FAQ
I'm a freshman/undergrad/grad student/staff member at Stanford. Can I take this course?
All Stanford students, both undergraduate and graduate, may apply for the class. In addition other Stanford affiliates (faculty or staff) may also apply and will be considered on an individual basis. We are unfortunately unable to consider any applicants who are not currently affiliated with Stanford. Enrollment in the course is not guaranteed and is subject to course director approval.
I'm going to be away from Stanford fall/winter/spring quarter. Can I take two quarters this year and one quarter next year?
No. The course must be taken in the fall, winter, and spring sequence. The curriculum is set by the Department of Transportation and the Santa Clara EMS agency; we cannot deviate from this curriculum. If you know you will be gone at some point during the year, we ask that you wait until next year to take the course.
Are there pre-requisites?
There are none. We will teach you everything you need to know.
What's class like?
The class meets 6 - 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is a weekly quiz on Tuesday, followed by a 1.5 hour lecture on a related topic, such as anatomy or pharmacology. On Thursdays, the class is divided into small groups to practice hands-on skills, such as patient assesment, vitals taking, and splinting. There will also be some weekend sessions and online training.
Is this class hard?
The class is different from traditional classes; for some people it's harder, and some, it's easier. Homework primarily consists of reading, and there are still quizzes and written tests, just like a normal class. Unlike normal classes, there is a significant amount of "hands-on" material in the class. Traditionally, the midterm tests students' ability to perform practical skills and procedures on patients, which often requires practice before the midterm.
How is the class graded?
Although the specific weights of these factors vary year to year, the grade is a combination of weekly quizzes, a practical midterm, a written final, and class participation and attendance.
Can I take the course credit/no credit?
Yes. You will still have to fulfill all the requirements in order to pass.
I didn't get in the class, but I really want to be an EMT. What can I do?
You're always welcome to apply again the following year. If you can't wait that long, here are a list of other courses in the area.
What immunization requirements are there?
In order to do your emergency room observations, a component of the program, you will need to be immunized against Hepatitis B and have a negative TB test. If you have immunization records for Hepatitis B and have had a TB test (PPD, or other appropriate test) in the last year, then you're all set. If you haven't had either of those done, or cannot find the records, you will need to have the appropriate titers or immunizations performed. You will not need to show proof of immunization until the middle of winter quarter, and immunization is not a requirement to apply and be accepted to the program.
How much does the class cost?
Other than the following requirements, the EMT program does not require any additional fees.
1) You must take a professional/healthcare provider level CPR class within the first quarter of the program. If you take it as arranged through the program, the cost is $35. You can also take this on your own at an American Red Cross or American Heart Association chapter, but the cost is usually about $80.
2) If you cannot show proof of a negative TB test or hepatitis immunization, you must have the appropriate tests or immunizations performed. We estimate this will cost about $50-80 depending on where you get it done.
3) A $10 lab fee will allow student to receive personal equipment such as an individual stethoscope, eye protection, penlight, respirator and nametag. Please do not let these costs deter you from applying for the program. If you believe you will incur financial hardship from these requirements, feel free to email us, and we can investigate options to help you.
In addition, if you decide to get your EMT certification after the training program, you need to pay a total of about $200 for various fees and registration costs before you receive local county accreditation. This is not required to pass the class, but is strongly encouraged.
How can I use the skills I learned in class?
There are a number of ways you will be able to use the skills you will learn in class, if you decide to get your EMT certification. On campus, you can apply to join Stanford EMS, who provides EMS services at large campus events. At home, you can apply for work as an EMT, or perhaps volunteer if you have a volunteer EMS service.
Another option for graduates from our class is to go on and apply to become course TAs for the class in the following year.
Which textbook will the course use?
We have decided on the following textbook for 2010/11:
Required: Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 10th Edition (2011) by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
ISBN-13: 9780763778286.
Students can also purchase the e-textbook ($43) from Coursesmart in lieu of the physical. However, this electronic version does not have access to the companion website, EMS Zone, which will be very useful in your future studies. Therefore, in addition to the electronic textbook we strongly suggest you purchase access to this website feature ($25).
Have you noted any class conflicts year-to-year?
Yes, certain midterm schedules from undergraduate classes (including pre-med classes) may conflict with our regularly scheduled lectures on Tuesday or Thursday nights. Please review your class midterm schedules carefully to ensure that it does not conflict with our 6pm-8pm class on Tuesdays and Thursdays.