Tyler Cegielski, who will soon graduate from San Jacinto College, works as a paramedic with the Harris County Emergency Corps. Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

EMT program offers flexibility for students with busy schedules

Rob Vanya, August 21, 2012

HOUSTON — The San Jacinto College Emergency Medical Technology program now offers hybrid training (a blend of online and on-site classes) in anatomy, physiology, EMS operations and some paramedic courses at the North Campus.

In addition to face-to-face classes and hybrid offerings, the program also features some distance learning options, designed to provide flexibility for the busy work and school schedules of students.

The EMT program features advanced training equipment and students learn critical emergency procedures in well-equipped labs. Students learn with sophisticated “high fidelity” equipment. “The term high fidelity describes the latest computer driven equipment, such as life-like manikins, which simulate real life circumstances,” commented Alana Curry, nursing professor at the College. High fidelity equipment can be programmed to simulate a heart attack, a respiratory arrest, a childbirth, and various types of medical emergencies. “A student, or team, can approach a patient scenario and work through what is considered a ‘real’ emergency,” Curry said.

EMT student Tyler Cegielski says he is well prepared for his career field thanks to training he has received at San Jacinto College. “The teachers are so professional and go to any length to make sure you are well prepared,” he commented. “I especially liked the one-on-one training I have as a student at San Jacinto College, and the hands-on learning. It’s a major plus, and it is so critical as an EMT technician.” Cegielski will earn an EMT associate degree from the College in December. In addition to attending college, he also works as a paramedic for the Harris County Emergency Corps.

According to the Texas Industry Profiles website, emergency medical technicians and paramedics in the state can expect to earn a median annual salary of $29,324, or $14.10 per hour. An entry-level worker can expect to earn $21,971 ($10.56 per hour), while an experienced worker can expect to earn $36.872 ($17.73 per hour).

San Jacinto College offers a wide range of EMT degree options and study plans at the North and Central campuses. For more information, please visit www.sanjac.edu/areas-study#emergency-medical-technology.

Registration for the Fall 2012 semester continues at all three San Jacinto Colleges until the first day of classes on Aug. 27. To find out how to apply, please visit www.sanjac.edu/first-steps.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.