Students in the EMT course learn to backboard

Emergency Medical Technician Course

Note: Students are eligible for PA state EMT certifications at the age of 16, while the NREMT only provides certifications to students 18 years of age or older.

Temple’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is a six-credit course designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide basic life support emergency care. The EMT course is held in a traditional setting, where material is taught in a dynamic classroom environment and hands-on skills are heavily integrated. Students will utilize an assigned textbook and associated interactive supplements to complete readings, assignments, presentations and psychomotor skills. Students will complete field clinical hours with affiliated prehospital and hospital facilities. Throughout the course, and through the application of skills in the classroom and clinical setting, students will become competent in performing the minimum job competencies of an emergency medical technician providing Basic Life Support (BLS) care. 

Objectives include, but are not limited to:

  1. Medical/trauma assessment
  2. Vital sign assessment and physical examination 
  3. Airway management
  4. Immobilization techniques 
  5. EMS operations 
  6. Legal documentation
  7. Lifting and moving techniques 

This course is optimal for pre-health students, as an EMT certification provides ample opportunity to gain patient contact hours and unparalleled healthcare experience. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician's (NREMT) Cognitive and Psychomotor Certification Exam. Once the student successfully completes the NREMT exam, they will earn their NREMT and Pennsylvania state EMT certifications.

Requirements for course enrollment

At the undergraduate level, students should register for HRPR 3001; at the graduate level, students should register for HRPR 5002.

More information

For questions on the program not answered here or for more information on how to enroll, contact: