Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog

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Emergency Medical Technician, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny, Newton



The Emergency Medical Technician certificate is designed to provide an introductory learning experience for persons interested in the field of pre-hospital emergency medicine. This course includes practical and computer-based testing in the classroom, as well as clinical and field experience in area hospitals and with local EMS agencies. National Registry certification testing will be available upon successful course completion in both the cognitive and hands-on psychomotor skills areas. Area fire departments and EMS agencies, as well as some hospital emergency departments, urgent care clinics and industrial settings utilize EMTs.

Program Details


Pathway: Public & Community Services


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Students must possess a CPR card that is either American Heart Association BLS/Basic Life Support (offered by DMACC twice a month on the Ankeny campus) or American Red Cross BLS/Basic Life Support to enroll. No other cards will be accepted.
  3. Students must also show a high school diploma or GED.

Additional Requirements


The Emergency Medical Technician course requires students to undergo a criminal history background check at a cost of $70. This cost is included in the course tuition. Students may be denied the opportunity to obtain certification with the State of Iowa, upon successful completion of the course, based on the results of the background check. This decision to deny certification rests solely with the Iowa Department of Public Health- Bureau of EMS and Trauma Services.

Semester 1


  • Credits: 6
  • Prerequisite: Proof of successful and current completion of either American Heart Association BLS (Basic Life Support) CPR or Red Cross BLS (Basic Life Support) CPR training.

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 6


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1
Books (approximate) 125
Criminal Background Check Fee   70
Practical Exam Fee 125
NREMT Testing Fee   70
State of Iowa EMS Application Fee   30
Miscellaneous Expenses/Supplies   75

Approximate total for program: $1,605**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Provide emergency treatment to victims of accidents or illness in a pre-hospital setting.
  • Assess, monitor and manage the condition of the patient.
  • Apply and utilize the appropriate emergency equipment based on patient presentation.
  • Perform CPR if needed.
  • Stabilize patient prior to and during transport to a hospital.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Work in high stress situations.
  • Take direction from medical team.
  • Communicate both orally and in written form.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in all skills taught in the course.
  • Stand, sit or kneel for prolonged periods of time.
  • Be able to move and carry equipment up to 50 pounds.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?


  • Irregular hours, nights and/or holidays, and weekends.
  • Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may prevent students from participating in clinical/field education experiences. Students unable to participate in clinical or field education will be unable to complete this class for certification with the State of Iowa.
  • See the attached Iowa Core Performance Standards for Health Care Career Programs.

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/.(2021)