Black River Technical College (BRTC) was created in 1972 and has grown to have more than 3,000 students in 20 certificate programs, 14 associate degree programs and continuing programs. This College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Black River has an open admission policy and is committed to meeting the technical, academic, professional, cultural and personal enrichment needs of the citizens of Northeast Arkansas.
To facilitate student progress, the college provides a program of services and activities such as academic assessment, counseling, financial Aid, ambassador program, transcript request, library, cafeteria and learning center.
The health program in BRTC has study programs of Associate of Applied Science Degree in EMT-Paramedic and Respiratory Care. There are also Technical Certificates in Practical Nursing and EMT-Paramedic and Certificates of Proficiency in Nursing Assistant.
The EMT-Paramedic program is designed to provide students with the knowledge of extensive pre-hospital care and the skills necessary to apply it effectively.
Students are taught in the classroom, with laboratory exercises, clinical observations and ambulance internships. They learn how to attend a patient, administrate oral and intravenous drugs, interpret the electrocardiograms and use of the monitors and other medical equipment.
Respiratory Care students are prepared to use mechanical ventilators, monitor equipment to support breathing in patients, diagnose and assist patients with cardiopulmonary diseases and abnormalities.
In the nursing field, the Practical Nursing program combines classroom instruction with clinical experience and after they graduate, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination.
The Nursing Assistant program gives students the opportunity to take the certification exam required for nursing assistant certification once they have completed the study program. With this certification, they can apply to work in hospitals, nursing homes or home health nursing as assistants.
To apply to Black River Technical College, the application for admission, high school transcript or copy of the GED scores must be submitted.