What is an Emergency Medical Technician?

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) consists of a team of medical professionals who provide emergency prehospital care and transportation of sick or injured individuals. In New Jersey, there are two levels of training for EMS personnel. The first Level is the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B). The EMT-B receives training in basic emergency care including CPR, automated external defibrillation, airway management, bandaging and splinting of injuries, management of medical emergencies, and emergency childbirth.

The second level of EMS training available in NJ is the Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic (MICP). MICP’s receive extensive advanced life support training, and are able to provide IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, medication administration, and other advanced-level therapies to their patients. In New Jersey, Paramedic students must have a minimum of one year’s experience as an EMT before they can apply for Paramedic training.

What is the EMT Training Program?

EMT training is a minimum of 110 hours in duration, and combines classroom lectures with small-group skill stations to reinforce the program’s content. There is also an additional 10-hour clinical rotation that is scheduled at one of the local hospital Emergency Departments. This provides the EMT student with the ability to practice some of the skills learned during their EMT class. New Jersey’s EMT training program is based upon a national model titled the National Standard Curriculum. Professional level CPR is a prerequisite in order to take an EMT program. CPR training can be taken through any local hospital, or Red Cross Chapter, or through the college.

Upon successful completion of the EMT-B training program, the candidate must successfully complete a written certification exam in order to obtain EMT certification. The EMT certification is renewed every three years by completing a minimum of 48 hours of approved continuing education.

What opportunities are available for EMTs?

Many of the EMS agencies in New Jersey are volunteer-based. Most volunteer agencies in this state are accepting applications from prospective EMTs. In fact, EMT training is provided free of charge through the NJ EMT Training Fund to individuals who volunteer with an eligible agency. You need to contact your local EMS agency to see if you would be eligible for sponsorship through the Training Fund.

Throughout the state there are private and hospital-based ambulance services that employ EMTs to handle both emergency calls and interfacility transportations. There is a shortage of career EMTs, and most ambulance companies will hire newly certified EMTs and provide on-the-job training. Several municipalities and/or volunteer EMS agencies, hire paid EMTs.

The Union County College EMT Program

Union County College offers EMT Training during the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. For more information about the Union County College EMT training program, please email Laurie Sheldon at Sheldon@ucc.edu or call 908-412-3559.