Gain the essential life-saving skills needed to provide immediate care in medical
emergencies and trauma situations. You will learn to stabilize patients, perform basic
life support, and assist higher-level EMS personnel in a variety of emergency settings.
Program Overview The Emergency Medical Responder program at Garden City Community College prepares
students to provide immediate, life-saving care in medical emergencies and trauma
situations. Students learn how to respond quickly and effectively when every second
matters.
Foundational Emergency Care Skills Training focuses on stabilizing patients, performing basic life support, and assisting
higher-level EMS personnel in a variety of emergency settings. Students build the
essential skills needed to support patient care in the field.
Hands-On Simulation Training Instead of only classroom instruction, students train in state-of-the-art simulation
labs using advanced airway mannequins and realistic emergency scenarios, guided by
active professionals with real-world experience.
Career-Ready Skills The program also builds transferable skills in communication, teamwork, leadership,
and critical problem-solving, providing a strong foundation for future careers in
healthcare or public safety.
Credentials
Explore the full curriculum and courses in our official catalog:
Emergency Medical Responder Course
6 Credit Hours
(EMR.SAPP) — The EMR program is ideal for those entering public safety or healthcare for the
first time, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and athletic trainers.
You'll learn how to respond quickly, manage medical and trauma emergencies, and provide
immediate care before higher-level responders arrive.
Move from nursing prerequisites into emergency and advanced medical career pathways.
EMR~1-3 WEEKS
EMT~3-6 MONTHS
AEMT~1-2 YEARS
PARAMEDICAddt'l training + experience
Emergency Medical Responder: The vital first link in the chain of survival.
Emergency Medical Technician:The foundation of ambulance-based emergency care.
Advanced EMT (AEMT): The bridge between basic transport and advanced life support.
Paramedic (EMTT): Paramedic training is highly respected for flight paramedic roles and dramatically
strengthens medical and PA school applications.
Highlights
Multiple scholarships and workforce grants are available for EMS students through
the college foundation, Kansas Board of Regents, and local sponsors. GCCC also participates
in the Kansas Promise Scholarship, which can cover tuition for eligible students pursuing
high-need fields like Emergency Medical Services.
Requirements
To ensure student success and patient safety, all EMS applicants must meet basic academic
and professional readiness standards. Requirements vary by credential level (EMR,
EMT, AEMT, Paramedic), but typically include:
Minimum age: 17 years old (18 for AEMT and Paramedic)
Education: High school diploma or GED
Prerequisites:
Current CPR certification (AHA BLS Provider level) Completion of Anatomy & Physiology
(for advanced levels)
Current EMT certification (for AEMT and Paramedic applicants)
Health & Background Requirements:
Current immunizations and health screening
Drug screen and criminal background check (prior to clinical or field placement)
Technical Standards:
Ability to meet physical, cognitive, and emotional demands of emergency medical care
Scholarships
Kansas Promise Scholarship Eligible This program qualifies for the Kansas Promise Scholarship, giving you the opportunity
to earn a degree or certificate at little to no cost.
The Kansas Promise is a “last-dollar” scholarship that covers tuition, fees, books, and other program-related expenses not already paid by other scholarships or grants. It’s available to eligible Kansas students enrolled in high-demand programs. In return, recipients agree to live and work in
Kansas for two years after completing their program.
Salary information is provided for general informational purposes only and represents
estimates, not guarantees. Actual earnings may vary based on factors such as experience,
location, and employer. Some careers may require education, certifications, or training
beyond programs offered at Garden City Community College.
