Following a successful first semester of Marquette’s emergency medical technician class, the College of Health Sciences decided it will offer the course again in the spring.

The course is offered through Milwaukee Area Technical College but is taught on Marquette’s campus. The basic EMT course allows students to be EMT certified, after which they can work with an ambulance company, a hospital or in another capacity.

“I think one of the benefits for any student interested in a future career in health care or health sciences is that the course is a valuable way to get relevant experience and the clinical hours required of  applicants to many health science professional programs,” said William Cullinan, dean of the College of Health Sciences.

Applying to professional school, such as a physician’s assistant program, requires applicants to have extensive patient contact hours to either remain competitive or even apply. Due to the availability of this new class, Marquette students with EMT certification are able to work in healthcare environment to gain valuable skills and hours that they would not gain in traditional classes.

“The experience that I’ve had as an EMT is my continual motivation to keep pursuing my path as a PA,” said Kate Barelli, MUSG senator for the College of Health Sciences, who spearheaded the project. “Because (biomedical sciences) can be rigorous, it’s helpful to have a clear vision that what we’re working toward will be worth it.”

According to the MATC’s curriculum for the class, students will learn a broad variety of skills, such as taking vital signs, learning different types of medical assessment and airway management. They will also be trained to respond to emergency situations from heart attacks and allergic reactions to trauma.

Barelli worked with the College of Health Sciences and MATC for about a year to get the course available on campus. Supplies, such as CPR equipment and AED (heart defibrillators) were expensive. Ultimately, Marquette bought some of its own while the rest of the supplies came from the MATC. The university plans on purchasing its own equipment over time provided the long-term success of the class.

Mike Bova, MATC’s EMT instructional chairperson at the Oak Creek campus, said he is happy with the success.

“We were able to offer EMT training to the next generation of healthcare providers of MU,” he said.