EMT FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EMT?
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the lowest (entry) level of pre-hospital emergency medical provider, there are three provider levels (EMT, Advanced EMT & Paramedic), with paramedic being the highest level provider. According to the the National Scope of Practice Model, "Emergency Medical Technicians provide out of hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system. EMTs have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients ranging from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life threatening emergencies. Emergency Medical Technicians function as part of a comprehensive EMS response system, under medical oversight. Emergency Medical Technicians perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance. Emergency Medical Technicians are a critical link between the scene of an emergency and the health care system."
For more information about the profession of EMTs visit the NREMT, the NAEMT and the BLS.
What are the pre-requisites?
To be eligible for enrollment you must be at least 18 years old. It is recommended, because of the heavy reading requirements, that you have a 12 grade reading level.
When does the next class start?
A new EMT class starts the third Monday of January & the first Monday of August.
How much does it cost?
Currently the EMT class costs $1,599. This cost is ALL INCLUSIVE. Meaning this covers the cost of tuition, books, software fees, uniform shirt, clinical fees, AHA CPR certification, etc.
How long is the class?
Our EMT course is 4 ½ months long.
When do the classes meet?
Class meets 2 days a week (M &W) from 6p to 10p.
How do I enroll?
Prospective candidates need to apply for acceptance. The application process is mainly a formality that we utilize in order to make your student experience smoother by obtaining as much information as possible up front. Rarely is a candidate denied based upon application information. Once you complete the application process, you will be given the green light to enroll. The application process can take a couple weeks to complete. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted you will be sent an official email with instructions for enrolling.
Is there financial aid or tuition assistance?
No. The EMT course is a “short term” course and as such does not qualify for Federal financial aid or GI bill funding. We do, however offer tuition agreements that allow students to pay a set monthly amount for their course. The entire amount must be paid in full before a completion certificate can be issued
Will I need a computer or tablet device?
Many course materials are available only online and some activities are completed solely online. However, GCTC has several computers that are available for student use, but it may be helpful for you to have your own computer or tablet. Some activities can be completed with a smart phone as well. .
When are applications due?
Generally, applications are due at least a week prior to the class start date (or orientation date). This allows for enough time to take the entrance exam, interview and make financial arrangements before the start of class.
Does the course meet national requirements?
YES! Students don’t usually realize that nearly each step of the EMT course is tied to State and National requirements. When you finish GCTC’s paramedic program you will have met all State and National requirements for certification and licensure.
Where are clinicals and internship done?
GCTC has strict requirements for approved clinical sites, however we make every effort to limit long travels for clinical shifts. Realize, however, that in some remote areas of Oklahoma there may not be any “qualifying” clinical locations and travel may be inevitable. Currently we have approved sites in Shawnee, Norman, Chandler, Seminole and ADA with additional sites being evaluated in other areas as the need arises.
What happens if I have to drop out? Will I have to start over at the beginning?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to return to the EMT course where you left off, so if you drop you will have to restart at the beginning. This also means that you will need to re-pay for some tuition and fees.
Can I transfer from another program to Gordon Cooper?
No. Unfortunately, because the EMT course is a short course there are no “jumping off or on” point built within the curriculum. So, in order to change schools, you’ll need to start over at the beginning.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the lowest (entry) level of pre-hospital emergency medical provider, there are three provider levels (EMT, Advanced EMT & Paramedic), with paramedic being the highest level provider. According to the the National Scope of Practice Model, "Emergency Medical Technicians provide out of hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system. EMTs have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients ranging from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life threatening emergencies. Emergency Medical Technicians function as part of a comprehensive EMS response system, under medical oversight. Emergency Medical Technicians perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance. Emergency Medical Technicians are a critical link between the scene of an emergency and the health care system."
For more information about the profession of EMTs visit the NREMT, the NAEMT and the BLS.
What are the pre-requisites?
To be eligible for enrollment you must be at least 18 years old. It is recommended, because of the heavy reading requirements, that you have a 12 grade reading level.
When does the next class start?
A new EMT class starts the third Monday of January & the first Monday of August.
How much does it cost?
Currently the EMT class costs $1,599. This cost is ALL INCLUSIVE. Meaning this covers the cost of tuition, books, software fees, uniform shirt, clinical fees, AHA CPR certification, etc.
How long is the class?
Our EMT course is 4 ½ months long.
When do the classes meet?
Class meets 2 days a week (M &W) from 6p to 10p.
How do I enroll?
Prospective candidates need to apply for acceptance. The application process is mainly a formality that we utilize in order to make your student experience smoother by obtaining as much information as possible up front. Rarely is a candidate denied based upon application information. Once you complete the application process, you will be given the green light to enroll. The application process can take a couple weeks to complete. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted you will be sent an official email with instructions for enrolling.
Is there financial aid or tuition assistance?
No. The EMT course is a “short term” course and as such does not qualify for Federal financial aid or GI bill funding. We do, however offer tuition agreements that allow students to pay a set monthly amount for their course. The entire amount must be paid in full before a completion certificate can be issued
Will I need a computer or tablet device?
Many course materials are available only online and some activities are completed solely online. However, GCTC has several computers that are available for student use, but it may be helpful for you to have your own computer or tablet. Some activities can be completed with a smart phone as well. .
When are applications due?
Generally, applications are due at least a week prior to the class start date (or orientation date). This allows for enough time to take the entrance exam, interview and make financial arrangements before the start of class.
Does the course meet national requirements?
YES! Students don’t usually realize that nearly each step of the EMT course is tied to State and National requirements. When you finish GCTC’s paramedic program you will have met all State and National requirements for certification and licensure.
Where are clinicals and internship done?
GCTC has strict requirements for approved clinical sites, however we make every effort to limit long travels for clinical shifts. Realize, however, that in some remote areas of Oklahoma there may not be any “qualifying” clinical locations and travel may be inevitable. Currently we have approved sites in Shawnee, Norman, Chandler, Seminole and ADA with additional sites being evaluated in other areas as the need arises.
What happens if I have to drop out? Will I have to start over at the beginning?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to return to the EMT course where you left off, so if you drop you will have to restart at the beginning. This also means that you will need to re-pay for some tuition and fees.
Can I transfer from another program to Gordon Cooper?
No. Unfortunately, because the EMT course is a short course there are no “jumping off or on” point built within the curriculum. So, in order to change schools, you’ll need to start over at the beginning.