Emergency Medical ServicesEmergency Medical Services (EMS) is a dynamic field in the health care delivery system and part of an innovative effort to improve the quality of emergency health care services throughout the nation. As a result of this effort, new career fields have been created and many new opportunities exist for those involved in the administration and operation of EMS systems. EMS activities are relevant to ambulance providers, fire rescue services, hospitals, industrial health services, and military and volunteer organizations.
EMS has been designated as a Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant program. Legal residents of Maryland can enroll in this program at the in-county tuition rate; however, this program does not entitle out-of-county students to in-county admissions benefits. Howard County firefighters, like other students selecting EMT as their learning program, are entitled to the tuition benefits of the Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant. Steps to Apply to the EMS Program
- Complete general admissions procedures, including an HCC application for admission.
- Take placement tests, if necessary: Students may be exempt from the placement test if they have transcripts showing completion of college-level English and/or math at another institution OR have standardized test scores, such as SAT math and verbal scores above 550.
- Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended: Complete an official transcript evaluation request form and submit it to the Office of Admissions and Advising (RCF-242).
- Complete specific prerequisites before enrolling in EMSP courses:
- Must be at least 18 years old before enrolling in EMSP-160.
- Must show proof of current EMT-B certification.
- Must place into ENGL-096 (out of ENGL-093) and MATH-061 (out of MATH-060), or higher.
- Must complete specific prerequisite coursework before enrolling in EMSP and other supporting classes. Please refer to the EMS brochure for detailed information on the specific courses that must be completed before enrolling in EMSP classes.
What is EMT-B Training and Where Can I Get It?
EMT Basic Training (EMSP-105) provides basic emergency medical care training to personnel who care for the sick or injured with an ambulance service. The training focuses on control of the emergency scene, patient assessment, and management of patients in the fields or in an ambulance. Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the state certification exam administered by MIEMSS and for national certification through the National Registry of EMTs. A person is not considered an EMT-B, however, unless s/he is affiliated with an organization with a medical director.
Some examples of places with medical directors are: hospitals, private ambulance companies, volunteer fire units, fire and rescue organizations and clinics. Passing the exam alone does not "certify" an individual as an EMT-B; it gives students the right to affiliate with an organization and work as an EMT-B. Some community colleges do offer the EMT-B course. In addition, local fire departments, such as Howard County Fire and Rescue (HCFR), offer training.
EMS Downloads
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EMS Links
