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Odessa CollegeLearn everything you need to know about the program and how to take the first step toward enrollment.
The Emergency Medical Services Professional program prepares students for careers in paramedicine, a fast-paced and challenging health care field. Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics provide immediate, life-saving care to the sick and injured. Entry-level First Responders (EMTBasic) are trained to provide basic emergency medical care because they tend to be the first persons to arrive at the scene of an incident. Many firefighters, police officers, and other emergency workers have this level of training. An EMT-Basic is trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. The EMT-Paramedic has more advanced training and assessment skills that allows the administration of intravenous fluids, interpreting electrocardiograms and giving lifesaving shocks to a stopped heart, as well as performing advanced airway techniques and using equipment to assist patients experiencing respiratory emergencies.
Odessa College offers two levels of EMT training: Basic and Paramedic. The Odessa College Emergency Medical Services Professional Program grants two levels of awards: a level one certificate in Emergency Medical Services Professional – Paramedic and an Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services Professional. All courses in the level one certificate apply to the associate's degree. Depending upon individual circumstances, students may be required to repeat courses prior to acceptance into the program after completing an award or are transferring from another institution. The program combines classroom and/or online instruction with supervised laboratory, clinical/practicum, and ambulance experiences to prepare the graduate for certification. EMT classes are exciting and challenging courses. Students are expected to spend a large amount of time outside of class studying and applying the material that is presented in class.
With department approval, students can take EMT-Basic classes even if unsure of future plans to continue with paramedic level training. Although students do not earn an Odessa College certificate at this level, successful completers can become certified through the credentialing agency. Skills include: CPR, bandaging and splinting, traction splints, mechanical aids to breathing (oxygen, bag-mask, suctioning, oral and nasal airways, and pocket masks), patient assessment, vital signs, spinal immobilization, automated external defibrillation, pneumatic anti-shock garment, epinephrine auto-injector, and nebulizer bronchodilators. Certification requirements: Minimum age 18; high school diploma or GED; EMT-Basic skills proficiency verification by training program; state-administered National Registry certification exam; and submission of EMS Personnel Certification Application and fee.
With department approval and certification as a DSHS EMT-Basic provider, students can continue with paramedic level training. Odessa College includes intermediate and advanced skills in the paramedic curriculum. Skills include: EMT-Intermediate skills, medication administration, EKG interpretation, cardioversion, and cardiac arrest simulation (megacode). Certification requirements: Minimum age 18; high school diploma or GED; DSHS EMTBasic, Intermediate and Paramedic skills proficiency verification by training program medical director; and written and practical exam administered by National Registry. A licensed paramedic has an associate's degree (or higher) and tests on the same skills for EMTParamedic.
The admissions process for the EMT-Basic Program is competitive and applicants must meet all minimum criteria in order to be eligible for ranking. Ranking points are obtained from the most recent Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) V (AH-Category G) or Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) is an option and an interview using Job Fit. Official TEAS V test scores are valid for five (5) years and only the most recent test score will be used. Official TSI assessment scores are valid for five (5) years and only the most recent test score will be used.