition to coursework and emergency room training, students must log hours practicing introductory EMT techniques on an ambulance to achieve their certificate of completion. Rather than being broken down into several topics, EMT-Basic certificate programs typically comprise one single comprehensive class about general emergency care.

Basic Emergency Care Course

This course introduces students to the fundamental responses that emergency care technicians exhibit in emergency situations. Students view demonstrations on how to assess various injuries, including burns, abrasions, blunt trauma, fractures, dislocations, drowning and unconsciousness.

Career Information for Certificate-Holders

This certificate is often attained by working professionals who want to supplement their training in their occupations in fields such as law enforcement, outdoor recreation, public health, education and security. Because it is the lowest level of EMS training, many certificate-holders work as on-call volunteers at local hospitals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate Online Certificate Program Overview

This certificate program is available online to those who have completed an EMT-Basic program and want to continue their studies and potentially advance their certification. Students acquire advanced EMS training in pharmacology, defibrillation, airway obstruction, medicine administration, trauma management and patient assessment.

Program Information and Requirements

The time needed to complete an EMT-Intermediate program varies by institution, and can range from 7-14 semester hours. Programs are always offered in a hybrid format; students may take the academic courses online, but real-world application of EMT skills must be completed in emergency rooms, laboratory classes and on an ambulance. Students access course materials through online teaching programs like Blackboard and WebCT.
Participants of this program need to have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. It is recommended that the student have a printer to create hard copies of course material from which to study. The computer should also have audio and video capabilities to stream lectures and presentations.

Common Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate Coursework

Applicants to this program must be proficient in math, writing and English according to state standards, and must also hold a high school diploma or GED certificate to enroll. Prospective students must also have completed an EMT-Basic certificate program and hold a current CPR certificate. This program is not divided into EMS subfields, instead covering intermediate-level practices through one ongoing, graduating lesson.

Advanced EMT Practice Course

Students devote the first portion of the semester to the study of human anatomy and physiology. They then study emergency-related concepts, such as pharmacology, cardiac emergencies, pediatrics, behavioral emergencies and trauma management.

Career Information for Graduates

Those who complete this program are eligible for employment as emergency room technicians or EMT-Is working under the supervision of a paramedic on an ambulance. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs earned an average of $30,000 per year as of May 2009 (www.bls.gov).

Overview of an Associate of Applied Science in EMT-Paramedic Program

This degree program is available to those who want to achieve the highest education level of pre-hospital EMS care. Although individuals can enroll in an EMT-Paramedic program that leads to a certificate and not an associate's degree, many institutions offer the latter to ensure that graduates have the highest skill level attainable for a paramedic, and can advance to management positions. Graduates of this degree program are equipped with the necessary medical and psychological skills to effectively assess and treat emergency medical patients.

Program Information and Requirements

The range of time needed to complete an AAS in EMT-Paramedic program is between 66-80 semester-hours, and can be completed in three years. It is always offered in a hybrid format. Students can take academic courses online, but must complete laboratory courses on campus as well as field practice at local emergency rooms and ambulatory agencies.
Degree candidates can access the course material through programs such as Blackboard and WebStudy, or by downloading PowerPoint presentations and recorded lectures and videos directly from a school's website. Students must have access to a computer with audio and video capabilities, a printer and high-speed access to the Internet.

List of Common EMT-Paramedic Courses

Applicants must hold at least an EMT-Basic certificate, as well as have cleared background checks, physical examinations, immunizations and drug screens. In addition to core medical courses, students must complete general education requirements in mathematics, psychology and English.

Introduction to Paramedic Care Course

Students learn the fundamental concepts of paramedic care, including the functions, responsibilities and ethical principles to which paramedics. Concepts central to this course include pathophysiology, first response techniques and patient assessment.

Emergency Cardiology Course

This course prepares students to assess and perform life-saving techniques for individuals experiencing cardiac trauma. These techniques include electrocardiograph imaging, defibrillation, administering medication and overall patient assessment. This course is often offered in conjunction with the American Heart Association's Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Course.

Issues in Pediatrics and Women's Health Course

A course in pediatrics and women's health prepares students for the potential issues that arise with these particular patients. Lessons emphasize emergency childbirth delivery and pediatric emergency care practices.

Career Information for Graduates

Licensed paramedics are employed by law enforcement, fire departments and ambulance agencies as well as hospitals, industrial facilities and educational institutions. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), top-paying industries for this profession include iron and steel mills, mining support, waste management, state government and medical laboratories. The pay scale ranges from $42,000-$55,000 for these industries. The employment rate for paramedics is expected to rise by nine percent between 2008 and 2018, as reported by the BLS.

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