Emergency Services
(45-50 credits)
Program Description
The Certificate of Completion in Emergency Services prepares students with fundamental knowledge and skills in emergency services including medical, unmanned aircraft systems operation, and emergency management. Courses provide opportunities for earning multiple certifications that prepare students for entry level positions in various emergency services including Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Operations. This program is offered by the Allied Health Department.
The Program offers two tracks: the Emergency Management Track and the Emergency Health Studies Track. Each track provides students with opportunities to move into careers within emergency services.
The Allied Health Department also offers two courses that may be offered without enrolling in the one-year Certificate of Completion programs: the Emergency Medical Technician course and the Phlebotomy course. For more information about those courses, please see the Emergency Medical Technician/Phlebotomy page.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates from SKC’s Emergency Services - Health Studies Track will be eligible to test for registration as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or may continue in the program to earn additional certifications in areas of emergency management that qualify graduates for work as an incident manager, dispatcher, or communications officer. The degree also may be used as a step in a career pathway toward other allied health degrees.
Graduates from the Emergency Services - Emergency Management Track are prepared to work in emergency planning and operations. The program emphasizes emergency operations within tribal communities and reservations.
Program Requirements Specific to the Emergency Health Studies Track
Admission to the Emergency Medical Technician course is limited. Students must meet requirements for the EMT course and meet with the program director prior to enrolling in the EMT course. Admission into the EMT course is based on a points system that will be available on September 11.
Requirements for the Emergency Medical Technician course include the following. All requirements must be complete and on file in the Allied Health Department before starting the EMT course.
- Completion of an Application for Admission to the Winter Emergency Medical Technician course. The complete application and submission of required application documentations must be submitted to the Allied Health Department Head (275-4847) by November 5. Students will be notified of admission within two weeks of November 5. Students must CONFIRM their intention to enroll in the program by November 19.
- Documentation of 11th grade reading level or above on college placement test. Contact the Department of Academic Success (275-4792) for information about the placement test. Provide copy with EMT application.
- Documentation of MMR (2), Hepatitis B Series, current influenza vaccine, and a current Tuberculosis Skin Test completed within the prior three months before the course starts. Provide copy with EMT application.
- Documentation of health insurance, IHS beneficiary status, Medicaid, or Medicare coverage. Provide copy with EMT application.
- Ability to pass a federal background check.
- Emergency Medical Technicians may be required to lift up to 100 pounds.Applicants are required to schedule a physical examination. Sign-off to participate in the EMT course by a licensed healthcare provider is required.
- Other requirements as stated in the Emergency Medical Technician application.
Note: Students with a history of criminal convictions (whether felony or misdemeanor) relating to crimes such as, but not limited to, physical assault, use of a dangerous weapon, sexual abuse or assault, abuse of children, the elderly or infirm and crimes against property, including robbery, burglary and felony theft, may not be eligible for licensure as an EMT. Students with concerns in this area should consult with the program director.
The Salish Kootenai College Emergency Medical Technician course prepares students to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and apply for licensure in Montana. The NREMT is accepted in many states as a prerequisite for licensure or may be accepted through a reciprocity agreement to determine eligibility. The SKC EMT program conforms to requirements in Montana. The College has not determined whether the program meets specific licensure requirements in other states. Students planning to work as an EMT in another state should consult that state’s requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the Emergency Services Certificate of Completion, students will be able to:
- Describe components of the Emergency Services System including federal, state, tribal, and local entities and their authority, responsibility, and requirements.
- Communicate clearly in written and verbal form with emergency services providers and the general public.
- Demonstrate critical thinking in formulating effective response to natural and man-made disasters.
- Describe the specific needs of rural and tribal communities related to emergency services.
- Act within legal and ethical frameworks of emergency services practice.
- Complete course requirements for application to take the EMT Registry Examination.