Washington, D.C., June 30, 2011 – The Department of Emergency Medicine of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences is hosting the DC area’s first EMT-Basic Clinical Summer Program aimed at high school and first/second year college students interested in a healthcare delivery career. This program is the only of its kind offered in a University setting. The program is six weeks of intensive learning, where students have the option to earn college credit, which can later be applied toward a degree at The George Washington University.
“Having the opportunity to train students who are interested in careers in the health field is exciting. At GW, we embrace the opportunity to expose young students to professions in medicine and the health sciences, so that they can direct their studies toward attaining their goal of becoming health care providers,” said Dr. Margaret Plack, interim Senior Associate Dean, Health Sciences programs, GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
During the program, students will learn how to assess various conditions and provide emergency medical care to victims of sudden illness. In addition to completing the didactic portion of the EMT-Basic program, students will have extensive hands-on clinical experience via the GW Simulation Lab and participate in emergency department rotations. This program will be taught by School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty.
“I believe this course will provide a marvelous first step for students who wish to enter careers in healthcare delivery. This program will expose these students to the assessment of critically ill or injured patients and provide a first hand look at the challenges and opportunities that arise within a career as a health care professional,” said Dr. Robert Shesser, Professor and Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Upon successful completion of the program students will receive their Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers card, as well as additional certifications earned during the Institute. At the conclusion of the course, those who have successfully completed all modules, and are at least 18 years of age will be eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT-Basic certification examination.
Applications continue to be accepted for the first EMT-Basic Clinical Summer Program set to begin in July of 2011.
About The Department of Emergency Medicine:
The Department of Emergency Medicine at The George Washington University has been working since 1979 to expand the definition and scope of activity of Emergency Medicine practice, teaching and research. We have developed an extensive series of educational and consulting activities that literally span the globe. The Department is designed to encourage the development of modern medical solutions, embrace new technologies and enhance the delivery of medical services worldwide.
