How To Become An EMT At Bakersfield College
The Bakersfield College EMT Program trains students as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-1). The program is made up of 152 hours. 24 of those hours are clinical experience on an ambulance and/or hospital emergency room. The EMT program will prepare the Bakersfield College student with the skills to perform emergency medical car as an integral part of a field emergency team. The Bakersfield College EMT Program also equips the student with an in-depth understanding of assessment techniques and the proper skills which are required to provide emergency care to an injured or ill victim in a field (prehospital) setting.
Once the Bakersfield College EMT Program has been completed, the student will then be eligible to take the certification examination to become an EMT-1. As an EMT-1, you will be able to be employed by hospitals, private ambulance companies, and private companies to provide necessary care in the event of injury or illness. The EMT-1 certification is required for CHP officers, private ambulance companies, and other emergency care providers. Some EMT-1 graduates work offshore on oil rigs as the first contact for injured or ill employees. They also often work at private events, sports events, and many other types of events.
Many graduates of the Bakersfield College EMT Program decide to further their education by becoming paramedics, or use their EMT-1 certification as part of a prerequisite for applying for a firefighter position.
The EMT-1 certification from Bakersfield College meets all California State requirements, and also complies with the Kern County Authority (local EMS) for protocol training. This is also required for those who will be working on private ambulances, prospective Fire Department employment, and certain law enforcement positions. The EMT-1 certification from Bakersfield College is proof of completion of an EMT-1 approved program which is needed in order to take the national EMT licensure examination.
The Bakersfield College EMT Program must be completed with a grade of “B” or higher.
Employment Opportunities For Emergency Medical Technicians
Many graduates of the Emergency Medical Technician certification program find employment with private ambulance companies, hospitals, Fire Departments, and other settings where emergency healthcare is needed. For those who work offshore, they are typically the first contact with employees are ill or injured. The Bakersfield College graduates are able to find employment Statewide.
The EMT-1 course is two evenings per week for 16 weeks. 7.5 units are earned for the EMT-1 program. The units earned in the Bakersfield College EMT Program are transferable to the California State University system.
Pre-Admission Requirements
Every student for the Bakersfield College EMT Program must have an American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider card. Within 4 weeks of the start of the EMT program, immunizations and a mandatory physical are required.Students are also required to pass a drug and background screening.
Financing Your Education
Although tuition has skyrocketed in recent years at California’s Community College System (including Bakersfield College) and the California State University System (including CSU Bakersfield), there is plenty of financial assistance that DOESN’T have to be repaid. Everything from Pell Grants to Tuition waivers for community college students is available. The Board of Governors Tuition Waiver can cover ALL costs for students who demonstrate financial need.
Bakersfield College Allied Health 661-395-4281 Office: MS-178 1801 Panorama Drive Bakersfield, CA 93305