The Emergency Medical Service Academy at the Santa Rosa Junior College Public Safety Training Center is a 16-week, 200 hour/8 unit academy. The course is designed to complement the training students receive in the EMT certificate course and prepare them to work in the field.
Why should I enroll in the EMS Academy?
The focus of the Academy is training students in practical skills needed to become a successful EMT. Students will participate in physical fitness training that emulates the exact criteria used by a large private ambulance provider. The physical training will be conducted throughout the 16 weeks in preparation for the Physical Abilities Test for ambulance providers. Students will also receive 30 hours of training in Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC), earning both an EVOC and EVOS certificate. Heavy emphasis is placed on training in equipment usages, patient moving and lifting, documentation, scenario practice, customer service and medical-legal issues. At the conclusion of the Academy, students will participate in mock interviews conducted by job recruiters from local public and private agencies.
The following link is a video from our 28th EMS Academy. It demonstrates what to expect throughout the semester.
How will the EMS Academy benefit me?
Students who enroll in both the EMT course and the EMS Academy:
- Perform better in the EMT class.
- Are ready to go to work upon completion of the program, as an entry level EMT.
- Possess a solid foundation that creates a better base for paramedic training.
Local agencies/providers have expressed a desire to hire an applicant who is better prepared than those students currently exiting EMT training programs. Santa Rosa Junior College EMC Advisory Committee members representing local industry have said possessing a certificate of completion from the EMS Academy will definitely make a job applicant more desirable in the job market.
Do I need any special qualifications?
The Academy is open to students concurrently enrolled in EMT (EMC 103) or anyone that has completed the EMT program. Students must possess a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years of age. They must also possess a valid CPR (Health Care Provider or equivalent) card.
Students not concurrently enrolled in EMT (EMC 103) will be required to attend an EMT Business Day for additional requirements of the off-site clinical opportunities. Contact the EMC Department for more information.
When do classes meet?
The Academy will meet 12 hrs. per week (Wednesday 1-5 and Friday 8-5) each semester. This allows a student to take both EMT and the EMS Academy during the same week and finish both in one semester.
How do I enroll?
The EMS Academy is an open enrollment course for any student who meets the prerequisites for the course.
More information can be obtained on the EMS Academy by contacting Georgia Pedgrift - gpedgrift@santarosa.edu - 707-836-2921
What do I need prior to the class?
Medical Clearance (download PDF)
Uniform Requirements (download PDF)
Resources
US Dept of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: EMT's and Paramedics