Paramedic A.A.S.
HEGIS Code 5299
SUNY Code 1293
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Paramedics have fulfilled prescribed requirements by a credentialing agency to practice the art and science of out-of-hospital medicine in conjunction with medical direction. Through performance of assessments and providing medical care, their goal is to prevent and reduce mortality and morbidity due to illness and injury. Paramedics primarily provide care to emergency patients in an out-of-hospital setting.
Paramedics possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the expectations of the public and the profession. Paramedics are recognized as an essential component of the continuum of care and serve as linkages among health resources.
Paramedics strive to maintain high quality and reasonable cost health care by delivering patients directly to appropriate facilities. As an advocate for patients, paramedics seek to be proactive in affecting long term health care by working in conjunction with other provider agencies, networks, and organizations. The emerging roles and responsibilities of the paramedic include public education, health promotion, and participation in injury and illness prevention programs. As the scope of service continues to expand, the paramedic will function as a facilitator of access to care, as well as an initial treatment provider.
Paramedics are responsible and accountable to medical direction, the public, and their peers. Paramedics recognize the importance of research and actively participate in the design, development, evaluation, and publication of research. Paramedics seek to take part in life-long professional development, peer evaluation, and assume an active role in professional and community organizations.
Earnings for the paramedic ranges from $19,970 to $45,280, depending on the employment setting, geographic location, and the individual training and experience (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006).
Employment is expected to grow rapidly as paid Emergency Medical Service positions replace unpaid volunteers. In addition to job growth, openings will occur because of replacement needs. Most opportunities for paramedics are expected to arise in hospitals and ambulance services.
THE PROGRAM
The primary goal of the JCC paramedic curriculum is to prepare an individual to become a competent entry-level paramedic. Upon successful completion of the program, the student has fulfilled the educational requirements to take the New York State Health Department paramedic-level practical and written examinations. Students will also be eligible to sit for the National Registry examination.
The paramedic program is an intense program that prepares students to handle the rigors of providing emergency medical care, sometimes in the face of extreme conditions. The JCC paramedic program is designed to prepare the student by providing insightful lectures, practical laboratory sessions, and practical clinical experiences. The student should be prepared to spend several hours each week on class work, studying, and clinical rotations. The program is both intense and rewarding for individuals with the desire to practice pre-hospital emergency medicine.
Applicants for Admission
Applicants for admission to the paramedic curriculum must meet the admission standards of JCC and New York State Department of Health. All applications will be considered competitively. Students planning to enter the paramedic program must have a current Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) certification and a valid cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) card. These certifications must remain valid throughout the program. An applicant must also be a high school graduate or have a GED. Students planning to enter the paramedic program need to meet minimum competencies in reading english and mathematics. Although not required, having had courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and biology are helpful. The program is two academic years in length.
Any student who has applied for the paramedic program will be considered for the next scheduled class start. All classes start in the fall semester.
Advanced Standing Policy
Purpose
Jefferson Community College recognizes that a standard curriculum for Paramedic education is required by the New York State Department of Health (National Standard Curriculum). Given this, and JCC’s interest in avoiding educational redundancy and serving already certified Advanced EMTs, the College has developed the following policy to grant credit for prior educational achievement in the advanced EMT field.
Thus, in compliance with New York State Department of Health guidelines and sound academic practices, credit for prior learning will be granted to New York State Certified EMS providers as follows:
1. NYS Certified Paramedics
Students applying to the Paramedic A.A.S. degree program who are current NYS Certified Paramedics will be granted credit for equivalent course work. After providing appropriate documentation (a copy of valid NYS card and an official letter mailed directly from the NYS DOH to Jefferson Community College), the student will receive credit for EMS 150 (7.0 credits), EMS 170 (8.5 credits), EMS 250 (11 credits), EMS 270 (8.5 credits), and EMS 275 (1 credit), for a total of 36 credits.
Note: Students must meet the College’s residency requirement cited in the College Catalog and on its website.
Paramedics certified in another state, or by the National Registry, will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Individuals should contact the Paramedic Program Director for direction.
2. NYS Certified Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians
(Intermediate and Critical Care)
Students applying to the EMT-Paramedic Certificate or A.A.S. degree program who are currently certified at the NYS EMT-Critical Care or EMT-Intermediate level must undergo a review of their prior education and experience, and complete an assessment of their current knowledge and skills.
- The Paramedic program Medical Director and Program Director shall review the candidate’s credentials. The student shall provide copies of any relevant licenses, certifications, and/or course completion records.
- The student’s cognitive knowledge will be assessed via written exam. Psychomotor skills will be assessed through a practical skills exam.
Clinical experience will be verified through contact with the EMS agency for which the student practices pre-hospital care.
Upon successful completion of this process,
- NYS Certified EMT-Critical Care providers will receive credit for EMS 150 (7 credits) and EMS 170 (8.5 credits).
- NYS Certified EMT-Intermediate providers will receive credit for EMS 150 (7 credits).
Due to the extensive and intensive nature of the assessment of cognitive, psychomotor, and clinical knowledge and skills for the Advanced EMT (Intermediate and Critical Care levels), a fee will be charged to the student for this assessment.
3. NYS Certified Emergency Medical Technicians - Basic
Students applying to the Paramedic Degree program who are current NYS Certified Emergency Medical Technician‑Basic will be granted credit for equivalent course work. After providing appropriate documentation (a copy of valid card and an official letter mailed directly from the NYS DOH or National Registry of EMTs to Jefferson Community College), the student will receive credit for EMS 121 (6 credits), to be applied towards required free elective coursework.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
All degree requirements and courses listed are effective Fall of 2008 and are subject to change.
| Credit Hours | |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician Requirements (36 Credit Hours): | |
| EMS 150: EMT - Intermediate | 7 |
| EMS 170: EMT - Critical Care | 8.5 |
| EMS 250: Paramedic 1 | 11 |
| EMS 270: Paramedic 2 | 8.5 |
| EMS 275: Paramedic Field Summative Evaluation | 1 |
| Mathematics & Science Requirements (11-12 Credit Hours): | |
| BIO 203: Anatomy & Physiology 1 | 4 |
| BIO 204: Anatomy & Physiology 2 | 4 |
| Math Elective (MTH 125 or higher) | 3-4 |
| Humanities Requirements (9 Credit Hours): | |
| ENG 101: Research and Composition | 3 |
| ENG 218: Technical and Professional Writing | 3 |
|
STA 101: Fundamentals of Oral Communication or STA 151: Public Speaking or/span> STA 161: Interpersonal Communication |
3 |
| Social Science Requirements (6 Credit Hours): | |
| PSY 133: Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Physical Education | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 |
| TOTAL | 66-67 |
The curricula offered by the College require certain Liberal Arts core courses in the area of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science or Mathematics. The following indicates areas of study acceptable in meeting these requirements.
| Humanities: | American Sign Language, Art, English, Journalism, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, Speech, and Theater Arts. |
| Social Sciences: | Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology |
| Science and Mathematics: | Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Science, and Mathematics |
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES
As a graduate of Jefferson, you will have many transfer opportunities to consider and be able to choose from a wide variety of Colleges and Universities to pursue your baccalaureate degree. Jefferson has partnered with some selected Colleges and Universities to develop agreements that help students transfer smoothly.
- Health Services Management: Health Services, B.T. (SUNY Canton)
- Public Safety Management, B.S. (Franklin University)
For more information, please contact the JCC Counseling Center at 315-786-2271.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For further information regarding this program, please contact:
Jeannine T. Gomiela, Paramedic Program Coordinator
(315) 786-2244 jgomiela@sunyjefferson.edu
For application and admissions information please contact:
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
Admissions Office (315) 786-2277
(or Toll Free 1-888-435-6522. Ask for Admissions.)
Jefferson Community College
1220 Coffeen St.
Watertown, NY 13601
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Last Update: Thursday, 19-Jun-2008 10:59:55 EDT