According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, EMTs and Paramedics are projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to require the skills of EMTs and paramedics. The need for these health services professionals is likely to increase as a new wave of retirement is expected to occur in the next couple of years.
To prepare for this high demand profession, the combined Fire Fighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) vocational certificate has been developed to prepare graduates with the technical skills needed to fulfill roles and positions in the fire service and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) industry. The coursework will include applied technical skills in both firefighting and emergency medical services. The program (750 hours/25 Credits) is designed to provide the firefighter standards training followed by the EMT training. Financial Aid has approved this program for eligible students.
The Miami Dade College Medical Campus (MDC-Med) Emergency Services program prepares its graduates to become members of the pre-hospital emergency medical care environment and other acute care areas of the hospital. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Associate program is designed according to national and state standards and includes the completion point of three college credit certificates: First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedic.
MDC-Med is situated in the heart of Miami, straddling many historical neighborhoods including Overtown, Downtown Miami, Liberty City, Buena Vista, and East Little Havana. Miami-Dade County is the largest metropolitan area in the State of Florida and has significant health and socioeconomic disparities to address. With that in mind, our EMS students gain invaluable learning experiences as they participate in the hospital emergency room and fire rescue field-internship course. They are the first to arrive on a scene and provide the initial assessment and direct patient care in the pre-hospital environment.
The Medical Campus Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is a one-semester program of study requiring ten credits. Before entry into the Emergency Medical Technician program, students must have completed training as a First Responder, which is a seven-week program of study requiring two credits for completion. Upon completion of the Emergency Medical Technician College Certificate Program, graduates are eligible to apply to the Florida Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for permission to participate in the examination process. A Florida Emergency Technician license is granted to students who complete the State board examination. The EMT program is offered every semester at the Homestead, North, and Medical campuses.
The Medical Campus Paramedic program is a three-semester program of study requiring 42 credits for completion. Our students will learn to provide advanced medical and trauma care in the pre-hospital environment. A paramedic is responsible for the emergency on-scene treatment, life-saving stabilization, and transport of ill or injured patients to an acute care facility. Additionally, Paramedics provide direct patient care in emergency rooms, clinics, and ambulance services. A Florida Paramedic license is granted to students who complete the State board examination. The Florida Department of Health accredits the Paramedic Program at Miami Dade College, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions. The Paramedic program is offered every semester at the Medical Campus.
