Published on May 29th, 2024
Last modified May 29th, 2024 02:24 pm
BLUEFIELD, VA—Southwest Virginia Community College (Southwest) will offer its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program in Bluefield, Virginia, beginning in August for the Fall 2024 term. This program is designed to serve students from the college’s Bluefield Center and provides an educational opportunity in emergency medical services that can be completed in one semester. Classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
The EMT program aims to produce entry-level EMTs capable of providing basic out-of-hospital care. Upon completion, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification, which leads to EMT certification in Virginia and most other states.
“EMT training is incredibly valuable. We’ve had coal miners reach out because they need EMT and first aid training for their shifts. Additionally, medical school applicants often seek EMT certification to enhance their chances of admission. Whether you’re a coal miner or an aspiring physician, this program benefits everyone,” said William “Bill” Akers, Program Director.
Students earn a Career Studies Certificate upon completion. The coursework and training prepare students in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Those who complete the program will be equipped to perform current techniques in pre-hospital emergency care, assess and care for victims of trauma incidents, and demonstrate basic life support skills. They will also be trained to perform physical assessments on emergency patients and intervene in medical emergencies related to poisoning, drug overdose, and infectious diseases.
Employment opportunities for those who complete the program include positions with ambulance services, fire and rescue services, hospitals, and various government agencies.
Students may qualify for financial aid, and residents of McDowell, Mercer, Summers, and Greenbrier counties in West Virginia qualify for in-state tuition. Classes start August 26th and will be held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. through December 20th.
Southwest Virginia Community College’s Bluefield Center is located at 745 South College Avenue in the Twin City Shopping Center, Bluefield, Virginia. For more information about the EMT program at the Bluefield Center, contact Denver L. Riffe, Bluefield Site Coordinator, at 276-964-7787.