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Career Opportunity – EMT Training Starts Soon

O’NEALS – Anyone wishing to earn their qualifications as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is encouraged to attend training, starting Aug. 19, at Minarets High School.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone just starting out, or wanting to make a career change,” says Gina Hartley, local EMT who teaches the course along with paramedic, husband Bill. “The medical field is fairly recession-proof.

(Pictured is the logo designed by Minarets students, including the Minarets Mustang silhouette)

The EMT Course is a comprehensive study in the Basic Life Support assessment, treatment, and management of the pre-hospital patient. The training is a joint effort by Minarets High School and Sierra Ambulance Service.

Participants will study anatomy & physiology, medical & trauma emergencies, ethical & legal issues, Emergency Medical Services systems & operations and other topics. Approved through the Central California Emergency Medical Services Authority (CCEMSA), this program can prepare you for a career as an EMT.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive proof of course completion which will allow them to take the National Registry of EMTs Exam.

“California has some of the toughest standards to get through,” says Hartley. “When you complete the course, take your National Registry of EMTs Exam and get your state card, you are employable anywhere in the U.S. And since California has some of the toughest standards, most states are eager to hire you.”

EMT certifications open up career opportunities in the fire services, law enforcement, military, emergency medical services, clinics and hospitals.

Of the five recent graduates of this EMT course, all five were successful on their first try, passing the National Registry exam. The nationwide average is 67%.

The training takes 18 weeks, with classes meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at Minarets High School. They also meet about one Saturday a month, from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., so that anyone who misses class during the week will have a chance to make up their hours.

The EMT Course has three components for a total of 160 hours: didactic (136 hours) which includes practical, hands-on skills training, the clinical/field ride-along (24 hours), and final testing (4-8 hours). Through lectures, interactive presentations, skills labs, and simulations, you will build the knowledge and skills to care for patients.

“We have lots of hands-on training,” says Hartley. “We bring the ambulance out so students can go through and learn about the equipment we have on the unit – heart monitors, blood pressure cuffs, how to use the backboards – they learn how to use all our medical equipment.”

The cost for the training is just $500 including textbook. Considering that other EMT training in the area ranges from $750 to $1050 with a waiting list, This could be the perfect career path for a very small investment.

Classes are already underway, so interested parties should contact the course leaders as soon as possible. Students must be 18 years old to receive their certification from National Registry, but need not be 18 to take the class. There is no upper age limit for participants.

“There’s no age limit on learning!” says Hartley.

For more information call Bill or Gina Hartley at 559-658-1052 or email hartburns2010@yahoo.com

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online