Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (Certificate)

8 credit hours. View Course Requirements for Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.

The EMT-Basic is designed to prepare students to enter into the pre-hospital care field by participating in classroom lectures, performing skills in lab settings, and continuing the learning process in a field experience in the hospital emergency room and riding with ambulance services/fire department EMTs.

Students completing the Heartland Community College EMT-B Program are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT certification examination. 

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification serves as a validation of your basic competencies in emergency medical services (EMS). However, it’s essential to understand that NREMT certification alone does not grant you a license to practice in any state.

1. NREMT Certification:
   • The NREMT was established to create a standardized training and certification process across the United States. If you pass the NREMT exam and become certified, you demonstrate that you’ve met the minimum competencies required for EMS practice.
   • It’s a national certification, but it doesn’t automatically allow you to work in any state.
2. State Licensure:
   • To work as an EMS professional in a specific state, you must obtain a state license from the Office of EMS in that state.
   • Each state has its own requirements, regulations, and licensing process.
   • The state license is what legally permits you to practice within that state’s boundaries.
3. Reciprocity:
   • While NREMT certification doesn’t directly grant you the right to work anywhere, it does facilitate reciprocity in many states.
   • Approximately 40 states recognize NREMT certification and allow for reciprocity.
   • However, even in these states, you may need to fulfill additional requirements (such as continuing education or state-specific exams) to meet their standards.

In summary, NREMT certification provides a foundation, but you’ll still need to obtain a state license to practice as an EMS professional in a specific state. Always check with the state EMS office where you plan to work for accurate and up-to-date information on licensure requirements.  

Enrollment Requirements

To register for the EMT-Basic course (EMT 101), students must meet the following requirements:

• Age 17 or older*
• High school diploma or equivalent**

*Per Illinois law, students who complete the program prior to turning 18 years of age will be eligible to test but will not be eligible for licensure until their 18th birthday.

**Students must possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of licensure application.

Registration for EMT 101 will close at midnight on the Sunday before classes begin.

Enrollment Considerations

Time Commitment

EMT 101 is an 8 credit hour/9 contact hour course with 7 hours of lecture time and 2 hours of lab time each week. This course can be completed in 16 weeks. In addition, students will complete 28 hours of clinical time outside of class, with the time split between a hospital emergency department, emergency dispatch center, and an ambulance in order to complete the course requirements and to be eligible to challenge the state or national exam.

Review the Essential Functions of the Job

Students enrolled in the EMT program must be able to perform the EMT essential functions (PDF) with or without reasonable accommodations. Any applicant or enrolled students are encouraged to contact Student Access and Accommodation Services to discuss any concerns associated with the program.

Clinical Requirements

Criminal Background Check

Criminal background checks are required to participate in the field experience portion of the course. Students will be required to complete an Authorization to Conduct Background Check form during the first week of class. Students with questions regarding background checks or questions on eligibility for EMT licensure may contact the McLean County Area EMS Office at 309-827-4348. View the list of potentially disqualifying convictions and information on a waiver process.

Students with results triggering disqualification will be referred to the waiver process. Students will not be allowed into the clinical environment until their waiver has been approved.

Health Requirements & Immunizations

Proof of the following current immunizations are required prior to being allowed into the clinical environment:

• TDaP (Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis) - Proof of TDaP administration within the past 10 years OR a TDaP vaccine administered within your lifetime and Td booster administered within the past 10 years
• MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) - Proof of 2 MMR vaccinations OR a positive MMR antibody titer for all 3 components
• Varicella (Chicken Pox) - Proof of 2 vaccinations OR a positive Varicella antibody titer
• Hepatitis B Vaccination - Proof of completed vaccination series AND a positive Hepatitis B antibody titer
• TB Test - A 2-step TB test with negative results (If positive, contact faculty for additional guidance)
• Influenza - Proof of influenza vaccination (current year) OR a signed vaccine declination form
• COVID - Proof of COVID vaccination OR a signed vaccine declination form
• Health Insurance Coverage - Proof of current personal health insurance
• Student Background Check - A completed criminal background check through Viewpoint Screening (Program faculty will provide information on how to complete the background check upon registration)
• State Identification Card - State driver's license OR State identification card OR passport