The Emergency Medical Technician Basic Program trains men and women for careers in EMS. Areas of employment that are available once a student becomes state certified includes positions with private ambulance services, hospitals, fire departments, and other medical providers.
The EMT certificate prepares students to take the National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians certification exam. Upon successful completion of the program and the NREMT exam, students can apply for licensure through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The South Suburban College Emergency Medical Technician Program is dedicated to student success and committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of education and training in emergency medical service based on state and national standards.
The EMS Program goal is to create responsible, caring and competent emergency medical services professionals through the professionalism and aptitude of our instructors, that prepares graduates to take the examinations leading to national registry and/or state certification as Emergency Medical Technicians.
To prepare competent entry-level Emergency Medical Technicians in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, with the ability, upon completion, to transition to the paramedic education program.
- Cognitive Objective: Upon successful completion of this program, the student will demonstrate a working knowledge of clinical information and related topics, relevant to the practice of pre-hospital emergency medical care.
- Psychomotor Objective: Upon successful completion of the program, the student will demonstrate an ability to perform all EMT level skills.
- Affective Objective: Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to demonstrate competently and proficiently attitudes and behaviors consistent with the ethics and professionalism expected of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Enrollment Requirements
- Must be a minimum of 18 years old
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Must take Reading and English placement exams and test into RDG 082 and ENG 098 or above
- Must be a South Suburban College student and register for the course
Fieldwork and Clinical Placement Requirements
The following documents must be uploaded and verified by Castle Branch before the start of your clinical and fieldwork placement.
- Completed physical form
- Immunization Titers (MMR and Varicella)
- TB-QuantiFERON
- Annual Influenza vaccine
- Copy of your Covid-19 vaccine card (FULLY vaccinated)
- Tetanus-Diphtheria Pertussis Booster (TDAP)-must be within 10 years.
- CPR certification from the American Heart Association for Healthcare Providers
- Current health insurance
The EMT course is a fast-paced and intensive course. Students should expect to spend considerable time outside of class studying. In addition, a requirement of the course is 48 hours of clinical and fieldwork experience. Students must meet the requirements of fieldwork and clinical placement in order to complete the course.
This course is not financial aid eligible, but there may be grant opportunities available.
Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certificate
This certificate prepares students for the EMT-B State Licensure Test. The extensive curriculum includes medical aspects, legal terminology, pharmacology, childbirth, and life saving techniques, such as CPR.
National Certification
Completion of the Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certificate prepares students for the EMT-B State Licensure Test. Once licensed a student will be eligible to apply for the paramedic program. The extensive curriculum includes medical aspects, legal terminology, pharmacology, childbirth, and life saving techniques, such as CPR. The EMT candidate will participate in hands-on training in clinical and practical applications in hospital settings and field time with local fire department ambulances.
General Education
Inquiry Form
Fill out this form or call the Allied Health Department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2258 if you have additional questions about the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program at SSC.
To make an appointment concerning Allied Health Careers, contact the College & Career Success Center at (708) 210-5724.