Paramedic

The Paramedic certificate program is designed for both students new to the field of Emergency Medicine and current emergency responders seeking to further their education. Successful completion of the program will prepare students as entry-level Paramedics eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic certification exam. Students will be educated on system structure and operations, therapeutic communications, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, assessment and treatment of medical illnesses and traumatic injuries as well as multi-system trauma, airway management, public health, special populations, and critical care.

The curriculum complies with the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards and is designed to meet the standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

The goal of the Paramedic Program is, “To prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and or Emergency Medical Responder Levels

The Paramedic Certificate track will have several stackable certificates that will include, Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification, Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification, and Prehospital Trauma Life Support certification.

Program Objectives:

  • Introduce students to paramedicine and the healthcare system.
  • Provide students with foundational knowledge expected of an entry level paramedic including the emergency medical services system, patient assessment, emergency care of the trauma and medical patient, special populations, and public health.

Students who complete the program will: 

  • Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate information expected of an entry level paramedic.
  • Demonstrate the ability to think critically and thoroughly assess a patient utilizing various diagnostic tools and procedures.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate verbally and in writing and the ability to interact effectively and professionally with patients, family, clinical, and non-clinical persons in various settings.
  • Demonstrate personal responsibility, professionalism, ethical judgement, and collaboration.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

PAMD110L: Paramedic I

A comprehensive course that includes an introduction to paramedicine, foundations of EMS, wellness of the paramedic, pathophysiology and the theory, knowledge, and skills to manage medical, cardiac, and traumatic emergencies, pharmacology, life span development, and public health issues relating to EMS. Critical thinking and problem solving will be developed using a case-based approach. The student will also demonstrate intravenous skills and medication administration in a laboratory environment.

PAMD120L: Paramedic II

A comprehensive course that builds on Paramedic I and includes the theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to assess and manage medical, cardiac, and traumatic conditions in obstetric, pediatric, adult, geriatric, special population patients and patients at risk. Case-based approaches will be employed to develop critical thinking, scene management, and problem solving. Students will be introduced to the clinical environment via an orientation that includes mandatory in-service trainings, and procedure and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician skill totaling 90 hours. Skills will be demonstrated in a laboratory environment using case management scenarios and clinical experiences will provide a student an opportunity to apply concepts and skills.

PAMD210L: Paramedic III

A comprehensive course of clinical rotations that focuses on patient assessments, medical theory, developing and implementing treatment plans and skills while working with preceptors in a variety of clinical settings, and affective behaviors expected of an entry level paramedic. A minimum of 225 hours is required

PAMD220L: Paramedic IV

A field internship course that provides students an opportunity to apply their didactic skills in a fast-paced, progressive EMS environment under the direct supervision of a dedicated preceptor. It will be broken into two phases including a formative (team member) and capstone (team lead) where students will be responsible to ride for at least 315 hours of field time and perform at least 75 total patient assessments and developing and implementing treatment plans. Students will also participate in bi-weekly class designed to bring students and educators together to discuss and review calls using a wholistic approach in discussing medical, social, socioeconomic, political, and other perspectives in preparation for the National Registry certification exam.