Mar 28, 2024  
2022-23 Catalog 
    
2022-23 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Paramedicine


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Program Coordinator Darla Long

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics are allied health professionals whose primary focus is to provide essential care and services as part of an emergency medical services (EMS) system. EMTs and Paramedics function under medical oversight and are a key link between the out of hospital environment and the health care system. EMTs possess a basic level of knowledge and skills, while Paramedics possess the more complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent care and appropriate disposition to those seeking their assistance. EMTs and  Paramedics provide care using drugs and pharmacologic equipment and supplies as authorized by the EMS Medical Director. The EMT and Paramedic’s scope of practice ranges from basic to advanced life support and may occur at the point of patient contact, enroute to or between health care facilities, or in other settings. EMTs and Paramedics must demonstrate each competency within their scope of practice in a wide variety of environmental conditions and for patients of all ages. Care is based on an appropriate patient assessment, forming an accurate impression, and providing interventions designed to optimize health, mitigate, or reverse the signs and symptoms of illness and injury and provide comfort to patients and family members. EMTs and  Paramedics must care for people with empathy and compassion, have an awareness of their abilities and limitations, and demonstrate transdisciplinary professionalism, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment while under stress. They must blend multiple intelligences with common sense and be service oriented. Classroom instruction along with clinical and field internship training prepares EMTs and Paramedics to assess and treat a wide variety of medical emergencies. The knowledge, skills, and experience gained through the Paramedicine program allows students to meet the responsibilities outlined in the Department of Transportation’s Emergency Medical Services Education Standards and the Illinois Department of Public Health educational standards.

Accreditation

The Lewis and Clark Community College Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL  33775, 727-210-2350, www.caahep.org

To contact CoAEMSP: 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX  75088, 214-703-8445, Fax: 214-703-8992, www.coaemsp.org

Student Learning Outcomes for the Emergency Medical Technician Certificate

  1. Perform basic life support skills as described in the national standard curriculum and EMTs scope of practice as established by the United States Department of Transportation (these include but are not limited to immobilization, hemorrhage control and shock management, airway management and ventilation, critical thinking, medical, trauma assessments and medication administration)
  2. Apply the knowledge and theory of emergency medical care while under the direction of Medical Control
  3. Demonstrate how to perform a comprehensive patient exam, form a field diagnosis based on presenting signs and symptoms, and initiate appropriate treatments for a variety of medical and trauma emergencies
  4. Practice personal, patient, and scene safety and use problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills while in a field or clinical setting
  5. Assume responsibility in professional judgment and ethics in selecting, directing, and coordinating the most appropriate patient care and mode of transport as needed, with due regard to safety
  6. Participate as a member of the healthcare team
  7. Challenge and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam

Student Learning Outcomes for the Paramedicine Program

  1. Perform basic and advanced life support technical skills as an entry level paramedic
  2. Use problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills as an entry level paramedic
  3. Exhibit behaviors, attitudes, and responsibility consistent with the professional judgment and ethics of an entry level paramedic
  4. Successfully pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam to obtain a State of Illinois Paramedic license

Technical Standards: All students must be able to fulfill certain “technical standards”. These standards are the essential requirements of the EMT course and Paramedicine program that students must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable in the emergency medical services field. Technical standards for the students in the EMT course and Paramedicine program are listed below:

  1. All students must possess the manual dexterity, physical stamina, and visual capacity to perform all required technical procedures.
  2. Students must be able to communicate in an effectual manner. Students will be required to read and comprehend technical material, as well as write technical reports in a clear and concise manner. In addition, all students must be able to verbally communicate effectively with patients, coworkers, and other health care personnel.
  3. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patients’ needs and to understand instructions, emergency signals, and telephone conversation accurately. Visual and tactile ability sufficient to accurately observe and assess patients’ need for care. Detect and respond appropriately to odors to maintain environmental safety and provide for patient needs (e.g. foul smelling drainage, alcohol breath, smoke, gasses, or noxious smells).
  4. Perform multiple responsibilities concurrently.
  5. Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment in emergency situations. Accurately evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer the appropriate treatments.
  6. Organize responsibilities, make decisions and function effectively in critical situations. Cope with strong emotions in others (e.g., grief) and provide emotional support. Adapt to changing environments and unexpected situations and respond in an emotionally controlled manner under stress.

Each applicant needs to assess his/her own ability to meet the above technical standards.

Application for the EMT course:

  • Apply to L&C
  • Submit an official high school or GED transcript

    • Those pursing professional EMT certification must be at least 18 years of age

    • Individuals may enroll in class prior to their 18th birthday with the understanding that they will not be eligible to test for certification until the age and high school/GED graduation requirements are met

  • Submit official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended previously

  • Qualify for ENGL 131 or ENGL 137 by meeting required ACT, SAT, or Next Gen Accuplacer scores

  • Make an appointment with the Paramedicine Program Coordinator

Students must provide evidence of the following no later than the end of the second week of the EMT course:

  • Satisfactory physical exam (L&C Healthcare Form)
  • Proof of immunizations
    • MMR - two doses required
    • Td/Tdap
    • Varicella (chicken pox) - two doses required
    • Negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
    • Flu shot (to be completed fall semester)
    • HEP B release or verification of three doses of HEP B vaccine
    • COVID-19 - fully vaccinated plus booster (if required by clinical site)
  • Background check (will be completed during first class meeting)
  • Negative drug screen (urine screen will be completed on campus at the Family Health Clinic)
    • The program follows the Federal Law related to marijuana use
    • There is zero tolerance for marijuana use regardless if it’s used recreationally or medicinally
    • Students with a positive drug test will be dismissed from the program
    • The Paramedicne program and clinical affiliates reserve the right for randomized drug testing
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card
    • BLS for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association (AHA) or BLS training course for Healthcare Providers and Professional Rescuers from the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) are the only CPR cards accepted
  • Health insurance (copy of card)
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Signed copies of all program release forms

All program paperwork and forms can be found at www.lc.edu/program/paramedicine.

Application and Admission to the Paramedicine Program:  

The Paramedicine Program is a selective admissions program offering either a Certificate of Proficiency and/or an AAS in Paramedicine  This checklist is a tool to assist students with the application process. It is recommended that interested students meet with the Paramedicine Program Coordinator to discuss the application process. Completion of application does not ensure acceptance to the program.

Students must complete the following:

  • Application for selective admission into the Paramedicine program

  • Meet with the Paramedicine Program Coordinator

    • Email Coordinator Darla Long at dklong@lc.edu to schedule an appointment

The following academic requirements must be completed and submitted to the program office by August 20*:

  • Register for and complete the pre- paramedicine entrance exam with a score of 70% or higher. Testing is administered in the Assessment Center during the second week of August.
  • Earn a Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale from the last five years. If less than 12 credit hours have been completed at college level in the last five years, cumulative high school GPA will also be used.  If student has less than 12 credits within the last five years, but has previous college experience, the following will be used to determine GPA:

    • If student has college degree: final GPA for most recent degree from an accredited institution

    • If student does not have a degree: cumulative GPA from most recent 15 credit hours completed from an accredited institution

  • Submit an official high school or GED transcript

  • Submit official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended previously

* If August 20th falls on a weekend, then the floowing Monday is the deadline

Meet the following academic requirements prior to the end of the fall semester:

The following prerequisites must be completed before starting PMED 131 Introduction to Paramedicine :

To progress into the spring semester of the Paramedicine program, the following must be completed:

  • Hold a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification and/or State of Illinois EMT license in good standing
  • BIOL 120 Medical Terminology  or equivalent medical terminology course approved by the program coordinator
  • BIOL 132 Human Biology  or equivalent anatomy and physiology course approved byt the program coordinator
  • Earn a Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale from the last five years. If less than 12 credit hours have been completed at college level in the last five years, cumulative high school GPA will also be used.  If student has less than 12 credits within the last five years, but has previous college experience, the following will be used to determine GPA:
    • If student has college degree: final GPA for most recent degree from an accredited institution
    • If student does not have a degree: cumulative GPA from most recent 15 credit hours completed from an accredited institution
  • Provide evidence of the following within the first two weeks of the PMED 131  course
    • Satisfactory physical exam (L&C Healthcare Form)
    • Proof of immunizations
      • MMR - two doses required
      • Td/Tdap
      • Varicella (chicken pox) - two doses required
      • Negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
      • Flu shot (to be completed fall semester)
      • HEP B release or verification of three doses of HEP B vaccine
      • COVID-19 - fully vaccinated plus booster (if required by clinical site)
    • Background check (will be completed during first class meeting)
    • Negative drug screen (urine screen will be completed on campus at the Family Health Clinic)
      • The program follows the Federal Law related to marijuana use
      • There is zero tolerance for marijuana use regardless if it’s used recreationally or medicinally
      • Students with a positive drug test will be dismissed from the program
      • The Paramedicne program and clinical affiliates reserve the right for randomized drug testing
    • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card
      • BLS for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association (AHA) or BLS training course for Healthcare Providers and Professional Rescuers from the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) are the only CPR cards accepted
    • Health insurance (copy of card)
    • Valid driver’s license
    • Signed copies of all program release forms

To complete the requirements for the Paramedicine Program Certificate of Proficiency or AAS degree, a student must:

  • Earn a grade of C or better in all program courses with a PMED prefix
  • Earn a grade of C or better in all required general education courses
  • Satisfy all other requirements for an Associate of Applied Science degree specified by L&C
  • Apply for graduation by the indicated deadline


Paramedicine - PARAM.AAS


Associate in Applied Science Degree

First Year


Total: 12 Credit Hours


Total: 14 Credit Hours


Total: 7 Credit Hours


Second Year


Total: 16 Credit Hours


Spring Semester


Total: 11-12 Credit Hours


Total credit hours required for the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Paramedicine: 60


 

Paramedicine - PARAM.CP


Certificate of Proficiency

First Year


Total: 9 Credit Hours


Total: 14 Credit Hours


Summer Semester


Total: 4 Credit Hours


Second Year


Total: 13 Credit Hours


Spring Semester


Total: 5 Credit Hours


Total credit hours required for the Certificate of Proficiency in Paramedicine: 45


 

Emergency Medical Technician - EMT.CC


Certificate of Completion 

Total credit hours required for the Certificate of Completion in Emergency Medical Technician: 8


 

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