Emergency Medical Services
Program Description
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) represents the first component of the emergency medical technician system. An EMT is trained to care for patients in their home, in an emergency situation or at the scene of an accident, and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. EMT coursework typically emphasizes emergency skills, such as patient assessment, communication, anatomy and physiology, airway management, trauma, obstetrics, and cardiac emergencies. Formal courses are combined with skills practice, practical application, and clinical time in an emergency room and on an ambulance for a total of 195 contact hours. The program also provides instruction and practice in dealing with bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, and emergency childbirth. Students learn how to use and maintain common emergency equipment, such as suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, stretchers, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, medications and, when appropriate, current backboarding devices. The program prepares the graduate to take the NREMT examination and become certified as an EMT. Career options include opportunities in hospital emergency rooms, fire departments, physicians' offices, private ambulance services, ski patrol, Urgent Care Centers, wildland firefighting, and with search and rescue.
The Paramedic represents the most advanced level of training of the Emergency Medical Technician system. At this level, the caregiver receives advanced training in patient assessment, the use of advanced procedures, medications, and the paramedic skills necessary to lead a team in the management of medical emergencies and traumatic injuries in patients of all ages. Paramedics provide the most extensive pre-hospital care. Through performance of assessments and providing advanced medical care, their goal is to prevent and reduce mortality and morbidity due to illness and injury. Paramedics primarily provide care to emergency patients in and out of the hospital setting. This program prepares the graduate to take the NREMT examination and become certified or licensed as a Paramedic. Extensive related coursework and clinical and field experience are required. Students admitted to the program must have and maintain EMT certification throughout the Paramedic program and must have completed IV Therapy and basic EKG courses. It is recommended that students take Anatomy and Physiology and /or Pathophysiology prior to entering the Paramedic program.
Admission to the Paramedic program is competitive. Admission into Colorado Mesa University does not guarantee acceptance into the Paramedic program, which requires a separate application process. Paramedics should be emotionally stable, have good dexterity, agility, and physical coordination, and be able to lift and carry heavy loads. Paramedics are employed by fire, police, rescue agencies, hospitals, private ambulance companies, flight for life, and in a variety of businesses and industries with a high potential for accidental injury or illness. Graduates from either the certificate or the AAS degree program will graduate as street-ready paramedics.
Special Requirements
Students must earn a “C” or higher for all courses required for completion of the EMS programs. This policy applies regardless of when the course was taken.
Students must possess a current CPR card while in all EMS courses.
Students must be 18 years of age prior to the start of clinical rotations- see instructor.
A Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen are required for all EMS students.
As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by CMU/CMU Tech in approximately six months after completion to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that CMU Tech receives certain federal funding.
Contact Information
CMU Tech
Office of Student Services, Kayenta Hall 102
2508 Blichmann Avenue
970.255.2670
EMTS 115 Emergency Medical Responder 3 Credits
Introduction to prehospital emergency care. Provides clear, first responder-level training for fire service, emergency, law enforcement, military, civil, and industrial personnel.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 121 EMT Fundamentals 3 Credits
Introduction to fundamental skills of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student. Topics include: EMS systems, well-being of the EMT, communication, and patient assessment.
Corequisites: EMTS 122, EMTS 123, EMTS 124, and EMTS 170.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 122 EMT Medical Emergencies 4 Credits
Knowledge and skills to effectively provide emergency care and transportation to a patient experiencing a medical emergency. Focus on the integration of the physical exam, medical history, and pathophysiology when assessing and treating the medical patient.
Corequisites: EMTS 121, EMTS 123, EMTS 124, and EMTS 170.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 123 EMT Trauma Emergencies 2 Credits
Knowledge and skills to provide appropriate emergency care and transportation of a patient who has suffered a traumatic injury. The concepts of kinematics and the biomechanics of trauma, along with pathophysiology and injury patterns, will provide the student with the ability to assess and manage the trauma patient.
Corequisites: EMTS 121, EMTS 122, EMTS 124, and EMTS 170.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 124 EMT Special Considerations 2 Credits
Knowledge and skills required to modify the assessment, treatment, and transportation of special patient populations and patients in special circumstances. This course also provides an overview of incident command, mass casualty incidents, vehicle extrication, air medical support, hazardous materials, and terrorism.
Corequisites: EMTS 121, EMTS 122, EMTS 123, and EMTS 170.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 130 Emergency Medical Technician - Basic IV Therapy 2 Credits
Focuses on cognitive and skill practice as required by Colorado Prehospital Care program for EMT-Basic level IV approval. Examines criteria, procedures and techniques for IV therapy, discusses fluid and electrolyte balance and principles and treatment for shock.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 170 EMT Clinical 1 Credit
Clinical experience required for initial certification and some renewal processes.
Corequisites: EMTS 121, EMTS 122, EMTS 123, and EMTS 124.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 190 Emergency Medical Technician - Basic EKG Interpretation 2 Credits
Interpretation of EKG strips, anatomy and physiology of the heart, using three-lead monitoring as a guide. Introduction to twelve-lead EKG.
EMTS 196 Topics: 1-3 Credits
Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.
EMTS 225 Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice 3 Credits
Introduction to the fundamentals of paramedicine. Comprehensive study of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and airway management. The course is designed to prepare students for entry-level paramedic roles. Labs provide practical application of paramedic skills.
Prerequisites: EMTS 130, EMTS 190, completion of EMT certificate, and current CPR card.
Corequisites: EMTS 225L.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
EMTS 225L Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice Laboratory 2 Credits
Introduction to the fundamentals of paramedicine. Comprehensive study of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and airway management. The course is designed to prepare students for entry-level paramedic roles. Labs provide practical application of paramedic skills.
Corequisites: EMTS 225.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 227 Paramedic Special Considerations 3 Credits
Introduction to advanced concepts in problem-focused patient history, diagnostic skills, and assessments necessary for special populations. Focuses on a comprehensive study of advanced life support practice. Labs provide practical, hands-on experience.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L.
Corequisites: EMTS 227L.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
EMTS 227L Paramedic Special Considerations Laboratory 2 Credits
Introduction to advanced concepts in problem-focused patient history, diagnostic skills, and assessments necessary for special populations. Focuses on a comprehensive study of advanced life support practice. Labs provide practical, hands-on experience.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L.
Corequisites: EMTS 227.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 229 Paramedic Pharmacology 3 Credits
Comprehensive study of emergency pharmacology and its effects on the human body. Labs provide practical applications of pre-hospital emergency medications.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L (may be taken concurrently).
Corequisites: EMTS 229L.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
EMTS 229L Paramedic Pharmacology Laboratory 2 Credits
Comprehensive study of emergency pharmacology and its effects on the human body. Labs provide practical applications of pre-hospital emergency medications.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L (may be taken concurrently).
Corequisites: EMTS 229.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 231 Paramedic Cardiology 5 Credits
Exploration of advanced cardiology topics as presented in the National Standard Curriculum for paramedics. Labs provide practical experience with advanced 12-lead interpretation.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L (may be taken concurrently).
Corequisites: EMTS 231L.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
EMTS 231L Paramedic Cardiology Laboratory 1 Credit
Exploration of advanced cardiology topics as presented in the National Standard Curriculum for paramedics. Labs provide practical experience with advanced 12-lead interpretation.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L (may be taken concurrently).
Corequisites: EMTS 231.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 233 Paramedic Medical Emergencies 4 Credits
Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of disease and conditions in the emergency setting. Labs provide hands-on experiences in live scenarios.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L.
Corequisites: EMTS 233L.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
EMTS 233L Paramedic Medical Emergencies Laboratory 1 Credit
Emphasis on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of disease and conditions in the emergency setting. Labs provide hands-on experiences in live scenarios.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L.
Corequisites: EMTS 233.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 235 Paramedic Trauma Emergencies 4 Credits
Comprehensive study of adult and pediatric trauma emergencies, with an in-depth study of the pharmacology involved in trauma patient care. Labs provide practical hands-on experience.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L.
Corequisites: EMTS 235L.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
EMTS 235L Paramedic Trauma Emergencies Laboratory 1 Credit
Comprehensive study of adult and pediatric trauma emergencies, with an in-depth study of the pharmacology involved in trauma patient care. Labs provide practical hands-on experience.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L.
Corequisites: EMTS 235.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Fees: Yes.
EMTS 237 Paramedic Internship Preparation 2 Credits
Review of concepts and techniques used in the prehospital setting. Prepares the student to enter into field internships.
Prerequisites: EMTS 225/EMTS 225L, EMTS 227/EMTS 227L, EMTS 229/EMTS 229L, EMTS 231/EMTS 231L, EMTS 233/EMTS 233L, and EMTS 235/EMTS 235L.
Terms Typically Offered: Summer.
EMTS 280 Paramedic Internship I 6 Credits
Preceptor/internship program for paramedic students and the third phase of the National Standard Paramedic Curriculum course, as approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Includes 250 contact hours.
Prerequisites: EMTS 237 (may be taken concurrently).
Terms Typically Offered: Summer.
Fees: Yes.