HCC Offers Stand-Alone EMT Training

Hawai‘i Community College is offering stand-alone training for those who want to become emergency medical technicians.

The EMT courses were previously provided as part of the fire science associate degree program, but now students have the option of focusing on EMT training without enrolling in fire science courses. Jack Minassian, associate professor of fire science, said the knowledge, skills and training in these courses will ultimately create a safer community.

“Having as many personnel embedded in the community with the knowledge to provide emergency medical care until the ambulance arrives could make the difference between life or death,” Minassian said in a press release.

The EMT training is available at HCC’s Hilo campus and HCC–Palamanui in Kona.

Upon successful completion of EMT training, students would qualify to take the National Registry EMT test for certification. However, they will need additional hours for licensure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Those additional hours will be provided at the HCC Manono campus in Hilo in partnership with Kapi‘olani Community College.

Four courses totaling 16.1 credits are required. The courses are:

• English 100: Composition I
• Health 125: Survey of Medical Terminology
• Fire 250: Emergency Medical Technician
• Fire 251: Emergency Medical Technician Practicum

The courses are available during the summer, and the next HCC summer session starts July 5.

To learn more about the EMT courses or to apply for admission, contact counselor Kenoa Dela Cruz via email at noa@hawaii.edu or call 808-934-2658.