Enrolled Students
Orange Coast College EMT Program Preparation
Next Scheduled Course: Fall 2011
First Day Tuesday August 30, 2011
Please connect to the Orange Coast College Website for detailed schedule information
Please come to the first day of class prepared. Follow the guidelines below to maximize your success as you begin the course and throughout the semester. You MUST attend the first class and stay for the entire class session or you will be dropped and your spot given to a petitioner. We continue to expect an enormous number of petitioners for 2011.
Check that you are enrolled in the following three (3) classes: EMT 150, EMT 151 and EMT 180. You must sucessfully complete all three classes in order to obtain a course completion certificate.
1.
Bring your current and vaild American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card with you. We do not accept any American Red Cross CPR or AHA Heart Saver. Additionally, you must have your actual card, not a letter of completion or a receipt. You will be dropped if you do not bring your card the first day for validation.
Bring your current and vaild American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card with you. We do not accept any American Red Cross CPR or AHA Heart Saver. Additionally, you must have your actual card, not a letter of completion or a receipt. You will be dropped if you do not bring your card the first day for validation.2.Check your MyOCC student email during the two weeks before the start of the semester for updates from the program director. You can arrange to forward your MyOCC email to your personal email. Contact OCC's technical support for assistance - not the EMT Program Director.
Check your MyOCC student email during the two weeks before the start of the semester for updates from the program director. You can arrange to forward your MyOCC email to your personal email. Contact OCC's technical support for assistance - not the EMT Program Director.3.Locate your vaccination record. You will need to have proof of a positive Varicella titer (a lab test to confirm chicken pox immunity) in order to participate in EMT 151. Previous proof of infection or vaccination will not suffice.
Locate your vaccination record. You will need to have proof of a positive Varicella titer (a lab test to confirm chicken pox immunity) in order to participate in EMT 151. Previous proof of infection or vaccination will not suffice.4.Purchase your textbooks now. Buy them online early to avoid the bookstore running out. It is suggested you wait to unwrap the texts or open any CDs or DVDs in the back until after the first day of class when you are sure you plan on staying in the class, that way you can always return the books for a refund. Bring your books the first day of class.
Purchase your textbooks now. Buy them online early to avoid the bookstore running out. It is suggested you wait to unwrap the texts or open any CDs or DVDs in the back until after the first day of class when you are sure you plan on staying in the class, that way you can always return the books for a refund. Bring your books the first day of class.5.Bring a three-ring binder, paper, and writing utensils.
Bring a three-ring binder, paper, and writing utensils.6.Turn your cell phone off when entering the room and inform your family and friends you are unavailable during calssroom hours.
Turn your cell phone off when entering the room and inform your family and friends you are unavailable during calssroom hours.7.Wear closed-toed shoes, and do not wear hats, or any revealing clothing or clothing that may be considered offensive to any reasonable person.
Wear closed-toed shoes, and do not wear hats, or any revealing clothing or clothing that may be considered offensive to any reasonable person.8.Skateboarding is prohibitted on campus.
Skateboarding is prohibitted on campus.Unenrolled Students
Please follow the link above and complete an online enrollment application. You will be given a student email address in a few days and your enrollment status and registration date will be emailed to you. Contact student registration and records for specific information. Once you are enrolled follow steps 1-8 above.
Petitioning Students
P1.Enroll at the college and bring your student identification number to the first day of class.
Enroll at the college and bring your student identification number to the first day of class.P2.Follow steps 1-8 above, including purchasing your textbooks (you can always return them if you do not get in, but they are often sold out early and you will fall behind quickly if you get in and are unable to get your texts immediately).
Follow steps 1-8 above, including purchasing your textbooks (you can always return them if you do not get in, but they are often sold out early and you will fall behind quickly if you get in and are unable to get your texts immediately).P3.Place yourself on the "Waitlist" if it is not full. It is important that you check your student MyOCC email regularly and daily because if you move up the waitlist you will be placed into the section number you "Waitlisted" and notified via your student email. You will have only 24 hours to officially register for the class or you will be dropped and will have to start the process all over again - this happens to several students every semester.
Place yourself on the "Waitlist" if it is not full. It is important that you check your student MyOCC email regularly and daily because if you move up the waitlist you will be placed into the section number you "Waitlisted" and notified via your student email. You will have only 24 hours to officially register for the class or you will be dropped and will have to start the process all over again - this happens to several students every semester.P4.If all else fails - show up the first day completely prepared and with your AHA Healthcare Provider CPR card with you.
If all else fails - show up the first day completely prepared and with your AHA Healthcare Provider CPR card with you.VARICELLA TITER!!!! - Please read - This is important
In accordance with our hospital clinical partner contracts, which are required to follow current and ever-changing regulations for individuals who have patient contact: you must have a positive Varicella Titer demonstrating your immunity to the virus that causes Chicken Pox, as part of your physical exam, prior to clearance to participate in EMT 151 (the clinical portion of the program). This is not an OCC requirement. This is a requirement from the clinical sites which we must follow. We cannot accept verified history of Chicken Pox illness or even proof of two Varicella vaccinations. You MUST have your blood tested for Varicella Titers.
This is emphasized so strongly here, because inevitably, every course there are several students who delay obtaining this blood test only to discover that they do not have a positive Varicella Titer. Extensions to obtain the required health clearances cannot be provided in any course and meet the obligations of our contracts. You do not have a magic glass that permits you to know what is "lurking" in your blood. Just because you have been vaccinated, or you have had Chicken Pox, does not mean you have a postive Varicella Titer.
You are advised to see your healthcare professional PRIOR to the start of the program (the sooner the better) and get your blood tested for the Varicella Titer. If you end up having a negative or equivocal titer, you can receive the Varicella vaccination and have another titer drawn shortly after the vaccination - your healthcare professional should advise you of the appropriate timing for you. Once you have an original lab copy of your positive Varicella Titer it is always good. If you work in a hospital later or enter another healthcare educational program that requires this clearance, you can produce the lab slip, and provide a copy, just as you would with your vaccination record.
Orange Coast College, the EMT Program Director, the instructors and associates want you to move forward in the program and not be blocked because you do not meet the Varicella Titer requirement. This is a simple fix that you can take care of before the program begins.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I get started and enroll in the EMT-Basic Program?
1.You must be an enrolled student at Orange Coast College with a student ID number. If you are not a current student, you may complete an application online and you will receive your student ID number and registration date.
You must be an enrolled student at Orange Coast College with a student ID number. If you are not a current student, you may complete an application online and you will receive your student ID number and registration date.2.Registration is open to any OCC student. There is no waiting list for the EMT-Basic Program, and registration is completed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Classes fill early, so you are encouraged to register as early as possible.
Registration is open to any OCC student. There is no waiting list for the EMT-Basic Program, and registration is completed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Classes fill early, so you are encouraged to register as early as possible.3.Register for the folllowing corequisite classes: EMT 150, EMT 151, and EMT 180. You must enroll in all three classes.
Register for the folllowing corequisite classes: EMT 150, EMT 151, and EMT 180. You must enroll in all three classes.4.Pay your student fees within the required timeframe or you will be dropped for non-payment.
Pay your student fees within the required timeframe or you will be dropped for non-payment.5.Purchase your text books as soon as you register and bring them to class with you the first day.
Purchase your text books as soon as you register and bring them to class with you the first day.6.Begin preparing for the physical exam requirements of the clinical by gathering your immunization record, get your blood tested for positive varicella titers (Chicken Pox antibodies), obtain a tuberculosis skin test within one month prior to the start of the program, or immediately after it begins, update other vaccinations such as the hepatitis B series, Tdap, flu vacccine as indicated, H1N1 flu vaccine, and any others as recommended by your healthcare professional. DO NOT actually begin or complete your physical exam until after the start of the class. Important information will be provided to you the first day of class.
Begin preparing for the physical exam requirements of the clinical by gathering your immunization record, get your blood tested for positive varicella titers (Chicken Pox antibodies), obtain a tuberculosis skin test within one month prior to the start of the program, or immediately after it begins, update other vaccinations such as the hepatitis B series, Tdap, flu vacccine as indicated, H1N1 flu vaccine, and any others as recommended by your healthcare professional. DO NOT actually begin or complete your physical exam until after the start of the class. Important information will be provided to you the first day of class.7.Do not miss the first day of class or you will be dropped.
Do not miss the first day of class or you will be dropped.8.If you do not already have your American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification, take the 4-8 hour class at an approved AHA training center. Try www.rcpals.com (located in Anaheim) and CME at 714-998-2208, located in Orange.
If you do not already have your American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification, take the 4-8 hour class at an approved AHA training center. Try www.rcpals.com (located in Anaheim) and CME at 714-998-2208, located in Orange.What do I do if the class is full when I try and register?
1.First, continue checking back with online registration, as students do change their mind and drop the class before the first day, and you may find an open space when the class was full earlier.
First, continue checking back with online registration, as students do change their mind and drop the class before the first day, and you may find an open space when the class was full earlier.2.Please place your name on the "waiting list" if the class is full. Here is the link to sign up for the "Waiting List" of any class at OCC. You must be an enrolled student. If you are on the waitlist, check your MyOCC student email everyday. This is the single and only place where you will be notified if you move from the Waitlist into class enrollment. You will have 24 hours to pay for your classes or you will be dropped from the class and the waitlist. You must register again and start at the bottom of the waitlist. The instructors of any class have no control over this and cannot override the system. Please do not ask.
Please place your name on the "waiting list" if the class is full. Here is the link to sign up for the "Waiting List" of any class at OCC. You must be an enrolled student. If you are on the waitlist, check your MyOCC student email everyday. This is the single and only place where you will be notified if you move from the Waitlist into class enrollment. You will have 24 hours to pay for your classes or you will be dropped from the class and the waitlist. You must register again and start at the bottom of the waitlist. The instructors of any class have no control over this and cannot override the system. Please do not ask.3.Purchase your text books, but do not unwrap them or open the CD-ROM, so you have the opportunity to return them if needed,
Purchase your text books, but do not unwrap them or open the CD-ROM, so you have the opportunity to return them if needed,4.Show up to the first day of class with you student ID number, your current and valid AHA Healthcare Provider CPR card, your text books and other learning materials.
Show up to the first day of class with you student ID number, your current and valid AHA Healthcare Provider CPR card, your text books and other learning materials.5.All attempts are made to accept every petitioner. In any class that cannot accommodate all petitioners, qualified petitioners are chosen using a double-blind random drawing.
All attempts are made to accept every petitioner. In any class that cannot accommodate all petitioners, qualified petitioners are chosen using a double-blind random drawing.6.Please do not email or phone the EMT Program Director or instructor explaining your special circumstances that you feel should permit you priority registration over other petitioners. Everyone is afforded the same opportunity.
Please do not email or phone the EMT Program Director or instructor explaining your special circumstances that you feel should permit you priority registration over other petitioners. Everyone is afforded the same opportunity.What are the prerequisites for the EMT-Basic Program?
The only prerequisite is possession of a current and valid American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification. You must bring your card with you the first day of class. Any enrolled student who does not have possession of a current and valid AHA Healthcare Provider CPR card the first day of class will be dropped.
Can I have any CPR Card, such as The American Red Cross?
No.
Orange Coast College only recognizes the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider (Basic Life Support) CPR card. It must be current and valid and you must have it with you the first day of class - no exceptions. Our clinical partners only accept the AHA Healthcare Provider CPR, therefore we only accept what we are bound by our clinical contracts to accept for CPR training.
Is American Heart Association Heart Saver CPR acceptable for the CPR prerequisite?
No.
You must bring your current and valid AHA Healthcare Provider card to the first day of class - no exceptions.
Is EMT 100 a prerequisite for the EMT-Basic Program?
No.
However, it is recommended. EMT 100 will provide you an introductory knowledge of the material in the EMT-Basic class and you receive your American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification, as well as a emergency medical responder certification.
Is First Responder or Emergency Responder a prerequisite?
No.
However, it is recommended. Any first aid, healthcare, or life guard experience will help you succeed in the program. Additionally, any college-level anatomy and physiology will be a great benefit.
Must I have the exact books, or will other EMT books suffice?
It is very important that each student possess all of the required texts, and have them the first day of class. The class curriculum moves along rather quickly and it is quite easy to find yourself irrecoverably behind by the end of the second week of class if you are not staying current with the reading, workbook and other assignments. While other EMT text books are required to cover the same material, it will be presented differently then the text book used in this class. All of the quizzes and tests are designed to follow the language and sequence of critical thinking that is emphasized in the required text. Therefore, any other text books, or previous editions, will seriously hamper your success in the program.
We are currently using the 9th Edition of Prehospital Emergency Care by Mistovich and Karren and its accompanying Workbook. You will also need the most up-to-date AHA BLS Manual for Healthcare Providers.
When and where should I purchase my text books?
The Orange Coast College bookstore is the first place recommended. Purchase your textbooks as soon as possible, and well before the class begins. The OCC bookstore typically sells out of the required textbooks every semester. If you cannot get the textbooks at the OCC bookstore, or choose not to purchase them there, here are some alternative places to acquire the textbook:
1.Fairview Text Book Store in Costa Mesa 714-429-1500
Fairview Text Book Store in Costa Mesa 714-429-15002.Use the ISBN codes and order the text books through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com
Use the ISBN codes and order the text books through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com 3.Go to the publisher's website and order the text books from the publisher directly at http://www.bradybooks.com/store/index.aspx?st=68846
What are the additional costs associated with the program, and how much should I expect that to total?
The program costs begin with the State mandated enrollment fee per unit. The program is a total of 7.5 units (EMT 150=6 units, EMT 151=.5 units, EMT 180=.5 units), required material fees paid to the college (this changes periodically, so please check the online schedule for the most up-to-date information), and other State-required registration fees. Your material fees of approximately $91.00 will provide you needed items for your clinical internship and other items needed during the lab/skills portion of the program.
Additionally you have the costs of texts books, which can vary depending if you purchase new texts (recommended), used, or rent texts through the bookstore. Other fees will also vary, as each student may spend more or less money on certain items, such as: the physical exam and required tests and vaccinations, the uniform shirt (approximately $18-$25), a watch with a second hand, student liability insurance ($25-$35), background check ($81-$91), appropriate pants and shoes for participation in the clinical [this is not a comprehensive list].
After successful course completion, if the student wants to obtain certification as an EMT, they will have to pay for the NREMT exam ($70), California State Database Background Check ($100-$160), California/County EMT application fee ($35-$65), Orange County EMT Accreditation Fee ($30-$40), and additional fees and steps if you choose or need to obtain your ambulance driver's license through the DMV. DMV Site For Ambulance Drivers
These fees are subject to change with or without notice.
Does OCC offer EMT refresher/recertification classes?
Yes.
In compliance with our accreditation we offer a 24-hour refresher/recertification class at least once every calendar year or every semester. However, please be aware that the class is frequently canceled due to low enrollment. Additionally, OCC does not offer the required skills testing as part of the refresher/recertification program. Volunteer assistants are provided between 2 and 8 hours of CEU and are eligible for recertification skills testing in exchange for their time and committment.
Where can I find the recertification skills testing?
Contact your local emergency medical services agency for accredited testing providers.
What do I do if my EMT-Basic certification has expired?
Depending upon the length of time it has expired, and if you plan on maintaining your National Registry or only your State certification, it might only be a matter of additional continuing educational units, and/or attendance of a refresher/recertication class. If you have been expired for more than a year, you will most likely need to repeat an EMT-Basic program. Please contact your local emergency medical services agency and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (link is on the home page) for specific information regarding your situation.
How will a felony conviction affect my ability to complete the program or get certified?
If your felony conviction involves drugs, violence, a sexual offense, or certain other criteria, you will probably not pass the background check required by the hospitals and will not be able to participate in the clinical portion of the program or pass the program. These type of felony convictions usually will prohibit you from either taking the National Registry certifying exam or passing the County and State background checks, therefore denying you certification.
If your felony is a DUI or something similar, it will not prohibit you from participating in the clinical portion of OCC's EMT Program, but it may present obstacles to getting certified or finding employment. Please speak with your local emergency medical services agency if you have specific questions unique to your case. If you are certified through Orange County, OCEMSA has asked that inquires are made in writing and mailed to the office addressed to either the EMS program director or the medical director.
Do I need to have a background check during the EMT Program if I have had a recent background check somewhere else or I am a police officer or other sworn peace officer?
Yes.
Our clinical contracts require that you obtain the background check that is in compliance with our partner agreements. Beginning the Fall of 2010 the background clearance will include a 10 drug screening as required by our hospital partners. Keep in mind you will also be required to obtain a Live Scan fingerprinting background check for the State/County and an additional one for the DMV if you choose to obtain your ambulance driver's license. In this economy, we apologize for this additional financial inconvenience.
The following are criminal background items that in accordance with California State Title 22 guidelines will preclude any individual from obtaining certification as an EMT. Therefore, these same background items will most likely preclude you from participation in EMT 151 and prevent you from completing the program.
1.Has committed any sexually-related offense specified under Section 290 of the Penal Code.
Has committed any sexually-related offense specified under Section 290 of the Penal Code.2.Has been convicted of murder, attempted murder, or murder for hire.
Has been convicted of murder, attempted murder, or murder for hire.3.Has been convicted of two (2) or more felonies.
Has been convicted of two (2) or more felonies.4.Is currently on parole or probation for any felony.
Is currently on parole or probation for any felony. 5.Has been convicted and released from incarceration for said offense during the preceding fifteen (15) years for the crime of manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.
Has been convicted and released from incarceration for said offense during the preceding fifteen (15) years for the crime of manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.6.Has been convicted and released from incarceration for said offense during the preceding ten (10) years for any offense punishable as a felony.
Has been convicted and released from incarceration for said offense during the preceding ten (10) years for any offense punishable as a felony.7.Has been convicted of two (2) or more misdemeanors within the preceding five (5) years for any offense relating to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics or addictive or dangerous drugs.
Has been convicted of two (2) or more misdemeanors within the preceding five (5) years for any offense relating to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics or addictive or dangerous drugs.8.Has been convicted of two (2) or more misdemeanors within the preceding five (5) years for any offense relating to force, threat, violence, or intimidation.
Has been convicted of two (2) or more misdemeanors within the preceding five (5) years for any offense relating to force, threat, violence, or intimidation.9.Has been convicted within the preceding five (5) years of any theft-related misdemeanor.
Has been convicted within the preceding five (5) years of any theft-related misdemeanor.What does the physical exam for EMT 151 clearance require and should I complete that before the program begins?
Do not complete your physical exam before the program begins. You can, and should, begin a few things so that you have time to get everything done. The EMT Program is only one semester. Therefore, things move very quickly, and extensions cannot be granted for anyone to complete these requirements which are generally due a few weeks before EMT 151 begins.
It is helpful if you complete the following BEFORE the program starts:
1.Begin the Hepatitis B Vaccination series if you have not already completed it.
Begin the Hepatitis B Vaccination series if you have not already completed it.2.Obtain a Varicella Titer lab test
Obtain a Varicella Titer lab test3.Collect your vaccination records to assure you have proof of 2 MMR vaccinations
Collect your vaccination records to assure you have proof of 2 MMR vaccinations4.Obtain or show proof of a Tdap Vaccination after the age of 18 (positive Titer lab results for all three will suffice, but may be more expensive)
Obtain or show proof of a Tdap Vaccination after the age of 18 (positive Titer lab results for all three will suffice, but may be more expensive)5.Get vaccinated against H1N1 (always) and the seasonal flu (during winter) - speak with your healthcare professional if you have questions about the risks and/or benefits [have your healthcare provider add these vaccinations to your official vaccination record]
Get vaccinated against H1N1 (always) and the seasonal flu (during winter) - speak with your healthcare professional if you have questions about the risks and/or benefits [have your healthcare provider add these vaccinations to your official vaccination record]6.Keep official/legal medical records of all of the above
Keep official/legal medical records of all of the aboveDoes OCC offer the new Orange County EMT Basic Accrediation Class?
Yes. It is EMT 180.
It is a mandatory corequisite for students who are enrolled in the EMT program, and it is also open to currently certified EMTs. The class provides 12 hours of CEU for currently certified EMTs. Due to difficulties with the specifics of the OCC online registration system, if you are a certified EMT who is not currently enrolled in the program, you will have to register in person and present your current EMT certification. All apologies about this inconvenience, as the online system presently does not have a way to recognize that someone has possession of a prerequisite that is not validated within our own computer system, such as a previous class taken on campus.
What are the hours of EMT 151 (The Clinical Portion of the EMT Program)?
The hours are listed in the catalog and the semester schedule as "Arranged" and Off-Site. You will complete a 4-hour orientation on campus PRIOR to the beginning date of EMT 151. Usually two different dates and times are offered for you to choose from to meet your school and work schedule. You will complete the additional 36-hours in the hospital and BLS ambulance. You get to choose your schedule from pre-designated shifts when you meet with the EMT Program director to review your clinical requirements, such as your physical exam, background check, and uniform, as examples. Once you are "cleared" to participate in EMT 151 you have the opportunity to pick the most suitable clinical schedule you can from the available shifts. The earlier you meet the EMT 151 participation requirements the shifts you will have to choose from.
I took the EMT Program in the Spring of 2011 and I have questions about my grade, NREMT preparation or clearance. Who should I contact?
If you attended the EMT Program in the Spring of 2011 direct all of your questions to the EMT Program Director, Professor Hassapis.
I took the EMT Program in the Spring of 2011 and I either did not pass or I did not complete it. I would like to take the EMT Program at Orange Coast College again, but when I registration there is an error. What should I do?
First, look at your transcripts and grades for all of the EMT classes in the Spring of 2011. If you received a grade of "P" or "Pass" in EMT 151, but did receive a grade of "B" or higher in EMT 150, this is why you are unable to register. The part time instructor for EMT 151 for the Spring 2011 semester apparently assigned passing grades in EMT 151 to students who should have received a grade of "NP" or "No Pass."
At this time it is unclear how this matter will be handled. Because EMT 150 and EMT 151 are corequisites you cannot register for the EMT Program if you have a passing grade on your transcript for either class. These classes are not designated as repeatable with a passing grade.
Recommendations include the following:
1) Consider enrolling in an EMT Program at another school.
2) If you really want to return to OCC's EMT Program, email the EMT Program Director, Professor Hassapis, your intent. Be prepared that you may not receive a response until near the beginning of the semester. Be prepared to arrive the first day and petition.
3) Lastly, if you are planning on attempting to return, realize that the EMT Program under the instruction and coordination of the EMT Program Director may be quite different than what you experienced during the spring semester of 2011.
What if I have questions that are not answered on this site?
First, please review this page and this site thoroughly and also check the Orange Coast College website for specifics regarding the schedule, registration/enrollment and the waitlist. If your question(s) is not answered email the EMT Program Director. Just about every general question related to the program is answered on this site or the college's website. Take some time to seek the answer before you send an email. Please be aware that email may not be answered promptly during breaks between semesters. Voicemail is the least effective way to communicate with the EMT Program Director.
