Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

People's lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, slips and falls, childbirth, and gunshot wounds require immediate medical attention. EMTs and paramedics provide this vital service as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility.

In an emergency, EMTs and paramedics are typically dispatched by a 911 operator to the scene, where they often work with police and fire fighters. Once they arrive, EMTs and paramedics assess the nature of the patient's condition, while trying to determine whether the patient has any pre-existing medical conditions. Following protocols and guidelines, they provide emergency care and transport the patient to a medical facility. EMTs and paramedics operate in emergency medical services systems where a physician provides medical direction and oversight.

Courses to be completed will be based on the individual student’s career goal. Each student will participate in academic advising regarding classes to be completed. To apply to either the EMT Basic or Paramedic Programs, contact Cindy Franck, Health Careers Coordinator at cindyf@gogebic.edu or 932-4231 Ext. 224 or 1-800-682-5910.

Applicants need to be aware that any history of misdemeanor and/or felony conviction or past abuse may make them ineligible to meet clinical requirements (the student may have to withdraw from the program and will be ineligible to take the licensure exam). The state to which the graduate applies determines eligibility for licensure.

Emergency Medical Technician Basic

Gogebic Community College offers two EMT Basic Programs to prepare students to take the licensure examination to become EMT’s. Both programs are offered every other year on the odd year at the Ironwood Campus. The State of Michigan fully approves the program. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits GCC.

Option One: Certificate Program

• Upon Completion of this program the student would be eligible to move on to the Paramedic Associates Degree Program upon successful completion of the licensure examination.

Option Two: Specialized Study

• Upon completion of this Program the student would be eligible to move on to the Certificate Paramedic Program.

Contact Cindy Franck regarding which option is right for you.

EMS Paramedic Program

Gogebic Community College offers two options to complete the Paramedic Program.

1. Certificate Program
2. Associate of Applied Science programs.

Both options are two semesters in length offered on even years at the Ironwood Campus. This will allow for current EMT Basics to complete their Paramedic program and apply to take the licensure exam. The State of Michigan approves the program. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits GCC.

Graduates are eligible to apply to any state and take the licensure examination. Clinical sites may require criminal background checks.

EMS class locations

• Ironwood