Frequently Asked Questions

Find more about EMS at the Iowa Department of Public Health at: http://www.idph.state.ia.us/ems

What is an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)?

An EMT is someone that has taken a state approved EMT program and has become successfully certified. The levels of certification for the State of Iowa are as follows:

• EMT-Basic
• EMT-Intermediate (I/85)
• EMT-Iowa Paramedic (I/99)
• EMT-Iowa Paramedic Specialist (P/98)

How do I become an EMT-Basic?

To become an EMT-Basic you must enroll at EICCD (Eastern Iowa Community College District) or another state approved program. Pre-requisites for an EMT-Basic include:

1. Must be able to read, write and speak English.
2. Must be physically able to perform the skills required of EMT personnel.
3. Must be at least17 years of age at the time of enrollment.
4. Must hold a current course completion card in CPR at the level of Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association or Professional Rescuer from The American Red Cross. You must bring your CPR card with you to the first night of class or you will be turned away from the class.

Upon completion of the didactic (classroom) portion of the program (80% overall average or above), you will be released to complete your Field/Ride-time and Clinical experience.

Upon completion of the Field/Ride-time and Clinical experience, you will be permitted to take the National Registry of EMT practical and written test.

How long does the EMT-Basic class last?

The course is separated into modules A and B. This course may be taken for college credit or it may be taken for non-credit. Module A is 120 didactic (classroom) hours for 6.5 college credits. Module B includes a minimum of 24 hours of Field/Ride-time and a minimum of 24 hours of Clinical with competencies for 1 college credit.

Module A = 6.5 College Credits
Didactic (classroom)
120 hours

Module B = 1 College Credit
a) Field/Ride-time
Minimum 24 hours plus competencies
b) Clinical
Minimum 24 hours plus competencies

What is the cost of the EMT-Basic class?

For current fees, contact Margaret Gray at (563) 336-3439 or (563) 336-3444 or mgray@eicc.edu.

How do I become an EMT-Intermediate?

To become an EMT-Intermediate you must enroll at EICCD (Eastern Iowa Community College District) or another state approved program. Pre-requisites for an EMT-Intermediate include:

1. Must be able to read, write and speak English.
2. Must have a high school diploma, or its equivalent.
3. Must be physically able to perform the skills required of EMS personnel.
4. Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment.
5. Must possess a current State of Iowa EMT-Basic certification card.
6. Must hold a current course completion card in CPR at the level of Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association or Professional Rescuer from The American Red Cross. You must bring your CPR card with you to the first night of class or you will be turned away from the class.

Upon completion of the didactic (classroom) portion of the program (80% overall average or above), you will be released to complete your Field/Ride-time and Clinical experience.

Upon completion of the Field/Ride-time and Clinical experience, you will be permitted to take the National Registry of EMT practical and written test.

How long does the EMT-Intermediate class last?

The course is separated into modules A and B. Module A is 60 didactic (classroom) hours for 3 college credits. Module B includes a minimum of 24 hours of Field/Ride-time and a minimum of 24 hours of Clinical with competencies for 1 college credit.

Module A = 3 College Credits
Didactic (classroom)
60 hours

Module B = 1 College Credit
a) Field/Ride-time
Minimum 24 hours plus competencies
b) Clinical
Minimum 24 hours plus competencies

What is the cost of the EMT-Intermediate class?

For current fees, contact Margaret Gray at (563) 336-3439 or (563) 336-3444 or mgray@eicc.edu.

How do I become an EMT-Paramedic?

To become an EMT-Paramedic you must enroll at EICCD (Eastern Iowa Community College District) or another state approved program. Pre-requisites for an EMT-Paramedic include:

1. Must be able to read, write and speak English.
2. Must have a high school diploma, or its equivalent.
3. Must be physically able to perform the skills required of EMS personnel.
4. Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment.
5. Must possess a current State of Iowa EMT-Basic or Iowa EMT-Intermediate certification card.
6. Must hold a current course completion card in CPR at the level of Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association or Professional Rescuer from The American Red Cross. You must bring your CPR card with you to the first night of class or you will be turned away from the class.

Upon completion of the didactic (classroom) portion of the program (80% overall average or above), you will be released to complete your Field/Ride-time and Clinical experience.

Upon completion of the Field/Ride-time and Clinical experience, you will be permitted to test the National Registry of EMT practical and written testing.

How long does the EMT-Paramedic class last?

The course is separated into three modules. Students need to complete all three modules in successive order. Paramedic I is 110 didactic (classroom) hours for 6 college credits. Paramedic II is 110 didactic (classroom) hours for 6 college credits. Paramedic III includes a minimum of 100 hours of Field/Ride-time and a minimum of 75 hours of Clinical with competencies for 3.5 college credits.

Paramedic I = 6 College Credits
Didactic (classroom)
110 hours

Paramedic II = 6 College Credits
Didactic (classroom)
110 hours

Paramedic III = 3.5 College Credits
a) Field/Ride-time
Minimum 100 hours plus competencies
b) Clinical
Minimum 75 hours plus competencies

What is the cost of the EMT-Paramedic class?

For current fees, contact Margaret Gray at (563) 336-3439 or (563) 336-3444 or mgray@eicc.edu.

Is Financial Aid available?

For questions regarding financial aid, contact the Financial Aid department at the Belmont Campus (563) 441-4040.

When are the classes held?

For current class schedule, contact Margaret Gray at (563) 336-3439 or (563) 336-3444 or mgray@eicc.edu.

How do I register?

A. Contact the registration office at the Belmont Campus (563) 441-4181 or the registration office at the Kahl Building (563) 336-5200.

How do I get my CEH's (Continuing Education Hours)?

1. You are welcome to sit in on any ongoing EICCD EMT classes to get your CEH's. Currently there is no charge for this. But you must stay for the entire EICCD class and help the current students with their skills practice.
2. CEH's are also available through EICCD approved classes, as well as approved fire and ambulance service programs. There may be fees associated with these programs.

I took my EMT class in another state and I am now moving to Iowa. What do I need to do?

Contact the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of EMS at 1-800-SAVE-EMS or www.idph.state.ia.us/ems.

Where can I get my CPR card?

Eastern Iowa Community College offers the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider level class. It is offered several times during the year. The college also sets up classes that are offered the week prior to the beginning of the EMT-Basic class. For information regarding the American Red Cross Professional Rescuer level class, you will need to contact the American Red Cross.

Once I become an EMT, where can I get a job?

You have several different options available on both sides of the river. This list includes but is not limited to:

Medic EMS in Iowa Trinity Ambulance in Iowa & Illinois Alcoa, Inc. in Iowa Illini Hospital Ambulance in Illinois IPSCO Steel, Inc. in Iowa Per Mar Securities Services in Iowa Guardian Industries in Iowa Casino Rock Island in Illinois Rhythm City Casino in Iowa Isle of Capri Casino in Iowa Many volunteer ambulance and fire agencies in Iowa & Illinois You may also contact the Human Resource Departments for various cities in the bi-state area to see what job listings are open.

What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

Paramedic is still an EMT, but at an advanced level. There are currently 6 levels that determine the scope of practice in Iowa. The titles of these levels are, starting with the level that requires the least amount of training and skills completion.

• First Responder
• EMT-Basic
• EMT-Intermediate (I/85)
• EMT-Iowa Paramedic (I/99)
• EMT-Iowa Paramedic Specialist (P/98)
• EMT-Iowa Critical Care Paramedic (This is an endorsement only to the EMT-Iowa Paramedic Specialist certification.

With each new level, more training & didactic (classroom) time is required, more skills are learned, the amount of Field/Ride-time & Clinical experience usually increases, as well as the amount & type of competencies required, become increasingly more complex.

For any other questions that you have regarding education please contact: Margaret Gray at (563) 336-3439 or (563) 336-344 or mgray@eicc.edu.