At Unitek EMT, we have a number of continuing education courses for EMS workers. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a vital field that provides the public with first response treatment. Some EMS professionals take mandatory refresher courses, while others seek out continuing education to enhance their skillset.

Today, allow us to take you on a brief tour of our supplemental courses!

EMT Refresher Continuing Education Course

Taught by seasoned EMS professionals, our Refresher Course meets industry standards and provides participants with the necessary 24 hours of continuing education. It also gives participants the chance to complete a skills verification form for EMT state recertification.

During this rigorous, 3-day course, certified EMS instructors will teach workshop-style classes with various practical components. Check out our stats below for a quick outline of the Refresher Course…

Refresher Stats

+ Duration: 3 days

+ Instructors: All instructors are certified EMS professionals

+ Certification: Provides 24 hours of continuing education credit and opportunity to complete skills verification for EMT state recertification.

Basic Life Support Continuing Education Course

Next up is the Basic Life Support (BLS) Continuing Education Course. This particular course is intended for healthcare personnel who must learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other cardiovascular life support skills. Without a doubt, this knowledge may one day help save a life!

According to the American Heart Association, there are 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year in the United States. Only about 46% of people who experience this type of event get the help they need before EMS personnel arrive. The BLS Course at Unitek EMT strives to combat these statistics by training participants to quickly recognize various emergencies, perform quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and provide early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

BLS Stats

+ Duration: Approximately 4 hours, including skills practice and skills testing.

+ Instructors: All Instructors are current AHA BLS Certified Instructors.

+ Certification: AHA BLS Course Completion Card is valid for two years.

Course Outline

+ Lesson 1: Course Introduction
+ Lesson 2: 1-Rescuer Adult BLS
+ Lesson 3: AED and Bag-Mask Device
+ Lesson 4: 2-Rescuer Adult BLS
+ Lesson 5: Team Dynamics
+ Lesson 6: High-Performance Teams Activity
+ Lesson 7: Child BLS
+ Lesson 8: Infant BLS
+ Lesson 9: Special Considerations
+ Lesson 10: Adult and Child Choking
+ Lesson 11: Infant Choking
+ Lesson 12: Conclusion
+ Lesson 13: Exam
+ Lesson 14: Adult CPR and AED Skills Test
+ Lesson 15: Infant CPR Skills Test
+ Lesson 16: Remediation

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Continuing Education Course

Our third and final course is not for the faint of heart. In other words, the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Continuing Education Course is true to its name. Healthcare professionals who are looking for an innovative ACLS class might want to consider Unitek EMT. We equip participants with the skills to function as a team to increase chances of survivability in various cases. These include cardiac arrest, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and stroke events.

ACLS Stats

+ Duration:

• ACLS Initial Course: Approximately 12 hours (two days)
• ACLS Update Course: Approximately 6 hours

+ Instructors: All instructors are current ACLS American Heart Association instructors.

+ Certification: ACLS course completion card is valid for two years.

Course Outline

+ Lesson 1: Life Is Why
+ Lesson 2: Science of Resuscitation
+ Lesson 3: Systematic Approach
+ Lesson 4: High Quality BLS
+ Lesson 5: Airway Management
+ Lesson 6: Acute Coronary Syndrome
+ Lesson 7: Acute Ischemic Stroke
+ Lesson 8: Team Dynamics
+ Lesson 9: Megacode
+ Lesson 10: Post Cardiac Care
+ Lesson 11: Intraosseous Access

More About Unitek EMT

At Unitek EMT, we strive to prepare aspiring Emergency Medical Technicians by providing them with EMT training and an accelerated EMT program. Experts in the EMS field educate our students through a combination of traditional learning, simulation training, and workshop-style classes.

Additionally, we offer a program with several variations to better accommodate our students. These include a 14-Day Boot Camp¹ at our Fremont Campus in Northern California, and a modified version of the Boot Camp at our facility in Chandler, Arizona. If you’d like more information, please contact us toll free at 888-790-1458.

Change your future with Unitek EMT!

¹ Our 14-Day EMT Program in AZ and the 14-Day on-ground portion of the EMT Program in CA are taught in an intensive “boot camp” style, to simulate the fast pace of work expected on the job as an EMT. The California EMT Program also includes online instructional hours.

Unitek Learning has promoted two outstanding professionals to EMT program director for their California and Arizona locations

Unitek EMT is thrilled to welcome Marcus Bond and Jessica Gonzalez as the new directors of their EMT program. Recently, the program has embarked on a transformative expansion to Chandler, Arizona. Based in Northern California, Unitek also seeks to provide Arizona residents with an exceptional alternative for their EMT training needs.

During this trailblazing expansion, two roles emerged that needed to be filled by top-notch, quality professionals. Unitek is excited to announce that Marcus Bond will become the Program Director for Unitek EMT in California, and Jessica Gonzalez will become the Program Director for Unitek EMT in Arizona. Aspiring emergency medical technicians will now have the opportunity to learn from these seasoned EMS experts.

About the New EMT Directors

Marcus, a San Jose native, currently lives in Lake County with his wife and four-year-old child. Previously, he has held positions with the Sonoma County Volunteer Fire Department. He has also worked as an EMT at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and as a paramedic at Kelseyville Fire Protection District. Most recently, Marcus has worked as a paramedic field training officer. In this role, he implemented an efficient training regimen for new policies and techniques. Additionally, he has led ambulance strike teams during local disasters. In 2018, Marcus joined Unitek EMT to assist with their expansion and fill the critical role of program director.

Jessica, an Arizona native, is a married mother of five. She obtained her EMT certification at Central Arizona College in 2006. Her 12-year EMS career includes providing care on a rural area 911 ambulance and through a Level-1 pediatric trauma center. Jessica has also developed CPR and First Aid training programs in rural communities around the state of Arizona. In 2013, she obtained her EMT instructor certification and began a fulfilling career in EMS education. Earlier this year, Jessica joined Unitek EMT during their expansion to Arizona. Not only has she helped establish the new program, but she will assume the pivotal role of program director.

“We are thrilled to have these two experienced professionals leading our EMT teams,” said David Higley, Chief Marketing Officer at Unitek Learning, the parent company of Unitek EMT. “Together, Marcus and Jessica will spearhead a new year of growth and opportunity for Unitek EMT. Our team cares greatly about providing the best education possible and preparing the next generation of EMTs.”

Overview of Unitek EMT

For the past 12 years, Unitek EMT has provided aspiring emergency medical technicians with the training they needed to succeed. State-of-the-art courses and boot camps equip graduates with the latest theory and technique for first-response treatment of patients. Taught by seasoned EMS professionals, the classes at Unitek EMT include real-world implementations, hands-on training, and one-on-one instruction to ensure students master the skills they’ll need to save lives.

One of the Nation’s Finest EMT Training Programs Now Offered In Chandler, Arizona

Unitek EMT has expanded their popular Emergency Medical Technician training program into Chandler, Arizona. Based in California, Unitek seeks to provide Arizona residents with an accelerated and robust option for their EMT training. Currently, Unitek is accepting students for boot camps scheduled to start in October at their Chandler campus.

In Arizona, the Unitek EMT program features a 14-day boot camp with applied training, hands-on exercises, and clinical simulations. Students will receive efficient and comprehensive EMT training through this 140-hour program. The 10 hours of boot camp style instruction per day for 14 consecutive days is designed to simulate the intense pace of work that can be expected on the job as an EMT.

The program also includes NREMT passing assistance. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) administers the cognitive certification exam that graduates must take in order to become nationally certified EMTs. At a student’s request, Unitek will provide assistance in passing this milestone exam.

The Importance of Emergency Medical Technicians

“Due to the vital service that first responders provide, there is great demand for well-trained EMTs across the country,” said David Higley, Chief Marketing Officer at Unitek Learning, the parent company of Unitek EMT. “Our new Chandler campus will serve the entire Maricopa County area.” With almost 5 million people, Maricopa is the fourth most populous county in the U.S., and it was the fastest-growing county in 2017. Last year, the average salary for EMTs and paramedics in Arizona was $38,330 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which makes Arizona one of the nation’s top ten highest-paying states for EMTs and paramedics.

To make their graduates more marketable, Unitek offers psychomotor skills training that meets the requirements of various EMS and public safety agencies. They currently provide successful graduates with a Program Completion Certificate. Through the Arizona EMT program, Unitek seeks to promote student excellence, strengthen support for workforce development, and help fill the need for EMS professionals in the United States.

“We are thrilled to announce this transformative expansion,” said David Higley. “It has been a year of growth and opportunity for Unitek EMT, and we look forward to extending our reach in Arizona. At Unitek, we are dedicated to educating the next generation of emergency medical technicians.”

More About Unitek EMT

For the past 12 years, Unitek has provided aspiring EMTs with the training they need to succeed. Their state-of-the-art courses and boot camps equip graduates with the current theory and technique for first-response treatment of patients. Taught by seasoned EMS professionals, the classes at Unitek EMT include realistic simulations, hands-on training, and one-on-one instruction to ensure students master the skills they’ll need to save lives.

More often than not, an emphasis is placed on programs, students, and benefits. These are all equally important facets to consider when looking at a school. At Unitek EMT, we would also like to take a closer look at our faculty. Not only are they instrumental to our success, but they play a vital role in shaping future EMTs and the field of EMS.

We recently spoke with Chris Seymour, the inspirational Program Director at Unitek EMT. He tirelessly works to educate and uplift the EMTs of tomorrow. Read on with us, and learn a little more about the man behind the program!

1. Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do at Unitek EMT?

A: I am the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator for the Unitek EMT program. I oversee all aspects of the program, including quizzes, lecture format, skills, and the syllabus. Additionally, I am also the lead instructor for the program and deliver many of the lectures.

2. Q: What is your day-to-day life like at Unitek EMT?

A: Busy, but so much fun! I usually get to work at 6:30 a.m. to setup and organize the classroom for the day’s activities. Lecture begins promptly at 8:00 a.m., where I focus the first portion of the day on a review for the previous day’s studies. I always try to make sure that students can not only apply the concepts they’ve learned but also retain the information.

After that, we engage students in a variety of activities, such as group work, presentations, workshops, study groups, and lectures. We break these sessions up as often as we can to keep the students motivated and engaged in participant learning. Throughout the program, we utilize a lecture and skills format so students can practice what we have just lectured on. As a teacher, I like to cater to all learning styles—I want my students to read it, hear it, and then demonstrate practical applications of what they’ve learned.

At 8:00 p.m. in the evening, it’s time to call it a day.

3. Q: How long have you been with the company? What made you choose Unitek?

A: I was hired as the Program Director about a year ago. Unitek is very unique, and its accelerated programs are completely immersive. I want my students to learn to serve their community, gain a valuable life skill, and become leaders in the Emergency Medical Services industry. I believe our program gives them all of these things. By having an accelerated program, I get the unique opportunity to teach hundreds of students per year. The unique nature of our program allows students to come to class, get an amazing educational experience, and then pursue a career as an EMT.

4. Q: Has your role changed since you’ve been here?

A: My role hasn’t changed. I still love to teach, but I am actively searching for ways to expand our program and explore other avenues. EMT is a science-based field, and since science and technology are ever-changing, our program must also continuously evolve. We have a lot of exciting new ideas on the horizon, and as Program Director, I can’t wait to move them from the theoretical to the real world.

5. Q: What did you do before this?

A: I have been a Paramedic for almost twenty years. I’ve worked all over, doing everything from working for the County Public Health Department, supervising a 911 system, arranging high-profile events for VIP clientele, serving as an Executive Protection Specialist, and working as a 911 medic. Most recently, I was the Vice President of one of the largest-growing ambulance companies in California. Because of our explosive success, we explored new and creative ways to reinvent the ambulance business.

My idea was to build a school, and as I founded a post-secondary school of education, I realized someone would have to teach. So, I took it upon myself to become a National EMS Educator and began teaching part time. I soon found that this was my true passion. I enjoyed teaching so much that I decided to leave the ambulance business and pursue teaching full time. Unitek is a great place, it allows me to teach almost every day, it challenges me in fun and unique ways, and the staff that I work with is amazing.

6. Q: To date, what professional achievement are you most proud of?

A: I am proud to have achieved my Master’s Degree. I would have never been able to receive a college education if it wasn’t for EMS. My family didn’t have a lot of money to send me to college, so I paid my own way while working full time as a Paramedic.  Having a career in EMS has afforded me so many unique opportunities. It has been good to me, which is why I’d like to pay it forward.

7. Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

A: Sleep…just kidding! My duties at Unitek keep me very busy, as I typically teach six days a week. However, when I’m not a Unitek, I like to do a variety of things. My absolute favorite thing is being a husband and a father.

8. Q: If you had to pick just one thing, what would you say is your favorite part about working at Unitek EMT?

A: It’s hard for me to choose a favorite part about working here. My coworkers are amazing, the facilities and equipment are great. If I had to choose just one thing, I would pick my students. I love seeing the “lightbulb” come on and watching the students master new concepts. Though we start with a room full of strangers, our students quickly become friends, colleagues, and teammates.

My favorite part of the day, is when I check my email and read a message from a recent graduate, who tells me they have passed the National Registry, or they just got hired as an EMT, and they are thankful for what they learned in our program. I’m very proud of all my students, and I feel honored to have helped them in their pursuits.

9. Q: Where do you see this company in the next few years? What gets you most excited about the company’s future?

A: We have a lot of new plans for the program. I’ve been in EMS my entire adult life; I see the challenges on the horizon, and I am familiar with what our industry needs in order to overcome the unique challenges that will arise. I expect our program to grow and meet these challenges, which will fill the needs of those who seek to improve the wellbeing of others through their actions. What gets me excited about the future are the seemingly endless possibilities. As for where we go next…well, you’ll just have to see.

10. Q: If there was one thing you could tell people about the EMT program, what would that be?

A: There are EMT schools everywhere. I know them—I have helped build some of them—and I know the professors that teach at them. While they are all good schools, Unitek’s EMT program is unlike anything you have seen before. Our lessons transcend the classroom; we bridge the gap between theory and application seamlessly. Our program focuses on science, how you apply your knowledge of science, and how to use what you have learned to overcome unique challenges as a team to help those in need. I expect a lot from my students and, in return, our team gives them everything we can to make them successful.