Comparison of EMT School Options in Reno, Nevada
Within a 25-mile radius of Reno, Nevada, only one school offers a training program for individuals desiring to become EMTs. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) is a 2-year community college serving as many as 25,000 students a semester at five different locations, making it the fastest-growing college in northern Nevada. It has a campus about five miles, or about a 15-minute drive, from downtown Reno.
TMCC offers EMT-Basic and EMT-Advanced courses as well as an EMT-Paramedic Certificate program. All meet state and national certification requirements. This article also includes a table of facts about the school, such as size, campus setting, tuition and the percentage of students who receive financial aid.
School Information
This table showcases pertinent information than an individual should consider when deciding on a school.
| Truckee Meadows Community College | |
|---|---|
| School Type | Public, 2-year |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 9,431 undergraduates* |
| Campus Setting | Mid-sized city |
| Tuition & Fees (2022-2023) | $3,162 for in-state students, $10,639 for out-of-state students* |
| % of Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 82%* |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A - open admissions policy* |
| Retention Rate for First-Time Students (From Fall 2020 to Fall 2021) | N/A |
| Graduation Rate (Students began Fall 2015) | 26% overall, 14% transfer-out* |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics, College Navigator
Truckee Meadows Community College
The EMS department at Truckee Meadows Community College offers classes and one certificate program to train students in emergency medical services. Courses offered include EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate/Enhanced, and refresher classes. Courses include lectures as well as lab and clinical components that provide hands-on experience. The certificate program provides training for those wanting to become a paramedic.
EMT - Basic and Advanced Courses
TMCC offers individual courses at the EMT-Basic and EMT-Advanced levels. Classes prepare students to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams for each level. Coursework includes an overview of medical knowledge needed in the field, such as medical terminology, basic life support skills, ambulance operations, and human anatomy. Students must be CPR certified, have required immunizations/immunity, and have passed a background check and drug screening prior to registration. Students at both levels may not miss more than 16 hours of class. Clinical and lab hours are required in addition to classroom-based curriculum.
EMT-Paramedic Certificate
The EMT-Paramedic certificate program offered by TMCC spans 12 months. Skills covered include administration of intravenous therapy (IV) and oral medications, the use of medical technology like electrocardiograms (EKGs) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), patient assessment, trauma and pathophysiology. Students must earn a grade C or better in all EMS classes. More than 1,400 hours will be spent in class and clinical/hospital practicum during two semesters, 480 hours of which must be completed in field rotation labs. To receive a certificate of achievement, graduates of the program must pass the NREMT exam for EMT-Paramedic.
