EMT Enrollment Information
Enrollment
Students should register for the EMTC B50 course (8 units) either online or through the Bakersfield College Admission and Records Office. The course is offered each fall and spring, two evenings per week OR 4 days per week for 16 weeks. Additionally, this course is offered each summer as a day-time, four day a week course.
Basic Life Support (Formerly CPR)
Prior to the beginning of the EMT Program, and then throughout the program, students are required to show proof of a valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support - Healthcare Provider card.
This BLS card must be valid until the end of the EMT Program. It is the student's responsibility to obtain a current BLS card, to scan and upload a copy to their electronic portfolio, and to carry a copy of this card while attending clinical in the healthcare facilities.
Physical Examination Requirements
A physical examination completed by a physician of the student's choice is required when entering the EMT Program to demonstrate that a student meets the following technical standards necessary to meet the program objectives. Appropriate immunizations are also required and are performed at the student's expense.
Essential Technical Standards
Students must meet the following essential technical standards to ensure the safety and welfare of the patients, the healthcare team, and themselves. A physical examination performed by a medical doctor determines whether a student meets the technical standards or any accommodations that may be necessary.
Standing and/or walking most of a shift
Bending or crouching several times per hour.
Lifting and carrying a minimum of 30 pounds several times an hour
Lifting and moving up to 300 lbs. with the assistance of 2-3 persons
Reaching overhead above the shoulder 90 degrees.
Utilizing eyesight to observe clients and manipulate equipment under various illumination levels.
Hearing to communicate with the patient and healthcare team.
Manipulating medical equipment and accessories, including but not limited to switches, knobs, buttons, keyboards, patient lines, and tubes, utilizing fine and gross motor skills.
Performing the assigned job responsibilities with the intellectual and emotional functions necessary to ensure patient safety and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
Utilizing sufficient verbal and written skills to efficiently communicate in English with the patient and healthcare team.
Utilizing the above standards/functions to respond promptly to the patient's needs and/or emergency situations.
Screening
Drug/Alcohol
As a condition of application in any Allied Health Program with a clinical laboratory component, students are required to submit to and pass a designated drug and alcohol screening at the student's expense.
Background Screening
Every student enrolled in the EMT Program will be required to submit to a background screening (at the student's expense) as part of his or her clinical requirements for admission.
Please note the following:
A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render a student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies.
If a student cannot obtain background clearance from the clinical agencies, it will not be possible to place the student in the clinical areas, which is a required component of the program.
In the event that a student cannot obtain a background clearance, the space will be forfeited.
Students who are found to be ineligible for clinical placement by the clinical agency after admission to the nursing program shall be subject to dismissal from the program, as they will be unable to complete mandatory clinical rotations.
Licensure/Certification Eligibility
Students with a misdemeanor and/or felony arrest conviction, either current or prior, may not receive certification or licensure from the State or County and may not be eligible to finish the program.
Also, proof of citizenship (social security card and certified birth certificate) and fingerprinting are required by State certification/licensure agencies.
Anyone who wishes clarification may contact the Kern County Emergency Medical Services Office at (661) 868-5200.
