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.