Academics

Explore the Programs at Miami Dade College

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is an Emergency Medical Technician?
A. An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the intermediate care practitioner in Emergency Medical Services.  These individuals are the first to arrive on a scene and provide the initial assessment and direct patient care in the pre-hospital environment. Additionally, Emergency Medical Technicians provide direct patient care in ER’s, clinics, and ambulance services.


Q. When does the program start and what is the target review date for the program?
A. The Emergency Medical Technician program is offered every semester at the Medical and Homestead Campus.  These courses are offered at the Medical Campus on a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday combination during the evening hours. Additionally, the Medical Campus offers this program as an afternoon/evening offering on Fridays. At the Homestead Campus, these courses are offered on a Tuesday/Thursday combination during the evening hours. A completed milestone review packet is required at the time of registration. Registration is done on a first come, first serve basis.


Q. What are the program requirements?
A.  To be eligible for the Emergency Medical Technician program you must be a current student at Miami Dade College and must see our EMS advisor to determine if you are required to take the (P.E.R.T.) Postsecondary Education Readiness Test or successfully completed the all levels of college prep coursework or higher to be eligible for these classes.


Q. What are the selection criteria?
A.  To be eligible for the Emergency Medical Technician program students must:

  1. Be a current student at Miami Dade College
  2. Successfully complete a First Responder Course or equivalent (copy must be submitted with application)
  3. Hold a current BLS CPR Card (copy must be submitted with application)
  4. You must see our EMS advisor to determine if you are required to take the (P.E.R.T.) Postsecondary Education Readiness Test or if you have exemption status from test
  5. Submitted a completed Student Health Record (completed health record must be submitted with application)
  6. Provide proof of medical insurance (copy of card or signed waiver)
  7. Successful completion of the criminal background check through the identified College vendor.

Q. Can I apply if I have not completed all of the general education and science courses?
A. There are no general education requirements that must be completed in advance to register for the Emergency Medical Technician program. 


Q. What kind of degree will I be awarded when I graduate?
A. The Emergency Medical Technician program is a college certificate program.  Upon successful complete of the Emergency Medical Technician program, the student earns 11 college credits. Students that apply for graduation receive the Miami Dade College – College Credit Certificate diploma upon successful completion of the program.


Q. What are the hours of the program?
A. The program is offered at the Medical Campus on a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday combination between the hours of 5:00pm until 9:00pm. The Friday offering at the Medical Campus is offered from 12:00 Noon until 9:00pm. On the Homestead Campus, these courses are offered as a Tuesday/Thursday combinations between the hours of 6:00pm until 10:00pm.


Q. Can I work while I am a student in the program?
A.  If students must work for financial support, the program strongly recommends a limit of 20 hours of employment per week while enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician courses.


Q. Do you assist with job placement after graduation?
A. The Medical Campus does not provide job placement.  Through the Career Center located in the New Student Center on the Medical Campus, graduates may review employment opportunities that have been forwarded to the Career Center.


Q. What is the approximate annual salary for graduates of this program in this area?
A. In the South Florida area, certified EMT’s may expect to earn an annual salary of $21,000 - $35,000 if employed in a full-time setting. This does not include a sign-on bonus, benefits or overtime.