Vista College's Emergency Medical Technician course prepares students to be the first response of the emergency medical system. This includes all skills necessary for the individual to provide emergency medical care at a basic life support level with an ambulance service or other specialized service. Students who complete the less than 10-week program will be capable of performing the following functions at the minimum entry level:

• Recognize the nature and seriousness of the patient's condition or extent of injuries to assess requirements for emergency medical care
• Administer appropriate emergency medical care based on assessment findings of the patient's condition
• Lift, move, position and otherwise handle the patient to minimize discomfort and prevent further injury

This course provides an introduction to communications, transportation and record keeping, all a part of the job as an EMT.