Professional Programs

Emergency medical technology offers an exciting and challenging health care career for individuals interested in providing emergency care in the pre-hospital or hospital emergency department setting. Due to health care reform issues and the growing recognition of the EMT as a professional member of the health care team, career opportunities for EMTs are developing and expanding at all levels.

Basic EMTs are trained in basic life support procedures and the principles of care and transportation of the sick and injured. Basic EMT training qualifies the student for an entry-level position as an emergency care provider with municipal and private ambulance services as well as some hospital emergency departments. Basic EMT certification is often a prerequisite for employment as a firefighter. (Progressive fire departments in our service area may require paramedic certification. Basic EMT certification is the first step in meeting this requirement).

Paramedics are highly-trained members of the health care community often responsible for bringing life-saving diagnostic and treatment skills to the patient at the scene of an emergency. Paramedics receive intense training in ECG interpretation, emergency pharmacology and advanced life-support procedures. The paramedic's scope of practice is rapidly expanding, creating a number of new employment opportunities.

Goshen General Hospital's EMS programs offer certifications as a First Responder, Basic EMT, Basic-Advanced EMT and Paramedic. These programs are designed to meet the needs of students interested in entry-level training as well as those seeking career advancement.