Paramedic, A.A.S.

Program Code
AAS-EMS
CIP
51.0904
Type
A.A.S.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Program Director: Tyler Mosley, BS, NRP

richard.mosley@calhoun.edu   256-306-2978

 

Additional information is on the EMS program website:     

www.calhoun.edu/health-sciences/ems/

The Paramedic program is designed to be completed in 3 terms.  The coursework is sequential, requiring a grade of 75% or higher in each EMS course to progress to the next semester and a “C” or higher in general education courses. BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I is a pre-requisite for admission to the program.  Other general education courses may be taken prior to beginning the program or during the first two paramedic semesters, but it is recommended that they are completed prior to program enrollment.

CAREER

Emergency medical personnel provide pre-hospital emergency care to the ill and injured.  The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) has the knowledge and skills to provide basic life support to all persons whether the problem is trauma, cardiac, or other medical condition.  EMTs splint fractures, bandage wounds, and stabilize a patient for transport to a medical facility.  The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) may establish IV lines, insert blind intubation devices, and can administer certain medications. Paramedics provide the highest level of pre-hospital care in the EMS system. Paramedics record and interpret EKG findings, treat heart rhythm disturbances with cardioversion, reduce shock by IV fluid administration, provide ventilation and airway protection by endotracheal intubation and administer pharmacologic therapies.  Paramedics serve as team leaders on EMS units.

AUTHORIZATION & ACCREDITATION

The curriculum plans for EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic adhere to the National EMS Education Standards as developed by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration and meet the approval of the Alabama Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services.

The paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 9355 113th Street North, #7709, Seminole, FL  33775
Tel. 727-210-2350 www.caahep.org upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312 Rowlett, TX 75088 Tel. 214-703-8445 www.coaemsp.org)

LICENSURE

Students who successfully complete the EMT, AEMT, and  paramedic programs are eligible to sit for National Registry (NREMT) examinations. Successful completion is required for state licensure. Individuals applying for a license are required to comply with requirements set forth by the National Registry of EMTs and the Alabama Department of Public Health.  Situations that may affect licensure eligibility include, but are not limited to:

1. Being less than 18 years of age;

2. A conviction of any criminal act, incl. DUI;

3. Addiction to the use of intoxicating liquors or controlled substances at present or in the past;

4. Not possessing 180-degree peripheral vision capacity.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A new class of paramedic students is enrolled once a year and begins summer semester.  Applicants must minimally:

1. Be accepted unconditionally to CCC

2. Have transcripts of all coursework taken at other colleges attended sent to the CCC Admissions Office for evaluation at least one month before the application deadline

3. If not completed, be eligible for ENG 101 and MTH 100.

4. Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0

5. Have completed or be enrolled in AEMT and must obtain Alabama State AEMT license prior to the start of second semester

6. Have completed BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of “C” or higher

7. Complete the online program application

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.  Class size is limited and there is a selective application process.  An application and the selection criteria can be found on the EMS webpage.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Students enrolled in EMS programs are required to successfully complete both academic and clinical requirements.  The purpose of the EMS Eligibility Criteria, found on the EMS webpage, is to delineate the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills deemed minimally necessary for admission, progression, and graduation, and for the provision of safe and effective client care.  Safety is paramount in all health programs. The College endorses the Americans’ with Disabilities Act.  If a student cannot meet the Eligibility Criteria it is their responsibility to request appropriate reasonable accommodations through the Student Disability Services Office.

HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS REQUIREMENTS

  • Retain reliable transportation to and from the campus and assigned clinical education facilities.
  • Comply with a dress code that includes an assigned uniform
  • Undergo a health examination, TB screening, and validate immunity to infectious diseases
  • Submit proof of current certification in basic life support at the healthcare provider level
  • Purchase low-cost malpractice insurance through the CCC health sciences division
  • Submit to a background check by a designated vendor
  • Undergo drug and alcohol testing by a designated vendor

In the interest of the patients they will serve, every health science student is obligated to complete the above requirements.  Policies for the background check and drug testing are provided upon enrollment. Results may prohibit a student from participating in clinical education and necessitate withdrawal or course failure.

COST

In addition to tuition, health students will have expenses related to the listed requirements, books, and associated supplies.  Approximated costs are discussed in information sessions and program orientation.

POLICIES

Additional EMS program information including policies on application, readmission, and transfer, and advanced placement are available on the EMS webpage or by contacting the program director. The curriculum plan and policies of the EMS program are subject to change.  Written notice will be given to students enrolled in the program prior to implementation.

CURRICULUM PLAN

General Education Requirements

Item #
Title
Credits
3
Sub-Total Credits
23
Total Credits
71-73