Critical Care Classes and Training Programs
Critical care training is available for many types of medical professionals, including EMTs, nurses, physicians' assistants and other allied health workers. Review the training options for each of these workers, and find out what kinds of critical care skills you'd learn.
What You Need to Know
<p>Nurses, paramedics, EMTS, respiratory therapists and other healthcare professionals typically learn basic critical care skills through postsecondary degree or certificate programs. Licensed healthcare professionals who want to learn more about critical care techniques may look into standalone courses for professional development or continuing education.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td>Courses and certificates are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td>Advocacy, caring practices, behavioral considerations, response to diversity and the renal, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Responsibilities</b></td><td>Assess and provide care in emergency situations</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatTrainingIsAvailableForEMTsAndParamedics">What Training Is Available for EMTs and Paramedics?</h3>
<p>Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) respond to emergency calls, administering lifesaving techniques to patients with fatal illness or injury, including those experiencing stroke, respiratory issues and heart complications. Your specialized training will involve instruction in anatomy and physiology, airway management, stabilizing patients with injuries and assisting patients with cardiac emergencies. As you become more advanced, you will also learn ways to administer intravenous medication.
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<p>Upon completion of the program, you will earn a diploma or certificate, although paramedic training is more advanced and can require an associate's degree. You can find critical care courses in community or technical courses that provide instruction for the various levels of EMTs and paramedics. After completing EMT and paramedic training, you can also take courses in critical care transport.
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<h3 id="section---WhatTrainingIsAvailableForNurses">What Training Is Available for Nurses?</h3>
<p>Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses work in emergency rooms and critical care units. Although you can't major in critical care nursing, you can take courses in critical and emergency nursing to enhance your skills. A two- or three-day course will demonstrate techniques for nurses in trauma and critical care. You will receive instruction in:
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<ul><li>Airway management
</li><li>Assessment techniques
</li><li>Shock management
</li></ul><p>Critical care transport courses are often open to nurses as well. Nurse practitioners require a master's degree in nursing and you can find programs that focus on emergency care.
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<h3 id="section---WhatKindOfTrainingIsAvailableForAlliedHealthProfessionals">What Kind of Training Is Available for Allied Health Professionals?</h3>
<p>Allied health professionals such as respiratory therapists and physicians' assistants have a role in emergency care. The function of a respiratory therapist is to alleviate breathing complications, which will make you an integral part of the critical care team. Respiratory therapists require a minimum of an associate's degree; however, you can find bachelor's degree programs in the field as well.
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<p>When pursuing a physician assistant degree, you have the opportunity to complete residency in critical care. Some continuing education courses for allied health professionals will focus on communication skills and teamwork. Within a workshop or multi-day course, you may have the opportunity to work hands-on at special practice stations.</p>