The Associate in Applied Science EMS-Paramedic consists of the Paramedic Certificate EMS program plus 20 hours of general education Arts and Sciences courses added. The program is intended to give graduates greater flexibility in their career choice. Many EMS services are now giving preference in hiring candidates with an associate degree. A degree in Emergency Medical Services can prepare graduates for upward mobility within the profession. This degree can prepare graduates for being a charge medic, supervisor, or administrative director of emergency services. The target population consists of EMS personnel already working in the field who would like to earn a degree and for those who have a desire to pursue an EMS career.
The curriculum in Emergency Medical Service is career-oriented and must meet the following requirements for admission.
Admission Requirements:
- High school graduation or equivalent,
- 18 years of age,
- Physical examination is required prior to beginning clinical practice,
- Student must achieve a grade of 80% or above in all courses to continue in the program, and
- Completion of pre-admission testing with appropriate placement score or REA 098, MATH 081 & ENG 091; or approval of EMS program director.
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate information in the classroom, practical lab, and clinical/field component of the Paramedic program.
- Determine patient needs and choose necessary interventions appropriate for the Paramedic scope of practice.
- Demonstrate knowledge attainment by successfully completing the NREMT or licensure exam for the Paramedic educational experience.
- Demonstrate satisfactory technical performance in all skills as required for the entry-level Paramedic during practical labs, exams and clinical/field rotations.
- Demonstrate satisfactory communication skills when communicating with faculty, patients, preceptors, and EMS/medical facility personnel.
- Demonstrate satisfactory documentation skills when documenting patient histories, assessments, patient care, and interventions.
- Recognize EMS professionals are an essential component of the continuum of health care.
- Demonstrate personal behavior consistent with professional, faculty, and employer expectations of an entry-level Paramedic as evidenced by the daily clinical/field evaluations and progressive/final field summary evaluations.
- Demonstrate expected personal behaviors during patient/staff interactions in the clinical/ field rotations as evidenced by the daily clinical/field evaluations and progressive/final field summary evaluations.
- Demonstrate values consistent with the values of the College, EMS Program, and the State/National regulating bodies as evidenced by the daily clinical/field evaluations and progressive/final field summary evaluations.
- Recognize and accept cultural differences while providing patient care as evidenced by the daily clinical/field evaluations and progressive/final field summary evaluations.
The EMS courses are only available at the QC Campus.
Students are encouraged to consult with an advisor for appropriate course selection.