female paramedic working on street scene

Emergency Medical Technician Registration Requirements

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) requires a core curriculum that is presented in a minimum 180-hour training program. It is recognized that there is additional specific education that will be required of an EMT who operates in the field (i.e., ambulance driver training, heavy and light rescue, basic extrication, special needs, etc.). It is also recognized that this information might differ from locality to locality, and that each training program or system should identify and provide special training requirements. This curriculum is intended to prepare a medically competent EMT to operate in the field. Enrichment programs and continuing education will help fulfill other specific needs for the EMT education.

National Standard Curriculum has been adopted by College of DuPage (COD) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and represents how EMT’s assess patients in an emergency situation. This course is designed for individuals who seek training in emergency care for victims of accidents and illnesses and covers techniques currently considered to be within the scope of an EMT’s responsibility. The EMT course meets or exceeds licensure by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and certification by the National Registry of EMT’s (NREMT).

Note: Although the National Registry of EMT's (NREMT) does not require an individual to have a Social Security Number to challenge the NREMT Certification Exam, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) does require an individual to have a Social Security number to obtain a license as an EMT or Paramedic.

Spring 2025 Registration

Registration for Spring 2025 EMT (Fire 2271) courses begins as early as Wednesday, Nov. 6 for returning students based on completed credit hours with COD. Visit Registration Services for more information.

Open registration begins on Wednesday, Nov. 13 and remains open until all seats are filled or until the spring semester has started.

Program Information Disclaimer

This webpage is published for the purpose of information only and is not to be regarded as a/n irrevocable contract between the student and the program. The program reserves the right to change, at any time, without notice, requirements, fees and other charges, curriculum, course structure and content, and other such matters as may be within its control, not withstanding, any information set forth in the program information webpages in accordance with COD policies and procedures.

Job Description - Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) respond to emergency calls to provide efficient and immediate care to the critically ill and injured, and to transport the patient to a medical facility. After receiving the call from the dispatcher, the EMT drives the ambulance to the address or location given, using the most expeditious route, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The EMT must observe traffic ordinances and regulations concerning emergency vehicle operation. The EMT:

  • functions in uncommon situations
  • has a basic understanding of stress response and methods to ensure personal well-being
  • has an understanding of body substance isolation
  • understands basic medical-legal principles
  • functions within the scope of care as defined by state, regional and local regulatory agencies
  • complies with regulations on the handling of the deceased, notifies authorities and arranges for protection of property and evidence at the scene

Upon arrival at the scene of crash or illness, the EMT parks the ambulance in a safe location to avoid additional injury. Prior to initiating patient care, the EMT will also "size-up" the scene to determine that the scene is safe; the mechanism of injury or nature of illness; the total number of patients; and to request additional help, if necessary. In the absence of law enforcement, the EMT creates a safe traffic environment, such as the placement of road flares, removal of debris and redirection of traffic for the protection of the injured and those assisting in the care of injured patients. The EMT determines the nature and extent of illness or injury and establishes priority for required emergency care. The EMT renders emergency medical and or trauma care, to adults, children and infants based on assessment findings.

Duties include but are not limited to:

  • opening and maintaining an airway
  • ventilating patients
  • administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including use of automated external defibrillators
  • providing prehospital emergency medical care of simple and multiple system trauma such as:
    • controlling hemorrhage
    • treatment of shock (hypoperfusion)
    • bandaging wounds
    • immobilization of painful, swollen, or deformed extremities
    • immobilization of painful, swollen, or deformed neck or spine
  • providing emergency medical care to:
    • assist in emergency childbirth
    • manage general medical complaints of altered mental status, respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, allergic reaction, seizures, poisoning behavioral emergencies, environmental emergencies, and psychological crises. Additional care is provided based upon assessment of the patient and obtaining historical information
      • searching for medical identification emblems as a guide to appropriate emergency medical care
      • assisting patients with prescribed medications, including sublingual nitroglycerin, epinephrine auto-injectors and hand-held aerosol inhalers
      • administration of oxygen, oral glucose and activated charcoal
      • reassuring patients and bystanders by working in a confident, efficient manner
      • avoiding mishandling and undue haste while working expeditiously to accomplish the task

Where a patient must be extricated from entrapment, the EMT assesses the extent of injury, gives all possible emergency care and protection to the entrapped patient, and uses the prescribed techniques and appliances for safely removing the patient. If needed, the EMT radios the dispatcher for additional help or special rescue and/or utility services. Provides simple rescue service if the ambulance has not been accompanied by a specialized unit. After extrication, provides additional care in triaging the injured in accordance with standard emergency procedures.

The EMT is responsible for:

  • lifting the stretcher (be able to lift and carry 125 pounds)
  • placing it in the ambulance and seeing that the patient and stretcher are secured
  • continuing emergency medical care while enroute to the medical facility

The EMT uses the knowledge of the condition of the patient and the extent of injuries and the relative locations and staffing of emergency hospital facilities to determine the most appropriate facility to which the patient will be transported, unless otherwise directed by medical direction. The EMT reports directly to the emergency department or communications center the nature and extent of injuries, the number being transported and the destination to assure prompt medical care on arrival. The EMT identifies assessment findings, which may require communications with medical control, for advice and for notification that special professional services and assistance be immediately available upon arrival at the medical facility.

The EMT:

  • constantly assesses the patient enroute to the emergency facility, administers additional care as indicated or directed by medical control 
  • assists in lifting and carrying the patient out of the ambulance and into the receiving medical facility
  • reports verbally and in writing, their observation and emergency medical care of the patient at the emergency scene and in transit, to the receiving medical facility staff for purposes of records and diagnostics
  • upon request provides assistance to the receiving medical facility staff

After each call, the EMT:

  • restocks and replaces used linens, blankets and other supplies
  • cleans all equipment following appropriate disinfecting procedures
  • makes careful check of all equipment so that the ambulance is ready for the next run
  • maintains ambulance in efficient operating condition
  • ensures that the ambulance is clean, washed and kept in a neat orderly condition
  • in accordance with local, state or federal regulations, decontaminates the interior of the vehicle after transport of patient with contagious infection or hazardous materials exposure

Additionally the EMT:

  • determines that vehicle is in proper mechanical condition by checking items required by service management
  • maintains familiarity with specialized equipment used by the service
  • attends continuing education and refresher training programs as required by employers, medical control, licensing or certifying agencies

Course Description

Fire 2271: Emergency Medical Technician (10 credits)
Course covers the care and handling of the critically ill and injured with emphasis on the development of student skills in assessment of illnesses, injuries and proper procedures of emergency care. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is part of this course and certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) will be awarded. Fall, spring and summer class offerings vary for each semester. Check the course search for class schedules and availability.

Attendance

Students must attend all classes, be on time for each session and not leave early. To qualify for the National Certification & Licensing Exam, students must maintain 80% on all class exams by mid-term, maintain 80% on all assignments and exams mid-term through the end of the term, pass all practical exams, not miss more than 18 hours of classroom time, and complete a minimum of 25 hours in an emergency room and/or ambulance ride time. If students do not meet these requirements, they may stay in class and receive a grade, but they cannot challenge the National Certification & Licensing Exam. Early registration is important since classes fill up quickly. There are no overloads, seat reservations, or permits given for EMT Fire 2271.

Books and Supplies

  1. Emergency Care by AAOS plus computer access code. This book MUST BE purchased new at the College of DuPage bookstore, which includes ALL necessary components. Failure to purchase the textbook at the College of DuPage bookstore will result in an additional $200 fee (subject to change) for an access code through the publisher for the mandatory computer (on-line) components of the class. The digital version of the textbook also contains the required access code and is an option in lieu of the physical/hard copy of the textbook.
  2. Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers by the American Heart Association (AHA).
  3. Students are required to purchase a pocket mask, stethoscope and current textbooks prior to the first day of class. All items can be purchased from the COD Bookstore. Prior to your clinical rotation, you will be issued a photo ID card. The cost of the card is $5 and the ID will be issued during scheduled class time.

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

College of DuPage requires all students not fully covered by financial aid or military benefits to enroll in a payment plan or pay their account balance by the payment due date. If you have not enrolled in a payment plan or paid your account balance by the payment due date, you may be dropped from your classes for the amount owed.

Financial Aid is available to any eligible student enrolled in the college for six or more eligible credits. Grants, loans, on-campus employment, veteran’s grants and scholarships are aid options available to help students meet their education expenses. If you are planning to apply for financial aid and have not already done so, visit the Financial Aid website or contact the Financial Aid office at (630) 942-2251. It can take six to eight weeks for processing, so if you have not already completed your FAFSA form, you may need to sign up for the standard payment plan and be reimbursed once your financial aid is processed.

If you are a veteran and are planning to use veteran’s benefits, visit Veterans Services and the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs website. If a company will be paying for your tuition or you have a chargeback agreement from another community college, contact our Third Party Billing/Chargeback representative in Registration at (630) 942-3289.

Criminal Background Check Information

All health care workers and student health care workers are required to undergo a criminal background check in order to work in a clinical setting. A student with a positive background check containing disqualifying conditions as defined by Federal and State law will not be allowed to enter the clinical portion of the program. A student with a positive background check containing disqualifying conditions as defined by Illinois State Law (225ILCS46/25) and 77 Ill Adm. Code 955 Section 955.160 will not be allowed to enter the clinical portion of this program, thus preventing the student from obtaining mandated certification and/or licensure.

NOTE: You may have been convicted and not sent to jail. People are often fined or given probation or conditional discharge rather than jail time, but these are still considered convictions. If you are unsure as to whether an arrest resulted in a conviction, contact the county in which you were arrested and speak to a representative in the Circuit Clerk’s office, State’s Attorney’s office or your attorney.

A Criminal Background check needs to be completed (not just submitted to Castlebranch) prior to registration for the Emergency Medical Technician training program.

Appearance at Clinical Sites

A student’s overall appearance should be neat, clean and professional.

Dress Code

  • Everyone: NO tank tops, tube tops, muscle shirts, T-shirts, sleeveless shirts, exposed midriffs, jeans, gym suits, stretch pants, cut-offs, hip huggers, shorts or tight-fitting clothing. No visible body piercing is allowed on or in any part of the anatomy. Earrings may be worn, but no dangling earrings or hoops.
  • Women: Slacks, blouses with collars (short or long sleeve) tucked into slacks; no skirts; comfortable, clean shoes (no heels, sandals, open toes, etc.).
  • Men: Trousers, shirts with collars (short or long sleeve) tucked into trousers, comfortable and clean shoes (no boots, sandals, etc.).

All hospitals and their facilities are non-smoking. If there is no designated area to smoke, it means students cannot smoke anywhere on hospital property. If in doubt, ask. Students who are firefighters can wear their uniforms with permission from the hospital. If a student is not properly attired with the necessary equipment (photo identification, student ID, watch with a second hand, pen, clinical form,stethoscope and their name on the clinical schedule), or if they violate patient confidentiality or break any hospital rules, they will be asked to leave and may not be able to return.

All students must schedule their clinical time with the consent of their instructors, fire department, and hospital. Students should call the clinical site/contact person if they cannot make a designated clinical time. If they do not call, the clinical site will not re-admit them for participation in future clinical appointments.

Go to your clinical rotations with a positive attitude! Remember, you are representing College of DuPage, the Emergency Medical Technician program, and most importantly, yourself!

Statement on Health Requirements

See the EMT Health Requirements packet for details. Follow the steps and dates on the appropriate Steps For Completing Health Requirements PDF closely. The health requirements are completed at the student’s expense. Students will still need to be “cleared” by Edward Corporate Health before scheduling clinical time.

If students do not submit the necessary paperwork, do not obtain the required examinations and vaccinations, and/or are unable to obtain clearance to participate in all the program’s clinical activities, without restrictions and/or precautions, they may be considered ineligible program completion and can be withdrawn from the program course in which they are registered without refund. This also include having a clear drug screen, including but not limited to, testing negative for marijuana.

Statement on Medical Care and Health Insurance

Students are responsible for their own medical care and health insurance while in the program. Students must possess health care insurance in order to train at the clinical affiliate. The student is responsible for any costs that may be incurred related to personal injuries he/she may acquire while performing activities at the clinical affiliate. The affiliating clinical facility and/or College of DuPage cannot be held liable for such injuries. Visit the Center for Access and Accommodations for additional details. Students are required to provide evidence of current health insurance coverage. Please follow specific guidelines as instructed for submitting proof of insurance.

Statement on Medical Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice insurance is required and is included in the clinical education tuition costs on an annual basis. That is, the cost of the insurance is included with the tuition costs for FIRE 2271. Students must be officially registered and listed on the instructor's class roster to be covered by the malpractice insurance.

Program Prerequisites

Students must complete and pass the Reading and Writing placement tests (or equivalent) or a grade of “B” or higher in FIRE 1183 (previously Fire 2283) Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and a criminal background check prior to registration. Students must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent by date of the certification exam. High school students may take this course through the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) if they are in their senior year (students must meet with their high school advisers by their junior year to qualify for this dual credit program). A Criminal Background check needs to be completed PRIOR to Registration for the Emergency Medical Technician program.

Miscellaneous Information

For additional information about any programs at College of DuPage, consult the college Catalog, the Class Schedule or visit cod.edu. For questions concerning the EMT program, visit the Fire Science website; contact the Fire Science Manager at (630) 942-2107.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The College prohibits discrimination in its admissions, employment, and educational programs or activities based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, arrest record, military status or unfavorable military discharge, citizenship status, and physical or mental disability.

The College will protect an individuals’ right to express their viewpoint or opinion, so long as it does not violate State or Federal law and is not detrimental to the College.

This Policy against discrimination applies throughout all College environments, whether on campus, at work assignments off campus, at College-sponsored social functions, or otherwise. Procedures to facilitate the College’s prohibition of discrimination will be promulgated consistent with the Policy. (Board Policy 20-5).

*While College of DuPage does not discriminate in its programs, there may be certain limitations imposed by state and/or national accrediting bodies. Visit the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for additional ADA information.

Student E-Mail Policy

College of DuPage will send all official communications to you through your official COD email (dupage.edu). You will no longer be able to use a preferred email account. You do have the option to forward these communications to a personal email account if you wish. Check out your COD email to get the message about:

  • Official COD communications
  • Financial aid communications
  • Petition to graduate
  • Transfer credit evaluation
  • Prerequisite proof Sensitive
  • FERPA-related communications
  • Transcript order Important messages from instructors

For more information, see the College's student email policy.

EMT Registration Steps

Follow the steps outlined below to register for the EMT program. You may also print a copy of the EMT Registration Steps below.

Step 1: Apply

 If you have not been admitted to College of DuPage, complete the non-refundable $20 College of DuPage General Admissions Application online. This application is for general admissions to College of DuPage only. 

Step 2: Submit Transcripts

To ensure that all of your eligible credits are evaluated towards the admission requirements, turn in ALL official Transcripts from institutions that you have attended. Immediately:

  • Submit your official transcript(s) to College of DuPage, Office of Student Records. If College of DuPage is the only institution you have attended, you do not need to request official transcripts.
  • Verify receipt of your transcript(s). Log into myACCESS account, click on ‘myACCESS’, select ‘My Profile’. The receipt status of your transcript will be listed under ‘Transcript Institutions’.
  • NOTE: If you have an international transcript from high school or college, it must first be evaluated. 

Step 3: Satisfy the Reading and Writing Requirements

Reading and Writing Requirements are in place to measure your skills to determine your proper course placement. The student must complete the College of DuPage Admissions process (Step 1 above) and have a student identification number to complete this step. If you have completed FIRE 1183 (previously Fire 2283) Emergency Medical Responder with a grade of “B” or higher, you do not need to complete this step.

Students can satisfy the Reading and Writing Category One requirements using any of several measures. Please visit the Testing Center Webpage for more information. If a student does not meet the Reading & Writing Requirements through high school GPA, college courses, college GPA, SAT/ACT, or previous ACCUPLACER Scores scores as posted on the Testing Center Webpage, then the ACCUPLACER Tests will be required. ACCUPLACER testing is available on a walk-in basis at all five COD testing centers, however hours vary by location. EMT students cannot meet the Reading & Writing requirements via the Guided Self Placement (GSP) option.

Testing Center hours & locations are available for viewing on the Testing Center Hours and Locations webpage.

If your official college transcript is on file in the Records office, call the Prerequisite Department at (630) 942-2260 or e-mail your prerequisite request to prereq@cod.edu.

Step 4: Complete a Criminal Background Check

College of DuPage has partnered with CastleBranch.com, a background check service that allows students to purchase their own background checks online. The results of a background check are posted to the CastleBranch.com website in a secure, tamper-proof environment, where the students, as well as the program coordinator can view the background check.

To order your background check, follow the instructions below.

  • Go to CastleBranch.com
  • In the PACKAGE CODE box, enter package code: CB39
  • Fill in your information and select Undergraduate and enter the Program Name EMT with an anticipated graduation date of last month of the term (i.e. December for fall, May for spring, and August for summer).
  • Select a method of payment: Visa, MasterCard or Money Order
  • You will receive a Illinois Criminal Release Form when placing your order and it will be in your CastleBranch NOTES tab. Complete and return the Illinois Criminal Release Form by faxing to e-mailing to expedite@castlebranch.com or 910-343-9731.

Please note, that your background check will not be processed until the Illinois Criminal Release Form is received so return to them ASAP. The form must be physically signed and dated. E-Signatures are not accepted. Follow the instructions provided with the Illinois Criminal Release Form to prevent delays.

The results will be available in approximately 48 to 72 business hours. Depending on where and how many places you have resided, it may take longer for the results. You must wait until your results are completed before you are eligible to register.

Note: If you previously completed a CastleBranch Background Check for a COD Health Professions Program, it is only valid if it was completed within six months of the registration deadline date.

Step 5: Registration Instructions

When preparing to register for a Fire 2271 course, Search for Courses by entering the following:

TERM: Fall, Spring, or Summer
SUBJECT: “Fire Science”
COURSE #: 2271
Click submit at bottom of screen and the EMT Classes will appear. Class days, times, room #, instructor(s), tuition, and course fees will all be posted.

Students are eligible to register for FIRE 2271 (EMT) after completing all pre-enrollment requirements in steps 1 through 4 above, and receiving confirmation that they are accepted to the program. Students can register via Student Planning or with Registration Office assistance at (630) 942-2377 or registration@cod.edu.

Only contact the registration department after all of the pre-enrollment requirements have been met, completed, and email confirmation of program acceptance has been received to register for a Fire 2271 (EMT) section.

Registration for Fire 2271 (EMT) is allowed up until the start of the term or once all seats are filled. Waitlists and Overloads are not permitted for any reason.

All application documents delivered to College of DuPage pertaining to a health sciences admissions file become the property of the College of DuPage and will not be returned to applicants. This includes but is not limited to transcripts, letters of recommendation, clinical evaluation forms or outside test reports.

Step 6: Health Requirements

You must obtain the EMT Health Requirements Packet and complete the requirements as a student of a College of DuPage health career programs. Specific due dates can be found on the last page and on the Steps for Completing Health Requirements. Completion of the Health Requirements is NOT necessary for registration.

Students must have the medical requirements in the above packet completed (not simply scheduled) prior to scheduling the required clinical rotations. Clinical rotations are scheduled with your instructor starting at midterm of the semester. Once the medical requirements are complete, they are brought to Edwards Corporate Health, or one of their satellite locations, for a chart review. Edwards Corporate Health will send verification of the chart review to the Fire Science Program and the instructor will be notified of the students eligibility to schedule clinicals. You MUST complete your medical requirements by midterm of the semester enrolled. Check the Health Requirements Packet, Steps for Completing Health Requirements, the course schedule/syllabus and with your instructor for the due date.