Emergency Medical Technology

The A.A.S. in Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) degree prepares students to provide emergency medical support to people who are injured or critically ill and to transport them to a medical facility, if necessary. When working in a first-responder situation, such as an ambulance service or fire department, EMTs are dispatched to the scene of the emergency, which can be as varied as a car accident, a fire, a falling injury,  a dog bite, a shooting or stabbing, a birth, or a person who's suddenly fallen ill.  Once at the scene of the emergency, EMTs assess the situation, determine if additional assistance is needed, and, if necessary, order the additional help.                     

The flexibility of the EMT curriculum allows you to enter the profession at two levels - Basic EMT and Paramedic. This enables students to continue their education while working. In addition to receiving the technical education necessary for the profession,  you will take general-education courses, as well. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Registry Examination for EMT Basic and Paramedic.                     

Note: Students who satisfactorily complete all of the EMS subject courses required in the first and second semester may be eligible for the EMT-Basic Certificate (EMT6).

The Horry-Georgetown Technical College Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs  (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).  Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, (727)-210-2350;  www.caahep.org. To contact CoAEMSP: 8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX 75088, (214) 703-8445, Fax (214) 703-8992; www.coaemsp.org. 

For more information contact:
Scott Cyganiewicz - (843) 477-2092 

Career Outlook

EMTs are typically members of fire departments or ambulance services. Private services often do non-emergency work, such as taking elderly or chronically ill patients to doctors' appointments, dialysis, etc. Some private services have contracts with municipalities or other local governments to run their 911 response, as well. Many towns have their own ambulance; sometimes the fire department and EMS are one and the same. Other EMT services are owned and operated by the county, as opposed to a town or a private service.

For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Office of Career Services for more employment, career, and professional development resources.

Employers of HGTC Alumni Include:

• Horry County Fire / Rescue
• Murrells Inlet Garden City Fire / Rescue
• Myrtle Beach Fire / Rescue
• Charleston County EMS
• Marion County EMS

Program Disclosure Statement

Applicants to the Emergency Medical Technician program should be aware a current, unrestricted license or certification may be required to practice in the state in which you intend to reside/practice. Each state is unique in its licensure requirements. Students are encouraged to reach out to the program chair for more information and assistance with understanding professional licensure.