Emergency Medical Services - EMS

Industry Description

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system encompasses a wide field of people who respond to emergencies in many different arenas. First responders and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT–Basic and EMT–Paramedic) are found in many careers across the nation. EMTs and First Responders are multi–skilled emergency care providers, dedicated to patient care management. 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. 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, pass a personal background check conducted by the state. A student who is disqualified by the Minnesota Department of Health will be withdrawn from EMS training at a college.

Educational Programs

• certificate
• diploma
• degree programs

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities teach federal Department of Transportation (DOT) curriculum and the programs are 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. Clinical/patient care experience is a required component of the EMT–B course and is scheduled with hospitals and other emergency healthcare services. After successful completion of the course, the student is eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) skill and written examinations. With a passing score, a certificate from the National Registry and a State of Minnesota certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) will be issued to the student.

Career Fire Departments may require EMT–Basic training as a prerequisite to hiring. State and local law enforcement services require First Responder training. In addition many law enforcement officers also respond as EMT–Basics or EMT–Paramedics.

Careers & Occupations

• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance services;
• Emergency room and urgent care facilities, 911 dispatchers & rescue teams;
• Career firefighters, law enforcement;

• Security services, the Department of Correction, government services;
• Public utility services, airline industry, casinos, sport and entertainment centers, ski slope medics, sport trainers and coaches, fishing and hiking guides, forest and park rangers and more.