Sanford Health offers a live online emergency medical technician (EMT) course this fall and spring. The training is ideal for people interested in emergency care, serving with their community ambulance or in pursuing a career as a paramedic or in health care.
“One of the challenges from a global perspective is that there’s a dwindling number of volunteers and EMS (emergency medical services) agency members,” said Travis Spier, director of simulation and pre-hospital care at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “When we look at ambulance services in South Dakota and the surrounding states, we also see dwindling numbers.”
The program is open to a broad spectrum of people who join for a variety of reasons — whether it’s for the betterment of their family, their community is short on volunteers and they’d like to give back, or as a stepping stone to get into a paramedic program.
Hybrid online and in-person courses start Aug. 25. Registration is open now.
Coronavirus-related changes
Due to COVID-19, Sanford Health EMS Education has implemented changes to help keep everyone safe:
- Smaller class sizes
- Changes in room layout
- Hand sanitizer on every table
- Equipment and classrooms cleaned multiple times throughout the day
- Changes in course activities to minimize close contact
There may be sponsorships from local ambulance services, the U.S. Veterans Administration or state programs to help cover the cost of the EMT course. Contact your local service for details.
- In Fargo, contact Trista Berg at (701) 364-1739.
- In Sioux Falls, contact Travis Spier at (605) 328-6389.
- In Bismarck, contact Tyler Kientopf at (701) 323-6843.
- Or email emsservices@sanfordhealth.org.
Spring courses will start Jan 12, 2021.
Not sure if EMT certification is for you? Sanford Health also offers emergency medical responder or other classes. Learn more.
What to expect from EMT training
EMTs have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients ranging from non-emergency to life-threatening emergencies. They function as part of a comprehensive emergency medical services response system and are a key component in the health care system. EMTs provide care to patients with basic equipment and supplies typically found in an ambulance. The EMT fulfills a crucial role as the critical link between the scene and hospital system.
The online structure of the course allows students to attend the weekly classes from the comfort of home. Labs are held in person in various locations, including Bismarck and Fargo in North Dakota, Thief River Falls and Luverne in Minnesota and Sioux Falls in South Dakota.
“Some people will come and say, ‘I don’t see how I’m going to be able to learn all this information and handle certain situations,'” Spier said. “But through the coursework and hands-on activities, we’ll say, ‘Do you see the mountain that you just climbed and the success you just achieved?’ That’s a big component of it, just having individuals believe in themselves and giving participants the opportunity to apply their knowledge.”
The cost of the course is $960 plus textbooks in Fargo and $850 including textbooks in Sioux Falls. Students also are financially responsible for the National Registry cognitive exam fee at the conclusion of the class.
Read more
- First responders cover it all at Sanford International
- Sanford Health adds nurse residency program
- Nursing internship gives students edge in first real job
…
Posted In Allied Health, Bismarck, Emergency Medicine, Fargo, Health Information, Luverne, News, People & Culture, Scholarships and Sponsorships, Sioux Falls, Thief River Falls
