Emergency Medical Services Things to Know

• QuantiFERON (TB-IGRA) or T-spot blood test completed within 9 months of program start
• EMT Only: 2-step TB skin test (TST) completed within 9 months of program start
  • The 2-step TB skin test (TST) involves four appointments:
    • First placement
    • First reading (48-72 hours later)
    • Second placement (1-3 weeks after first test is read)
    • Second reading (48-72 hours later)
  • If you have a history of a positive TB test:
  • Submit a negative chest X-ray from within the last year

Additional Information:

• TCC Paramedic students must obtain the QuantiFERON (TB-IGRA) or T-spot.

The QuantiFERON test is a one-time blood draw that measures your immune response to TB bacteria

• 2 vaccines (at least 28 days apart)
• Positive titer (proof of immunity)

Note: If vaccinated prior to 1968, revaccination is required.

One Tdap vaccine within the past 10 years

• Proof of immunity (titer) is required

To meet this requirement, you must have:

• Completed a 2- or 3-dose vaccine series AND
• A positive titer showing immunity

If you:

• Have never completed the series, or
• Have a negative/non-reactive/low titer

You must show proof that you have started or restarted the series and follow up with your instructor for an in-progress or Hep B declination form.

Additional Information:
 A titer is a blood test that confirms immunity. A positive Hep B titer is required for full clearance.

• Must be received after August 31 of the academic year
• Not required for Summer quarter

• 2 vaccines (at least 28 days apart)
• Positive titer (proof of immunity)

COVID-19 vaccination is not currently required by EMT clinical partner agencies.

• A titer is a blood test that checks whether you are immune to a disease.

• A preparation that is used to stimulate the body's immune response against diseases (CDC, 2021).

• These requirements protect both you and your patients and are required by clinical agencies.

• Yes, if the records:
  • Are legible,
  • State your name and date of birth
  • Show completed vaccine series

• Hepatitis B: Yes, a titer is required
• MMR & Varicella:
  • Vaccines are usually sufficient
  • Titers may be recommended or required in some cases

• Contact your previous healthcare providers, schools, or state immunization registry to obtain your records. If they are not available, you may need to receive the vaccines again or have titers drawn to check for immunity.

• Yes, most healthcare providers can administer the required vaccines and perform the necessary titers. If they are unable to, they can refer you to a facility that can provide these services.

• Visit the Washington Healthplan Finder and apply for coverage. You may be eligible.

• The total cost for immunizations and titers varies depending on your existing records and insurance coverage.
  • With health insurance, many students pay little to no cost.
  • Without health insurance, these immunizations/titers could cost hundreds of dollars.
• For lower-cost resources, contact the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

• • Please email emt@tacomacc.edu for assistance.
  • To help us support you more efficiently, include:
    • Your full name
    • Your student ID number (if you have one)
    • If you are a prospective or accepted student
    • Your accepted quarter (if applicable).

• Please email clinicalonboarding@tacomacc.edu for assistance.
• To help us support you more efficiently, include:
  • Your full name
  • Your student ID number (if you have one)
  • If you are a prospective or accepted student
  • Your accepted quarter (if applicable).
• Please note: TCC staff can provide guidance on program requirements only and cannot provide medical advice. For medical recommendations, consult your healthcare provider.