Emergency Medical Services Associate Degree
EMT–Basic Certificate
EMT–Intermediate Certificate (on hold)
EMT–Paramedic Certificate

Emergency Medical Technicians work under the direction of a physician to act as the primary pre-hospital care provider in the health care system. They must first make a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition and the overall situation. They may then need to provide immediate life-saving care. Technicians must demonstrate a high degree of technical skill, calmness, and professionalism, even under the most adverse conditions.

Columbus State’s associate degree program in Emergency Medical Services exposes students to a wide variety of victim care situations, including direct patient care in local hospitals and on emergency vehicles. Instructors are highly experienced and active in the field of emergency medicine.

In addition to the associate degree, the Emergency Medical Services program offers the EMT–Basic Certificate, the EMT –Intermediate Certificate and the EMT–Paramedic Certificate accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS (certificate # 311). The EMT-Paramedic Certificate program is also nationally accredited through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions. For information on additional certificates, see the Emergency Medical Services Technology Coordinator.

Students in the EMT–Basic Certificate program must first complete the EMT–Basic course, and then pass the State/National EMT-B Certification written and practical exams. By state law, a student must be a certified EMT–Basic before enrolling in the EMT–Intermediate or the EMT–Paramedic Certificate programs. In addition to the above, to be eligible for admission into the Paramedic Certificate program students must also complete a prerequisite course EMS 201 (Paramedic Preparation Course) and a pre-testing process, which includes the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET).

Good mental and physical health is critical in emergency medical services. Students must have a physical examination and must meet program health requirements before they may participate in clinical laboratory experiences. Because students and workers in the health care field may be exposed to infectious materials and communicable diseases, the program emphasizes safety and prevention. In addition, all students must be covered by EMT-student liability insurance while enrolled in the certificate courses. To meet clinical affiliation agreement requirements, students in the Intermediate and Paramedic Certificate programs must successfully complete a BCI&I background check and a SAM-5 drug screen.

Upon completion of the associate degree requirements in Emergency Medical Services Technology, the graduate will be able to:

• Perform all of the duties included in EMT–Basic and EMT– Paramedic training, after successfully completing State of Ohio/National certification exams in these two areas.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of emergency medical service.

• Prepare for and deal with disasters, including those involving hazardous materials.

• Explain the complexity of emergency medical service.

EMT–Basic Certificate

Students completing the EMT–Basic Certificate will be able to:

• Meet State of Ohio/National requirements to take the EMT–Basic certification examination.

• Evaluate the nature and seriousness of a patient's condition or the state of the patient's injuries and assess requirements for emergency care.

• Administer appropriate emergency care to stabilize the patient's condition, including tracheal intubation and automated external defibrillation.

• Lift, move, position, and otherwise handle the patient in such a way as to minimize discomfort and further injury.

EMT–Intermediate Certificate (on hold)

Students completing the EMT–Intermediate Certificate will be able to:

• Meet State of Ohio/National requirements to take the EMT–Intermediate certification examination.

• Perform all duties of an EMT–Basic.

• Initiate appropriate intravenous procedures as specifically authorized by medical authority.

EMT–Paramedic Certificate

Students completing the EMT–Paramedic Certificate will be able to:

• Meet State of Ohio/National requirements to take the EMT–Paramedic certification examination.

• Perform all duties of the EMT–Basic.

• Initiate appropriate intravenous procedures as specifically authorized by medical authority.

• Initiate and continue emergency medical care under medical control, including recognizing presenting conditions and initiating appropriate invasive and noninvasive therapies (e.g., surgical and medical emergencies, airway and respiratory problems, cardiac dysrhythmias, cardio pulmonary arrest, and psychological crisis), and assessing the response of the patient to that therapy.

For information on additional certificates see the Emergency Medical Services Technology Coordinator.

Specific Program Admissions Information

Listed below are additional requirements for admission to the Emergency Medical Services Technology.

• High school graduate or GED equivalency

• 18 years of age or older (contact EMS Coordinator)

• Completed health record required PRIOR TO registration

• COMPASS placement Into ENG 100 OR completion of equivalent course as verified on CSCC transcript.