Course Descriptions

Emergency Medical Training - EMT

General Information

Unless stated otherwise, all courses are non-repeatable except under certain conditions.

Open Enrollment

It is the policy of West Hills College Lemoore, unless specifically exempted by statute, that every course section or class, the average daily attendance of which is to be reported for state aid, wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Chapter 11, Division 2, Part VI, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, commencing with Section 41820.

Unit or Credit Value

Each course carries a certain credit or unit value. The amount is indicated in parentheses at the right of the title. A lecture class requires the equivalent of one academic hour, (50 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred. Laboratory classes require three academic hours, (150 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred.

Prerequisite

Prerequisites are prescribed courses covering skills and/or knowledge that are normally expected to be acquired prior to enrolling in another course. The intent of prerequisites is to ensure that any student enrolling in a course in which specific information is required will have the necessary background so that every opportunity exists to experience success. Therefore, any course with a prerequisite presumes that subject matter will be acquired in a sequential way.

Students enrolling in courses without the appropriate prerequisite may find that they are ill-prepared to continue their studies in that course. Prerequisites are designed to enhance success. Please refer to the West Hills College Lemoore prerequisite policy in the Academic Regulations portion of this catalog for additional information.

Corequisite

Corequisites are courses that a student is required to take simultaneously in order to enroll in another course. (Successful completion is defined as a grade C or better for the minimum prerequisite/corequisite requirement.)

Class Hours

The total number of class lecture and laboratory hours for each course is indicated in its course description. The schedule of classes, which is available at the time of class registration, will indicate which dates, days and times a given class is scheduled to meet.

Course Subject

Courses are classified by subjects as they exist at West Hills College Lemoore. All courses within an area usually count towards a major in that area. Other institutions may classify their courses differently. Transfer students should consult the catalog of the four-year college to which they intend to transfer for its classification of identical or comparable courses.

Course Numbering

Courses numbered 001-049 are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. These courses are transferable to four-year institutions. However, the institution that the student transfers to determines the specific transferability of courses.

Courses numbered 050-99 are associate degree level courses. These courses are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses numbered 100-199 are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial courses.

Courses in some subject areas that are traditionally taught as combination lecture- laboratory courses at four-year colleges are split into two separate courses:  one a lecture course for transfer students and one a laboratory course for both transfer and non-transfer students. Students wishing to transfer must take both the lecture and laboratory courses.

  • NOTE:  In case of transfer and non-transfer courses taught concurrently, a student may receive credit only for the course in which he/she is enrolled, not both. A student cannot change from one course to the other except according to regular drop/add procedures. He/She should be guided by the course description and may need to consult a counselor or advisor for aid.
Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer and non-degree applicable courses:

(AA/AS) Associate Degree Applicable

(CSU) Transferable to California State University System

(UC) Transferable to University of California System

(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • EMT-010
  • Paramedic I
  • Credit(s) 12

Paramedic I
EMT 010 paramedic I introduces the student to the roles and responsibilities of the Paramedic within the EMS system, apply basic concepts of development, pathophysiology, patient assessment, medication administration, airway and ventilation concepts, the pulmonary, cardiac, neurological, and endocrine systems to be able to formulate a "field impression" of patient status.(AA/AS, CSU)

Class Hours:
216 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
BIO 32, BIO 035, and EMT 001
Corequisite(s):
EMT 011 and EMT 051 (Required, Previous or concurrent).
Advisory(s):
MATH 063
Advisory(s):
Minimum age 18 years of age, live scan background cleareance, health screen clearance, current BLS Healthcare Provider card throughout the program (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • EMT-011
  • Paramedic I Lab
  • Credit(s) 1.5

Paramedic I Lab
This course is the corequisite for Paramedic I and occurs in the skills lab or simulation lab. The student will practice and master skills that will allow the student to meet the clinical performance objectives of the program. Competency testing is the focus of this course and will include physical assessment, medication administration, IV skills, and airway maintenance including intubation.(AA/AS)

Class Hours:
81 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
BIO 032, BIO 035, EMT 001, ENG 051A or ENG 001A
Corequisite(s):
EMT-011, EMT 051 (Required, Previous or concurrent).
Advisory(s):
MATH 063, minimum age 18 years of age,Live scan background clearance,Health screen clearance, Current BLS Healthcare Provider card. (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • EMT-012
  • Advanced Paramedic II
  • Credit(s) 11.5

Advanced Paramedic II
This theory course is the application of theory and skills in a wide variety of sick and injured clients in the pre-hospital setting. This course covers care of medical patients, trauma patients, special populations including obstetrical, pediatric, geriatric and mental health patients. This course is part of a program of study to prepare paramedics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 4 and lists the required hours and subjects to be covered as set forth by the Department of Transportation curriculum.(AA/AS)

Class Hours:
207 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
EMT 010, EMT 011, EMT 051
Corequisite(s):
EMT 013
Advisory(s):
MATH 063, Live scan background (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • EMT-013
  • Advanced Paramedi II Lab
  • Credit(s) 1.5

Advanced Paramedi II Lab
This course is the co requisite for Paramedic II and occurs in the skills lab or simulation lab. The student will practice and master skills that will allow the student to meet the clinical performance objectives of the program. Practice and competency testing is the focus of this course and will include physical assessment, care of the medical patient, special populations' needs, trauma management , communication with EMS base station and medical director, implementing safety precautions for hazardous materials exposure and manage the scene of an emergency.(AA/AS)

Class Hours:
81 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
EMT 010, EMT 011, EMT 051
Corequisite(s):
EMT 012
Advisory(s):
MATH 063
Advisory(s):
MATH 063, Live scan background clearance, and health screening (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • EMT-014
  • Acute Clinical Lab
  • Credit(s) 3

Acute Clinical Lab
This course occurs in the acute care hospital setting in a precepted format. It is the hands-on application of theory and skills in a hospital setting to a wide variety of sick and injured clients. This course is part of a program of study to prepare paramedics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 4 and lists the required hours and subjects to be covered as set forth by the Department of Transportation curriculum.(AA/AS)

Class Hours:
162 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
EMT 010, EMT 011, EMT 051, EMT 012, EMT 013,
Advisory(s):
Live scan backgound clearing, health screen (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • EMT-015
  • Paramedic Field Experience
  • Credit(s) 9

Paramedic Field Experience
This course is the final course in the paramedic program and occurs completely in the field under the direct supervision of a certified pre-arranged paramedic preceptor. It assists the student in developing and refining skills. A wide variety of client activities are taught, including: medical histories, physical examination, client management, triage, trauma care and supportive care of the sick or injured in a field setting. This course is part of a program of study to prepare paramedics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 4 and lists the required hours and subjects to be covered as set forth by the Department of Transportation curriculum. (AA/AS)

Class Hours:
486 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
EM 010, EMT 011, EMT 051, EMT 012, EMT 013, EMT 014
Advisory(s):
Live scan background clearance health screening (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • EMT-015X
  • Occupational Work Experience E
  • Credit(s) 1 - 8

Occupational Work Experience Education
EMT 15X is a cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) course which develops skills and knowledge by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience. It is based on the principle that well-educated individuals develop most effectively through an educational plan that incorporates work experience. Through these structured experiences, the students enrich their college studies, which enhance their total development. Occupational Work Experience is supervised employment, which is intended to assist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes and career awareness in the field of the student's major. Students may earn up to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 total units. Credits are awarded for paid or voluntary work. For every 75 hours of paid work completed within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. For every 60 hours of volunteer work completed with the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. Occupational Work Experience credits are counted as electives toward an Associate's Degree at West Hills College Lemoore, and are transferable to four year universities (for specific transfer eligibility, please contact a counselor or an advisor).

Class Hours:
Lecture
Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU only
  • EMT-050
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Credit(s) 6.5

Emergency Medical Technician
EMT 50 prepares the student for certification as a Nationally Registered EMT and subsequent state certification. Instruction includes topics pertaining to emergency medical care in the pre-hospital setting. This is in accordance with the content of an EMT course and shall meet the objectives contained in the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National EMS Education Standards (DOT HS 811 077A, January 2009), California Code of Regulations Title 22 (Social Security) Division 9 (Prehospital Emergency Medical Services) Chapter 2 (Emergency Medical Technician), and Local EMS policies, procedures and protocols. Successful completion of this course will prepare the student for the National Registry of EMT's certification exam. As part of the course, the student requires at least twenty-four (24) hours of supervised instruction on an operational emergency ambulance. This course will occasionally meet at off campus locations and the student will be responsible for arranging his/her own transportation to those locations. Once certified, this will allow the student to work on an ambulance, fire apparatus, or in a hospital emergency department. (AA/AS)

Class Hours:
90.00 Lecture | 81.00 Laboratory
Advisory(s):
Current certifiction in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR certification) (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
P/NP
Transfers to:
Not transferable
  • EMT-051
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • Credit(s) 0.5

Advanced Cardiac Life Support
This course will provide a review of basic cardiology, pharmacology and EKG interpretation used in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. This course is part of a program of study to prepare paramedics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 4 and lists the required hours and subjects to be covered as set forth by the Department of Transportation curriculum, but is open to qualified healthcare providers for ACLS recertification. (AA/AS)

Class Hours:
4.50 Lecture | 13.50 Laboratory
Advisory(s):
Current BLS Healthcare Provider certification (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
Not transferable
  • EMT-055
  • Emergency Medical Responder/Fi
  • Credit(s) 1.25

Emergency Medical Responder/First Respon
EMT 055 is designed to enhance the education of any pre-EMT student, firefighter, peace officer, and lifeguard. The title of First Responder is currently transitioning to Emergency Medical Responder. This course exceeds the minimum requirements set by the California Code of Regulations, Title 22. Social Security, Division 9. Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services and the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Education Standards (with related Instructional Guidelines) and National Standard Curricula (NSC). This course is also an advisory course for any pre-EMT student and will facilitate a smooth transition into the EMT course (EMT-001).(AA/AS)

Class Hours:
18.00 Lecture | 13.50 Laboratory
P/NP
Transfers to:
Not transferable
  • EMT-056
  • Emergency Medical Tech Refresh
  • Credit(s) 1.25

Emergency Medical Technician Refresh
EMT 056 prepares the student for recertification as a Nationally Registered EMT and subsequent state recertification. Instruction includes topics pertaining to emergency medical care in the pre-hospital setting. This is in accordance with the content of an EMT course and shall meet the objectives contained in the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) EMT-Basic Refresher National Standard Curriculum, DOT HS 808 624, September 1996, California Code of Regulations Title 22 (Social Security) Division 9 (Prehospital Emergency Medical Services) Chapter 2 (Emergency Medical Technician), and Local EMS policies, procedures and protocols. Successful completion of this course will prepare the student for the National Registry of EMT's recertification requirement. As part of the course, the student will be able to complete the state required skills verification. Once recertified, this will allow the student to work on an ambulance, fire apparatus, or in a hospital emergency department.(AA/AS)

Class Hours:
18.00 Lecture | 13.50 Laboratory
P/NP
Transfers to:
Not transferable
  • EMT-52
  • Anatomy and Physiology for Ems
  • Credit(s) 6

Anatomy and Physiology for Ems
EMT 52 is a lecture-based course designed to introduce the pre-paramedic or the pre-EMT (emergency medical technician) student to the structure and function of the human body. At the end of the course, the student should be able to identify cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems along with their respective functions. Successful completion of this course may satisfy the requirement for entrance into West Hills College Lemoore paramedic program. This course is not transferable and does not satisfy the prerequisites for many of the allied health courses. Advisory(s): Successfull completion of Math 63 or equivalent and Successful completion of ENG 1A or equivalent.

Class Hours:
108 Lecture
Transfers to:
Not transferable