Paramedic

Program Description

The Paramedic Certificate of Achievement (COA) provides a pathway for students who are seeking technical education towards a living wage career associated with this major. The Paramedic COA 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).

The paramedic functions 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 COA 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

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon successful completion of the program requirements. The minimum time for completion is two years/four semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

Career Opportunities

Students that complete the Paramedic Certificate of Achievement can 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 the hospital setting.

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.