Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there a fee associated with taking this class?

The fees at this time are the price of the EMS uniform pants, belt, boots, and possibly sweatshirt. Also, if you have not lived in NC for 5 years or more, there will be a cost for the background check NCOEMS requires before issuing your EMT certification (if you sit for, and pass the state required EMT certification exam). I believe as of right now, that cost is about $50, but that can change. Once a student successfully completes the EMT program, and is ready to schedule their NC State EMT Exam, there will be a fee of $68.00 for each exam attempt. That amount is set by NC Office of EMS and is subject to change.

 

  • Do I have to wear a uniform?

For now, uniforms are expected to be worn on at least Tuesdays and Thursdays, but can be worn daily if you choose. Once we are able to furnish class B uniforms for all students, they will be expected to be worn every day.

 

  • Do I have to provide my own supplies? 

All supplies for instruction will be supplied by either Mitchell Community College or CATS, but it would be advisable for each student to purchase their own stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. The reason for this is because they need to have a stethoscope that they know they can hear well with before they go for their clinical rides with EMS. It is also beneficial to the students if they can have a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope so that they can practice listening to lung sounds and taking manual blood pressures that are accurate.

 

  • Why is it only open to seniors? 

According to the NC Office of EMS, Individuals must be seventeen (17) years of age to take the state exam. Individuals less than eighteen (18) years of age will not receive a credential until the last day of the month in which they turn eighteen (18).

 

  • What will I be qualified for after taking this class?

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to sit for the NC State EMT Exam, and have an opportunity to earn certification as an EMT, or they will be eligible to sit for the National Registry EMT Exam and have an opportunity to earn certification as a National Registry EMT. Either certification will qualify them for entry level employment with an EMS agency here in NC, and the National Registry certification can be used in any state in the US to gain employment as an EMT.

 

  • Do students do any field work or clinicals?

Yes, they are required to complete one 12 hour observation ride along with EMS, and two 12 hour ride along's with EMS where they will actually be doing patient care. 

 

  • Who should take the EMT class?

Anyone who is interested in going into any public service job (EMS, fire, rescue, police), anyone who is interested in going into any type of healthcare field, those who may be interested in any work or sport where medical care may be needed, and basically anyone who is interested in learning to help others who are ill or injured. The skills one learns in the EMT class may well be used to save a member of a student's own family some day. 

 

  • What class should I take before I enroll?

It would be great if students have taken the Introduction to Public Safety course prior to entering into the EMT class. The Health Science I & II classes, Anatomy & Physiology, and Medical Terminology are also beneficial classes to take ahead of the EMT class if possible. If you already have CPR certification, you will be ahead of the game, but you will still need to complete that as part of the EMT class.

 

  • Is there an application?

At this time, there is an application that must be completed and submitted to Mitchell Community College, but there is currently no selection process. The class is open to all who wish to enter.

 

  • Suggestions for students interested in EMT class:

Be current on immunizations prior to entering class (including Hepatitis B and recent TB skin test), be involved with a fire department or rescue agency, or at least have a working knowledge of what an EMT does. Be prepared to work hard. Some Saturday classes are always planned to give students extra time for hands-on skills practice. Do not be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions. Be ready to have fun learning and to be part of a new FAMILY!!