Program Overview

The Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) degree follows the 2009 EMS Education Standards published by the US Department of Transportation. It involves 555 hours of classroom and lab instruction, an extensive 270-hour in-hospital clinical component with experienced preceptors at various medical centers, and a field internship with a high-performance urban EMS agency. Successful completion of this program makes students eligible for certification testing by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Program Outcomes

This program is designed to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, with exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, and Emergency Medical Responder levels. Graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge and experience to:

• Exhibit behavior consistent with the standards of professional practice.
• Adhere to the standards of professional practice within the legal, ethical, and regulatory framework.
• Utilize various methods of communication to effectively interact within the healthcare system.
• Provide culturally competent care to a multicultural society.
• Demonstrate technical competence in all skills required for practice.
• Provide evidence-based, clinically competent care utilizing critical thinking and decision-making in the prehospital setting.
• Utilize basic team leadership skills to ensure safety, coordinate care, delegate appropriately, and solve problems to facilitate positive patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate the characteristics of self-direction and accountability, contributing to lifelong learning, both personally and within the profession.

Recommended Certifications

Successful completion of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Certification Examination is required to obtain Paramedic Certification. Affiliation or employment with a licensed EMS Agency and approval from the Agency Operational Medical Director are required to practice as a Paramedic.

Program Overview

The Associate of Science in Medical Radiography program serves as a means to address the need for Registered Technologists in Radiography in the surrounding area, nationally and internationally to meet society‘s need for increased numbers of highly skilled and knowledgeable Radiographer professionals.

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Be clinically competent.
  • Demonstrate accurate positioning skills.
  • Provide proper radiation protection.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills.
  • Provide effective oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrate effective written communication skills.
• Demonstrate critical thinking.
  • Manipulate technical factors.
  • Modify procedures to meet patient needs.
• Model professionalism.
  • Demonstrate ethical behavior.
  • Actively participate in learning experiences during clinical training.

Radiographers may work in various employment conditions, such as doing portable exams in emergency situations, operating rooms, patient rooms, and others.

Radiographers are needed in many different healthcare businesses including hospitals, outpatient facilities, clinics, and orthopedic facilities.

Recommended Certifications

Certifications are not required for completion of this program; however, ECPI encourages students to obtain all appropriate certifications to increase potential job opportunities. ECPI provides students in this program with vouchers that allow the student to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Available certifications for this program include R.T. (R), ARRT (Registered Technologist) in Radiography of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist; and a state license as Radiologic Technologist. Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is required. ARRT Certification is required for employment.

Program Overview:

The Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offers a degree specifically designed to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. This program's primary aim is to facilitate each student's development to meet the demands of the rapidly growing healthcare industry.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion, students in this program will achieve the following outcomes:

• Prepare students for the demanding responsibilities of the profession and provide an opportunity to gain a working knowledge of the field.
• Provide a clinical educational experience that equips students to perform routine sonographic procedures and related functions specific to general Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
• Foster an educational experience that promotes effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and professionalism.
• Promote the development of core values and ethical standards essential for delivering quality, patient-centered care.

Graduates from this program have the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings such as hospital radiology departments, clinics, medical imaging centers, private physician offices, and more.

The program provides instruction in both clinical and administrative functions, including on-campus classroom and laboratory courses and off-campus clinical education. During clinical education, students work alongside sonographers, physicians, and healthcare professionals to develop the necessary skills to perform general ultrasound examinations in the workplace.

Recommended Certifications:

ECPI University offers students vouchers allowing them to take certification exams at significantly reduced costs. These examinations are available through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and include the registry examination in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation (SPI), Abdomen (AB), and Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN). Another available certification is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification test in Sonography. Certification from either ARDMS or ARRT is typically required for employment in this field.

Program Overview

The Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree is designed to facilitate the development of each student into a competent, entry-level physical therapist assistant. The program regards each student as an active participant bringing a variety of individual needs and attributes to the educational process. The program is committed to preparing the physical therapist assistant students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers who will be prepared to contribute to the body of knowledge in physical therapy. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in the delivery of rehabilitative care.

Student/Graduate Level Goals:

The PTA program will prepare graduates for entry-level practice as physical therapist assistants who will work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe, and effective manner.

The PTA program will prepare graduates to demonstrate entry-level critical thinking skills to effectively address patient care situations and to adapt to the rapidly changing challenges in healthcare and physical therapist assistant responsibilities.

Program Level Goals:

The PTA program will educate the students in cultural diversity, effective communication, and professional behaviors. This program will facilitate participation in community service and lifelong learning activities and will provide a contemporary, comprehensive, and evidence-based curriculum appropriate for an entry-level physical therapist assistant.

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA's) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTA's help manage patients with various conditions and injuries. They work with individuals who have health conditions that limit their ability to perform daily activities. The care provided by PTA's includes teaching patients exercises and activities to increase mobility, strength, and coordination, as well as using physical modalities to decrease pain and improve function.

Program Overview:

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences-Medical Assisting program is designed to prepare students to perform clinical and administrative functions in a physician’s office or other medical setting. The program offers a comprehensive education that includes didactic classroom instruction, extensive hands-on laboratory experience, and an externship in a local medical facility. Graduates of the program are CPR certified.

Students completing this program may be eligible to become Certified Medical Assistants, Registered Medical Assistants, Certified Phlebotomy Technicians, and EKG Technicians.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate characteristics of self-direction and accountability with strong educational foundations for lifelong personal and professional growth.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills to effectively address patient care and adapt to the rapidly changing challenges in healthcare and medical assisting.
• Provide clinically competent, contemporary care that recognizes individual differences and promotes caring behavior in the healthcare community.
• Function as competent beginning practitioners in both clinical and administrative procedures for medical offices.
• Be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant Exam offered through AAMA and/or the RMA exam by AMT.
• Receive comprehensive preparation for work in the medical assisting field.

Recommended Certifications:

While certifications are not required for program completion, ECPI encourages students to obtain appropriate certifications to increase their job prospects. The program provides students with vouchers that allow them to take certification exams at a reduced cost. Graduates of this program may be eligible to become Certified Medical Assistants (CMA), Registered Medical Assistants (RMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technicians, and EKG Technicians, and they should also obtain their CPR certification.

Program Overview:

The Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting degree is meticulously structured to nurture the growth of each student into a proficient dental assistant. The program embraces the diversity of its students, recognizing each as active participants with unique needs and attributes throughout the educational journey. Its core commitment is to equip dental assistant students with the skills to become lifelong learners and astute critical thinkers, empowering them to contribute to the evolving field of dental assisting. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to work under the guidance and supervision of licensed dentists.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will achieve the following outcomes:

• Acquire knowledge and skills essential for creating a safe and secure environment for both patients and dental staff.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the arts and sciences relevant to the field of dental assisting.
• Attain expertise in chairside assistance, clinical procedures, practice management, radiographic techniques, and laboratory work.
• Showcase an understanding of the American Dental Assisting Association's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, recognizing their significance in the dental assisting profession.
• Possess the knowledge and skills required to successfully pass the Dental Assisting National Examination.
• Actively participate in dental community events and engage in continuous learning opportunities.

In just 1.5 years, following our year-round schedule, students have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting.

Program Overview:

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science-Healthcare Administration program is designed to instruct students in becoming entry-level managers in various healthcare settings. The program covers fundamental areas of healthcare administration, including finance, accounting, management, technology, community health, healthcare research, long-term care administration, global health, managed care, and healthcare delivery systems. Graduates of this program are prepared to serve as business advocates in the global healthcare workplace.

The business of healthcare requires well-educated and compassionate professionals to manage:

• Medical Units
• Long-term Care Centers
• Hospital Departments
• Community Health and Physician Office Practices

Medical and health services managers are responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and supervising the delivery of healthcare. These professionals can be specialists overseeing specific clinical departments or generalists managing entire facilities or healthcare systems.

Program Outcomes:

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Health Science-Healthcare Administration program first acquire basic business and accounting skills as they apply to the healthcare industry. They then delve into subjects such as health information systems, managed care systems, healthcare business marketing, public health issues, and legal and ethical concerns in healthcare. The program offers two tracks: acute care, which prepares entry-level managers for work in hospitals, clinics, and emergency centers, and long-term care, which prepares students for careers as administrators in skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

Upon program completion, graduates can:

• Critically analyze research findings for evidence-based healthcare and management.
• Distinguish legal and ethical healthcare administration standards.
• Explain healthcare payor, institution, and customer relationships.
• Apply healthcare administration principles.
• Compare U.S. healthcare delivery systems.
• Use epidemiologic assessments and economic trends.
• Identify health technology implications.
• Present a healthcare business proposal.
• Assess community healthcare technology needs.

In less than 2.5 years, through a year-round schedule, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree.

Recommended Certifications:

Certifications are not required for program completion; however, ECPI encourages students to obtain appropriate certifications to increase job prospects. The program provides students with vouchers allowing them to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. While no certifications are necessary for the acute care track, most states require state licensing as a long-term care administrator, nursing home administrator, or assisted living administrator.

To receive a Diploma in Medical Assisting, students must earn 46 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 3 semesters, which is equivalent to 11 months or 45 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:

Core Curriculum - 28 semester credit hours

• MED104 Medical Terminology- 3
• MED112 Medical Coding and Billing I- 2
• MED143 Principles of Pharmacology - 3
• MED149 Medical Ethics - 3
• MED158 Phlebotomy and Laboratory Procedures - 2
• MED159 Patient Intake and Infection Control - 2
• MED160 Medical Office Procedures I - 2
• MED229 Advanced Procedures, Life Support & Specialties
• MED232 Advanced Diagnostics and Testing - 2
• MED239 EKG Technician and Cardiology - 2
• MED286 National Certification Exam Prep - 1
• MED295 Medical Assisting Externship -4

Arts and Sciences - 12 semester credit hours

• BIO101 Human Anatomy and Physiology I - 3
• BIO104 Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 3
• ENG110 College Composition - 3
• PSY105 Introduction to Psychology - 3

*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.

Self-Integration - 6 semester credit hours

• CIS108 Office Applications - 2
• COR191 Career Orientation - 1
• FOR110 Essentials for Success - 3

Program includes a total of 945 contact hours.

The Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program at ECPI University's College of Nursing, Medical Careers Institute (MCI) is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career in the field of nursing. Here's an overview of the program:

Program Overview:

• The Practical Nursing program is an introduction to the field of nursing. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide patient care under the supervision of senior healthcare practitioners.
• After earning the diploma, graduates must sit for the NCLEX exam, and upon successful completion, they become eligible for licensure as a Practical Nurse (PN).
• The program emphasizes critical thinking, clinical reasoning, effective communication and collaboration, and nursing theory.

Possible Career Track: Practical Nursing graduates can work in various healthcare settings, including:

• Nursing homes
• Physicians' offices
• Public school systems
• Hospitals
• Corporate occupational health

Program Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the program, students are expected to:

• Function within the role of a practical nurse, delivering care to clients and their families.
• Use critical thinking skills to safely perform necessary cognitive, psychomotor, and effective nursing skills.
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and members of the healthcare team.
• Integrate ethical, professional, and legal responsibilities and accountability into their actions and decisions.
• Assume responsibility for personal and professional growth.

The Practical Nursing program at ECPI University's MCI provides students with the foundation needed to pursue a rewarding career in nursing. Graduates must successfully pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

This program can be completed in a relatively short period of time, with graduates earning their Licensed Practical Nursing diploma in as little as 15 months. It is an excellent starting point for those who wish to enter the nursing profession and provide essential care to patients under the guidance of more experienced healthcare practitioners.

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program prepares graduates to become Registered Nurses (RNs) and provides them with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful nursing career. Here's an overview of the program:

Overview: The ADN program is designed to produce capable and experienced RNs. Graduates must pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed RNs.

Outcomes: The program is designed to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to:

• Collaborate effectively in healthcare settings with individuals, families, and communities.
• Practice professional nursing within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks.
• Utilize best practices to provide competent, safe, and effective care.
• Promote, protect, and improve quality and safety in diverse healthcare settings.
• Apply knowledge of disease processes to develop prevention and health promotion strategies.
• Integrate information management and technology into the delivery of quality care.
• Demonstrate effective leadership, clinical judgment, and accountability for professional development.

To become a registered nurse, graduates must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN.

The ADN program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become competent and compassionate nurses, prepared to contribute to healthcare teams and provide quality care to patients.