FAQ'S

 The EMT-Basic license is the first level of training in the field of EMS. The EMT-Basic course is typically a one semester course which is offered at various training institutions throughout Illinois such as community colleges and hospitals. The requirements to enroll in an Oakton EMT program include: 

· 18 years of age or older 

· High school diploma or GED 

· Ability to read/comprehend at a college level 

Additionally, in order to become licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician must show they are up to date on child care payments, and those requesting licensure must not be convicted on any felony charges. 

1. Signed child support declaration (renewal notice).

2. A total of 120 hours or require amount by your regional ems system of approved continuation credits of the following medical education, seminars, and workshops addressing both adult and pediatric care. 

3. A copy of current Basic Life Support Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation card. 4. Approval of the EMS medical director Note: If you are an independent, you must complete an EMS independent renewal application. Your renewal request will be reviewed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS and Highway Safety. The ems renewal application can be found at www.idph.state.il.us/ems  

Typically offers the following EMT courses each semester

FALL & SPRING Semesters: 

MONDAY’S 8AM-5:30PM 

TUESDAY/ THURSDAY 6PM-10:30PM 

THURSDAYS: 8AM-5:30PM

SUMMER: 

MONDAY/TUESDAY 8AM-5:30PM 

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY 8AM-5:30PM 

MONDAY thru THURSDAY 6PM-10:30PM

Yes! Our first day of class involves us training you to become certified by the AHA to receive a Basic Life Support CPR/AED certificate. Even if you already have a valid current CPR card, we will recertify you, as this is a fundamental step of learning as an emergency medical technician, it is important to keep up to skill level with proficiency when performing CPR on a victim. Even if your current CPR card is not from the AHA we will still do this mandatory certification, again as it is a fundamental step as an EMT. Who are my instructors? What kind of work experience will they provide me to learn about being a EMT? Our program is truly unique unlike many other EMT programs in which you are receiving educational requirements of lecture, discussion, and practical skill examination from the experience of seasoned veteran firefighter/paramedic’s with experience from municipal fire departments from the city of Chicago to metro-suburban fire departments. Several of our instructors have worked as well in the private ambulance, industrial sector, and hospital environments. All our instructors engage in an ongoing process of educational requirements as Emergency Medical Service educators involving several yearly seminars, discussions, and panels. Unlike most programs, our program places high emphasis on understanding and mastery of practical skills with critical thinking scenarios/situations. To support our students to a higher level of education we utilize a wide array of advanced simulation manikin trainers to build scenarios. Our students are equipped with quick response bags, automated external defibrillators, and transporting devices to simulate as close to reality medical and traumatic injuries. We simulate car extrication, mass-casualty, hazardous material incidents, weapons of mass destruction/terrorism and incident command scenarios.  

 Please contact the instructor of the course or contact the EMT Program Coordinator Ali Abdollahzadeh consult@fire-consultant.com , our first day of class is fairly intensive, we have quite a bit of paperwork, registration, health immunization documentation, and Basic Life Support cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification to be completed.  

Unlike other programs, this certification in order to request for licensure examination requires a documented number of required classroom hours, as well as required clinical hours. Missing 1-2 classes can potentially disqualify you from having the required number of hours to be eligible for licensure examination. You must notify your instructor with a plan of action if you cannot makeup these hours.  

There is some flexibility with missing 9 hours of the course work. If a section has not covered your missed lecture topic or practical, you can notify your instructor and the EMT Program Coordinator with a plan of action with missed lectures/practical skills.  

Emergency Medical Technicians work in a variety of workplaces from municipal fire departments, private ambulance companies, hospital workplace, allied healthcare, industrial settings, and wilderness settings. There are many individuals whom with experience train and provide administrative continuous quality improvement to entry level EMT’s. Several individuals work in research and development to develop new innovative ideas in the pre-hospital care environment. Many individuals whom process the EMT license are able promote safety and wellness in their workplace, and are true patient advocates.  

Yes! Many communities, cities, and townships require their firefighters to be trained to the level of Emergency Medical Technician. Typically this is the first level of education many civilians process as they challenge the process to become a firefighter for a municipal fire department.  

Yes! Emergency Medical Technician course provides individuals with the proper training and guidance to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. EMTs function as part of a comprehensive EMS response under medical oversight. This program focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and abilities that will allow each student to properly assess and treat a variety of medical emergencies as EMTs in the prehospital setting. It is designed for individuals seeking to become healthcare providers and presents a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue advanced training at the Paramedic, nursing, physician assistant, allied healthcare, and medical doctor level.  

 Yes! Several of our alumni after receiving their licensure immediately start working in private ambulance companies, municipal fire departments, and hospital based allied healthcare settings. We train our Emergency Medical Technician students to mastery of practical skills and techniques. We ask our students to begin do critical thinking scenario/situations.   

 There is a lot of work in order to become a licensed Emergency Medical Technician. You will learn about the Emergency Medical System, gain knowledge with anatomy & pathophysiology and medical terminology. You will become knowledgeable of several medical conditions and traumatic injuries in which you will learn how to able emergency medical care and skillfully apply correct therapeutic treatments to your patient. You will be required to attend a 12 hour clinical with an ambulance ride time, and two (6) hour emergency room clinical. It is a general rule of thumb if you plan on taking this course which is 8 credit hours, you must plan on spending 2-3 hours per credit hour outside of the classroom time to study. This mean you would be doing 16-32 hours a week of studying independently for this course. This is almost 2.5 to 4.5 hours of studying every day to be successful.  

 Sixty days prior to the expiration date on your license, you will receive a renewal notice form in the mail from the Illinois Department of Public Health. You must complete this form in its entirety and return it to your EMS system coordinator and medical director and determine if you meet the requirements for renewal.  

Sixty days prior to the expiration date on your license, you will receive a renewal notice form in the mail from the Illinois Department of Public Health. You must complete this form in its entirety and contact Division of EMS by telephone at 217-785-2080. The department’s licensure clerks will refer you to the regional EMS coordinator in your area to process an independent renewal request.  

Once your EMT license expires, you will have 60 days from that expiration date to pay a $50.00 late fee and renew your license within 60 days after the expiration date, you will be required to reapply for licensure, complete the training program, pass the test, and pay the fees as required for initial licensure. It is important to maintain your current EMT license through the renewal process.  

Depending on the number of continuing hours you currently have, your EMS medical director may grant you an extension of your license. You must submit your application for extension before the expiration date on your license. If you are affiliated with an EMS system, you must forward the extension w application to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS. Submitting an application is not a guarantee that your license will be extended. Your EMS medical director will be the approving authority to determine if your license will be extended. 

Yes! Failure to do so can result in not receiving vital documents regarding renewal of your license. You will be notified by mail for renewals, suspensions, and mandatory continuing education. 

If you are affiliated with an Illinois EMS system, you must contact your EMS system coordinator to change your name. If you are an independent, you may contact Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS.