Fire & EMS Academy curriculum has been modified to meet the standards and requirements of Ohio Fire and EMS agencies to ensure that the students are "job ready," and qualify for application and potential hiring.
The first semester will follow the Ohio Department of Public Safety's training for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Students will prepare to take the National Registry written exam at the end of the semester. Students must maintain an 80% test average throughout the semester and obtain at least an 80% on the course final to be eligible to take the EMT exam. Clinical sites include time in the emergency room and with a local Fire-based EMS service.
The second semester will feature a "paramedic prep" course to introduce content in advanced prehospital medicine which better prepares students for paramedic program enrollment, post-graduation. This curriculum features ECG (electrocardiogram) interpretation, pharmacology, intravenous (IV) therapy, advanced airway management, and other advanced assessment skills. The semester also incorporates physical fitness readiness and the completion of the fire academy physical agility certification. This makes cadets eligible for fire academy enrollment post-graduation.
Both semesters have attendance requirements as outlined by the State of Ohio Department of Public Safety. Some classes may be held off-site at various fire departments or other locations. There will be some all-day Saturday classes required within the curriculum and will be scheduled with as much notice as possible.