Paramedic

Program Description

The Associate in Science (AS) Paramedic Degree provides a pathway for students who are seeking technical education towards a living wage career associated with this major. This AS degree program provides technical and practical knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the California Administrative Code to gain licensure as a paramedic by the California State Emergency Medical Services Authority. Students must be 18 years of age to enter the program and be a California Certified EMT (Title 22, Section 100157).

Paramedics function as an extension of the emergency department physician. The paramedic is responsible for the assessment, treatment and stabilization of the sick or injured patient utilizing advanced life support equipment and techniques at the scene of the incident and during transportation to the medical facility. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to patient interviewing, physical examination, critical decision-making, cardiac monitoring and interpretation, defibrillation, intravenous therapy, drug therapy, intervention in emotional crises and advanced airway management.

An analysis of the job requirements mandates a paramedic must be in good physical condition and able to lift, carry and balance objects more than 125 lbs. They must be able to receive and interpret oral and written communication in a timely manner.

This program prepares students to take and pass the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (NREMTP) examination so they can become Licensed Paramedics in the state of California.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Complete the National Registry written and skills exams
2. Perform the requisite skills in assessing and treating the patient at the paramedic level
3. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent for employment as a licensed paramedic

Students that complete the Paramedic AS degree can gain employment as paramedic firefighters, paramedics on ambulances that serve the community as Advanced Life Support 9-1-1 providers, and in certain limited situations work in the hospital setting.

Program Prerequisites

Program prerequisite courses must be satisfactorily completed at an accredited college or university prior to enrolling in EMT 221A. All coursework must be documented by official transcripts. Program prerequisites may take up to one to two full semesters to complete. Please meet with a counselor to assist with developing a student education plan.

To confirm that courses taken outside of Peralta Community College District (PCCD) are equivalent to program prerequisite course requirements, it is highly recommended that students meet with a college counselor prior to starting paramedic training. Prerequisite courses receiving a grade of “Credit” or “Pass” instead of a letter grade will be calculated as a “C” which is equal to a 2.0 GPA.

Program prerequisite course requirements include:

1. EMT 211 - Emergency Medical Technician Basic (6 units)
   • • EMT 211 must be completed prior to enrolling in EMT 221A
2. BIOL 024 – Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 units)
3. MEDAS 503 – The Language of Medicine (noncredit, 0 units)

or

HLTOC 101 – Medical Terminology (3 units)

4. MEDAS 505 – Introduction to Pharmacology (noncredit, 0 units)

Students participating in the program must also have the following:

1. High School diploma/GED
2. Current Health care provider CPR certification
3. Current immunization {MMR, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, negative TB skin test)
4. Evidence of good health verified by a physical examination.
5. Background clearance

Mandatory Additional Costs:

Additional estimated costs for this program are:

• Textbooks - $600
• Uniforms - $300
• Safety boots - $200
• Medical equipment (stethoscope) - $150
• National Registry testing fees - $200

Associate Science Degree Requirements

To qualify for the Associate in Science Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AS degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:

a. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements

b. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements

c. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College

d. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable

e. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units

2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major

3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

Students that complete the Paramedic AS degree are able to gain employment as paramedic firefighters, paramedics on ambulances that serve the community as Advanced Life Support 9-1-1 providers, for municipal fire service departments, private ambulance companies, and in certain limited situations in the hospital settings.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. With appropriate supervision, identify and implement a treatment plan for a sick or injured patient in the pre-hospital setting.
2. Participate effectively as part of a pre-hospital first responder team by applying their knowledge as a functioning paramedic.
3. Apply basic life support and advanced support principles when interacting with an injured or sick patient, family members, bystanders, and fellow first responders.