Emergency Medical Services Program
Complete program description 
Program Description
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certificate and diploma programs are designed to prepare students for all aspects in emergency patient care. The EMS system encompasses a wide field of first responders and different levels of emergency medical technicians (EMT's) who respond to emergencies in many different careers across the nation. Occupations that support EMT's are: ambulance services, emergency room and urgent care facilities, rest and group homes, career firefighters, law enforcement, treatment centers, security services, the Department of Correction, government services, public utility services, airline attendants, airports, casinos, sport and entertainment centers, ski slope medics, sport trainers and coaches, fishing and hiking guides, forest and park rangers, rescue teams, 911 dispatchers, business and industry emergency response teams and many more.
Anoka Technical College follows the National DOT curriculum and is approved by the State of Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB). The EMSRB issues the state certification and requires a background check. The courses are delivered in a lecture/lab configuration in which the student must take an active role in lecture and a self-directed approach in lab. Clinical/patient care experience is a required component of the EMT B course and is scheduled with hospitals and other emergency healthcare services. Upon successful completion of the course, the student is eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) skill and written examinations. Upon successful completion of the NREMT examinations, the students will receive National Registration and State of Minnesota certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Courses are available as stand-alone courses, a Certificate Program, or a Diploma Program. Upon completion of 26 program credits the student will receive a Certificate in Emergency Medical Services. Upon completion of 50 program credits the student will receive a Diploma in Emergency Medical Services.
The Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT B) and CPR/First Aid courses can be completed in the first semester. The EMT Intermediate/Enhanced (EMT I/E) course is more advanced and must be enrolled in after the EMT B is completed. The remaining courses can be completed in the second semester or when available. The EMT Basic (EMED1000) is a prerequisite to the EMT Intermediate and the EMT-Paramedic program. CPR for the healthcare provider must be completed prior to or during the first half of the EMT B course.
Industry Description
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) and First Responders are found in many careers across the nation. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system encompasses a wide field of people who respond to emergencies in many different arenas. EMT's and First Responders are multi-skilled emergency care providers, dedicated to patient care management in emergency situations.
Minnesota Law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a health care facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health; have a background study conducted by the state. An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study, and whose disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, will not be permitted to participate in a clinical placement in a Minnesota licensed health care facility. The College will withdraw any student who is disqualified by the Minnesota Department of Health. The student is responsible for requesting the Commissioner to reconsider the disqualification.
Careers
EMT-Basics are found taking care of patients on a Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance Service as well as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulance Service with an EMT-Paramedic. Ambulance Services as well as emergency room departments and urgent care facilities employ many EMT's who have pre-hospital emergency care training to assist in these emergency departments or other areas in the hospital or clinic. Because of the growing shortage of personnel in the healthcare field, the EMT Intermediate/Enhanced course was designed to meet the needs of emergency providers in the community. Partnerships between the college and the emergency departments and transportation services further enhance the knowledge and skills of our students. With advanced training, students become more marketable as emergency providers in the emergency healthcare field. Career firefighters now need EMT Basic training as well as firefighter I & II training; most firefighters are required to have at least First Responder Training. State and local law enforcement services require First Responder training; however, many law enforcement officers also respond in some areas as EMT Basics or EMT Paramedics.
Education as a First Responder or an Emergency Medical Technician can lead to a satisfying and fulfilling profession in the emergency medical system and enhances many careers throughout our nation's workforce.
Courses are also available as STAND ALONE courses. Courses taken as stand-alone courses are not eligible for financial aid.
Students who enroll in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Certificate or Diploma program may be eligible to receive financial aid.
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Diploma may fulfill all prerequisites for most EMT Paramedic programs.
Length of Program
Emergency Medical Services Certificate 26 credits
Emergency Medical Services Diploma 50 credits
Start Dates
Fall Semester August
Spring Semester January
Summer Session June
(Daytime and Evening classes offered)
Program Contact
Don Schulte
Phone: (763) 576-4798
E-mail: dschulte@anokatech.edu
For information on how to apply or how to schedule a campus tour, contact the Admissions Office.
Phone: (763) 576-4850
E-mail: info@anokatech.edu
If any courses in the EMS Diploma Program have already been completed, one or more of the following may be substituted on advisor approval. In addition, any of the courses listed below can be taken on a stand alone basis.
If any courses in the EMS Certificate Program have already been completed, one or more of the following may be substituted on advisor approval. In addition, any of the courses listed below can be taken on a stand-lone basis.
