Hawaii EMT, EMS and Paramedic Training
KAPI'OLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CAREER LADDER PROGRAMS
WHAT IS THE EMS CAREER LADDER PROGRAM?
First Level Ambulance Provider- Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate (EMT-I)
The Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate (EMT-I) provides basic & advanced life support to patients in the prehospital emergency setting. Specific EMT-I functions include: establishment and maintenance of airway; administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); control of hemorrhage; treatment of shock; immobilization of fractures; bandaging of wounds; assisting in childbirth; management of patients with behavioral disorders; and initiation of treatment for poisoned and burned victims. Graduates are qualified to take the National Registry Examination for certification as an EMT-I and can apply for work with an ambulance service.
Second Level - Mobile Intensive Care Technician (MICT)
The second level is the Mobile Intensive Care Technician (MICT) which is also known as the Paramedic (EMT-P). Certification as an EMT-B or an EMT-I is a prerequisite to the MICT program. The MICT is prepared to perform advanced life support functions in the pre-hospital emergency setting under the direction of a medical doctor. In addition to all functions performed by an EMT-B & an EMT-I, a MICT performs advanced functions such as: administering intravenous fluids; administering medication; performing endotracheal intubation; recording and reading electrocardiograms; and using the cardiac monitor defibrillator. Graduates are qualified to take the National Registry Examination for certification as an EMT-P and can apply for work with an ambulance service. Positions for MICTs are readily available in Hawaii.HOW CLASSES ARE TAUGHT?
Both, EMT-I and MICT programs, includes classroom instruction, clinical experience within hospitals, and learning experience in ambulances. Students may gain the competencies required for entry level positions in the field. The EMS Career Ladder Programs use multimedia approaches based on the premise that active participation and personal responsibility for learning are the most successful methods for adult education. Therefore, theoretical classes include discussion groups with students presenting assigned portions of the content. Skill practice outside of the class and self-evaluation in the clinical setting are expected.
HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED?
Educational programs for Emergency Medical Technicians-Intermediate (EMT-I) and Mobile Intensive Care Technicians (MICT) were initiated as credit programs in Fall, 1986. These programs are career-ladder programs with the EMT-I level as a prerequisite to the MICT level. The EMT-I program is one semester. The EMT-I program is offered every Fall and Spring semester. Prerequisites for the EMT-I program are Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy & Physiology. Successful completion of the EMT-I courses provides the students with a Departmental Certificate of Recognition and qualification to take the National Registry EMT-I Certification exam. Successful completion of the prerequisites and the EMT-I courses qualifies the student for the College Certificate of Completion. The MICT program includes an additional 1,357 hours, of which 457 are in the classroom, and 900 in the clinical area and on the ambulances. Successful completion of these courses provides the student with a letter of completion from the department and the qualification to take the National Registry EMT-P Certification Exam. Students completing the general education courses (e.g. English, Math, etc.) as outlined by the College earn an Associate of Science MICT degree from the College.
WHEN AND WHERE ARE CLASSES HELD?
All EMS classes in the State of Hawaii are sponsored by Kapiolani Community College. Classes are held on Oahu, and at training centers in each county. Addresses for each EMS center are given at the end of this pamphlet. In Honolulu, Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate classes are regularly scheduled for both Fall (day classes) and Spring (evening classes) semesters. In Hilo, EMT classes are generally held once a year when employment demand exists. EMT courses may be offered on Kauai or Maui if sufficient student and employment demand exists. The Mobile Intensive Care Technician course is offered in Honolulu beginning in January of each year. The Mobile Intensive Care Technician course is generally offered in Hilo every other year.
HOW MUCH DO THE CLASSES COST?
For 2003-2004, the tuition and fees for Hawaii resident students will be $45.00 per credit; tuition and fees for non-resident students will be $242.00 per credit. Uniforms, books, stethoscopes and other equipment, liability insurance, and fees for certification are also the responsibility of the student. These costs are approximately $400.00 for each level. Hawaii residence status involves physical presence in Hawaii for a minimum of at least one year prior to the beginning of classes, and the intention of making Hawaii your State of residence (e.g., filing Hawaii Residents Income Taxes). Exemption from non-resident tuition is not to be confused with resident classification for admission purposes.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE MYSELF TO ENTER THE PROGRAM?
A copy of the curriculum for the EMT and MICT programs is attached. It is strongly recommended that applicants take as many of the general education courses as possible prior to entrance into either program. BIOL 130, BIOL 130L (BIOL 130 and BIOL 130L may be substituted with all of the following classes: ZOOL 141, ZOOL 141L, ZOOL 142, and ZOOL 142L), and HLTH 125 are prerequisites and must be completed prior to the application deadline. It is highly recommended that you obtain experience in the health field (volunteer or paid) Submit Kapiolani Community College Math and GE Placement Test with minimum scores of Math 24 & Compass Reading level of 74. Neighbor island applicants can complete the compass placement tests at their neighbor island community college. Please call your placement testing centers at Hawaii Community College Placement Testing Center (974-7503), Maui Community College Student Services (984-3267), Kauai Community College Counselor Creighton Fujii (245-8311), Leeward Community College Placement Testing Center (455-0482), Windward Community College Learning Center (245-7498), or Honolulu Community College Counseling Office (845-9129). It is recommended that applicants have excellent health and manual dexterity. EMT and MICT programs do a great deal of heavy lifting; thus the ability to lift and carry at least 100 pounds is important. Excellent communication skills and judgment are very important. The National Registry of EMTs require that applicants be at least 18 years of age.
HOW DO I APPLY TO THE EMT OR MICT PROGRAMS?
Detailed application information is on the attached sheet. Application deadlines for Oahu are April 1st for the Fall EMT program and October 1st for, both, Spring EMT and MICT programs. A University of Hawaii Common Application Form and an EMS Supplementary Application Form must be submitted. These forms are available through the Department of Emergency Medical Services or the Office of Admissions at Kapiolani Community College, or can be obtained by filling out the request form located on the bottom of the last page. Please send request forms to: Department of Emergency Medical Services, Kapiolani Community College, 4303 Diamond Head Road Kauila 121, Honolulu, HI 96816
ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR EMS CENTERS ON EACH ISLAND
Department of Emergency Medical Services Hawai’i EMS Training Center
Kapiolani Community College Hawaii Community College
4303 Diamond Head Road 200 West Kawili St.
Kauila 121 Bldg. 381, Room 8
Honolulu, HI 96816-4496 Hilo, HI 96720-4091
(808) 734-9288 (808) 935-8002
Kauai EMS Training Center Maui EMS Training Center
Kauai Community College Maui Community College
3-1901 Kaumualii Highway 310 Kaahumanu Avenue
Lihue, HI 96766 Kahului, HI 96732
(808) 245-7973 (808) 244-4063