Kishwaukee College’s emergency medical services (EMS) program, which includes emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic training, is relaunching this fall. The program is made available through coordination with Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital EMS System. It is accredited through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs (CAAHEP). No application is required for entry into the EMT program. Applications for the paramedic program are accepted now through May 8 at 4:00 pm.
EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency situations, perform various medical services and assist with transportation of patients to medical facilities. Training can help prepare someone to work in ambulance services, emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, fire departments, law enforcement or other rescue services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics as $35,400 in May 2019.
Kish’s EMT certificate program takes one semester to complete and prepares students for certification as an EMT. Students are trained in many critical skills such as CPR, giving patients oxygen and administering glucose to diabetics. EMTs can perform many medical services which do not require breaking skin such as starting an intravenous line or administering injections. No application for EMT training is required.
Both a degree and certificate option are available for paramedic at the College. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, cardiology, medications, medical procedures and more. Certified paramedics can administer medications, provide advanced airway management, resuscitate patients and support patients with significant problems such as heart attacks or trauma. The next paramedic cohort begins Fall 2020. Applications are being accepted now through May 8, 2020.
For more information on the emergency medical services program at Kish, please visit www.kish.edu/academics/programs/emergency-medical-services.