Eighty-three students completed the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate at Crafton Hills College and graduated recently.
The students completed a 16-week certificate and can now perform basic life support in the pre-hospital setting. The certificate qualifies students to take the National Registry examinations necessary for state certification, of which about one-quarter of the students have done and passed.
Each EMT class is composed of 60-80 students who show not only a strong compassion for the community it hopes to serve but can handle high-stress environments, said Laurie Green, program coordinator.
Completing the course is a pre-requisite for students to enter emergency services-based programs available at Crafton, including the college’s Fire Academy.
“I would say between 80-90 percent of students use this as a pathway for the fire community,” Green said. “It’s good exposure because it allows students to see what it is like to handle these kind of situations and make the decision whether they want to (enter the field) or not.”
As one of the 115 colleges in the California community college system, Crafton Hills College is committed to providing citizens in the region with an accessible higher education. The philosophy of California's community colleges is that education is the key to better jobs, a better economy, and a better quality of life. CHC offers over 50 degree programs and 25 occupational certificate programs. For more information, go to www.craftonhills.edu.