Interim Program Coordinator Shanena Brooks
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
Program Learning Objectives for the Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
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)
Apply the knowledge and theory of emergency medical care while under the direction of Medical Control
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
Practice personal, patient, and scene safety and use problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills while in a field or clinical setting
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
Participate as a member of the healthcare team
Challenge and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam
Program Learning Objectives for the Paramedicine Program
Perform basic and advanced life support technical skills as an entry level paramedic
Use problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills as an entry level paramedic
Exhibit behaviors, attitudes, and responsibility consistent with the professional judgment and ethics of an entry level paramedic
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:
All students must possess the manual dexterity, physical stamina, and visual capacity to perform all required technical procedures.
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.
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).
Perform multiple responsibilities concurrently.
Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment in emergency situations. Accurately evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer the appropriate treatments.
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 Illinois High School Diploma (formerly 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/Illinois High School Diploma 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
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 Paramedicine 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
Go to lc.edu/program/paramedicine and click “Apply Now”
Meet with the Paramedicine Program Coordinator
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 percent 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 Illinois High School Diploma (formerly GED) transcript
Submit official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended previously
* If August 20th falls on a weekend, then the following 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:
Qualify for ENGL 131 First-Year English I by appropriate L&C placement test score (through the Assessment Center) or have completed one semester of college level English.
Complete both BIOL 120 Medical Terminology and BIOL 132 Human Biology with a grade of C or better
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 by 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
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 Paramedicine 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 - Fall Semester
BIOL 120 - Medical Terminology 3 credit hours
BIOL 132 - Human Biology 4 credit hours
ENGL 131 - First-Year English I 3 credit hours
or
ENGL 137 - Technical Writing 3 credit hours
FIRE 135 - Technical Rescue Awareness 0.5 credit hours
FIRE 139 - Hazardous Materials Awareness 0.5 credit hours
PMED 050 - Emergency Vehicle Driving 1 credit hour
Total: 12 Credit Hours
First Year - Spring Semester
PMED 131 - Introduction to Paramedicine 4 credit hours
PMED 133 - Paramedic Pharmacology 4 credit hours
PMED 135 - Paramedic Clinicals I 3 credit hours
PMED 136 - Paramedic Skill & Scenario Lab I 3 credit hours
Total: 14 Credit Hours
First Year - Summer Semester
PMED 141 - Cardiology 4 credit hours
SPCH 145 - Public And Private Communication 3 credit hours
or
SPCH 151 - Interpersonal Communication 3 credit hours
Total: 7 Credit Hours
Second Year - Fall Semester
PMED 142 - Medical Emergencies 4 credit hours
PMED 143 - Traumatic Emergencies 4 credit hours
PMED 145 - Paramedic Clinicals II 2 credit hours
PMED 146 - Paramedic Skill & Scenario Lab II 3 credit hours
PHIL 240 - Contemporary Moral Problems (Ethics) 3 credit hours
or
PHIL 241 - Biomedical Ethics 3 credit hours
Total: 16 Credit Hours
Second Year - Spring Semester
PMED 155 - Paramedic Field Internship 5 credit hours
Mathematics or Physical/Life Science Elective 3-4 credit hours
PSYC 131 - General Psychology 3 credit hours
or
SOCI 131 - Introduction to Sociology 3 credit hours
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 - Fall Semester
BIOL 120 - Medical Terminology 3 credit hours
BIOL 132 - Human Biology 4 credit hours
FIRE 135 - Technical Rescue Awareness 0.5 credit hours
FIRE 139 - Hazardous Materials Awareness 0.5 credit hours
PMED 050 - Emergency Vehicle Driving 1 credit hour
Total: 9 Credit Hours
First Year - Spring Semester
PMED 131 - Introduction to Paramedicine 4 credit hours
PMED 133 - Paramedic Pharmacology 4 credit hours
PMED 135 - Paramedic Clinicals I 3 credit hours
PMED 136 - Paramedic Skill & Scenario Lab I 3 credit hours
Total: 14 Credit Hours
First Year - Summer Semester
PMED 141 - Cardiology 4 credit hours
Total: 4 Credit Hours
Second Year - Fall Semester
PMED 142 - Medical Emergencies 4 credit hours
PMED 143 - Traumatic Emergencies 4 credit hours
PMED 145 - Paramedic Clinicals II 2 credit hours
PMED 146 - Paramedic Skill & Scenario Lab II 3 credit hours
Total: 13 Credit Hours
Second Year - Spring Semester
PMED 155 - Paramedic Field Internship 5 credit hours
Total: 5 Credit Hours
Total credit hours required for the Certificate of Proficiency in Paramedicine: 45
Emergency Medical Responder - EMR.CC
Certificate of Completion
Requirements:
EMS 100 - Emergency Medical Responder 3 credit hours
Total: 3 Credit Hours
Total credit hours required for the Certificate of Completion in Emergency Medical Responder: 3
Emergency Medical Technician - EMT.CC
Certificate of Completion
Requirements:
EMT 120 - Emergency Medical Technician 7 credit hours
FIRE 135 - Technical Rescue Awareness 0.5 credit hours
FIRE 139 - Hazardous Materials Awareness 0.5 credit hours
Total: 8 Credit Hours