Recently, LSCS partnered with HFD to conduct a class with 65 cadets to help them further their careers through emergency medical technician training that was held at LSC-North Harris. Once classroom instruction and clinical training ended, all 65 students were eligible to take the national EMT-Basic certification test (12 were already certified).  Of the 53 students needing certification, 51passed the test on their first try – a 96 percent success rate. The remaining two students successfully passed on their second attempt for an overall pass rate of 100 percent.  The average pass rate in Texas is 69 percent of those taking the test that pass on their first try.   

“These numbers are fantastic” said Dr. Bill Drees, dean of instruction at LSC-North Harris. Drees pointed out that the EMT education and training is critical for these students who will often be first on a scene where someone requires immediate medical attention. “Lives frequently depend on the swift, skilled response of emergency medical technicians, including those who work as firefighters,” he said. Drees congratulated those in the emergency medical services program at LSC-North Harris: James Kieke, director; Alicia McGee, lead instructor; and Jennifer Briggs, clinical coordinator. 

“My hat’s off to them and the work they do. Not only did 100 percent of their students pass the national EMT exam, but the classes also had a 100 percent retention rate,” he said, signifying that all of the class members completed the classroom work as well as their clinical studies. EMT-Basic training at LSC-North Harris consists of two courses that combine classroom  instruction, laboratory work, as well as clinical studies which include:

• The skills necessary to perform a comprehensive assessment of a patient which could include pediatric, adult, geriatric, obstetric, psychiatric and/or trauma patients.

• The ability to serve as a member of a team in a variety of pre-hospital emergency situations. 

• Apply safety and operational principles in out-of-hospital environments.    

Upon successful completion of the classroom and clinical work, students are eligible to sit for the national and state examination conducted by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Passing the test allows the students to become EMT certified. The EMT certification is only half of the requirement to become a member of the HFD – students must also pass an exam by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Thanks to the curriculum offered at LSC-North Harris, cadets are obtaining their certification much quicker which allows them to be out on the street serving the community.

“We’re extremely pleased with the working relationship we have established with this group of Houston firefighters,” Drees said. “The quality of our training enabled all of them to become certified EMTs in Houston and serve the needs of our community.”

Click here to learn more about the LSC EMT program.

Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online.

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