General Information

EMTs are health care professionals who possess special knowledge and skills in pre-hospital emergency medicine. They are the eyes, ears and hands of the physician at the hospital, and as such, they render basic life support to patients at the scene of their injuries or illness and continue this while transporting them to the hospital. At all times, EMTs are in radio contact with the physician at the hospital. EMTs are part of the rapidly expanding branch of the health care profession known as EMS (Emergency Medical Services).

EMT Length of Training

EMT training is a combination of classroom instruction (lectures and hands-on practical skills) plus ambulance clinical experience. Actual classroom time is approximately 240 clock hours with an additional 72-120 clock hours of clinical experience. Classes meet either two 8-hour day sessions per week or 4 four- hour night sessions per week. Attendance is extremely important. Classroom absences are strongly discouraged and clinical absences are very limited, regardless of reason.

Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the National

Registry/State of Tennessee EMT written and practical examinations.

EMT Progression Policy 

Students must maintain satisfactory attendance with no more than three absences per semester. An overall average of 75% must be maintained on written examinations and practical skills. Clinical rotations are PASS/FAIL.

Additional Requirements & Expectations

Upon acceptance into the program, the student will be required to undergo a drug screen and a physical examination. The drug screen is required in order to attend clinicals and the physical is required for state licensure. All immunizations records must be up-to-date.

Malpractice insurance must be purchased when registering for the first semester of training. This is required in order to attend clinicals.

Clinical uniforms must be purchased prior to the start of clinicals.

Criminal Background Checks

Following acceptance and prior to entering the first career course in a designated health care program, each student must undergo a criminal background check in order to comply with policies of affiliating clinical practice agencies. It shall be the student’s responsibility to comply with instructions provided upon acceptance and provide the results by a designated date. The check will be at the expense of the student. Students who do not meet this requirement in a timely manner or whose background does not meet agency standards will not be able to successfully complete the program.

Additionally, a criminal background may preclude licensure or employment. Individuals with a question concerning this should schedule an appointment with the program director.