Paramedic

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The Paramedic certificate prepares individuals to use critical thinking skills to provide treatment for medical, trauma and cardiac emergencies in the pre-hospital setting. The Paramedic transports patients to and between hospitals using ground and air ambulances, and performs skills in a variety of settings including emergency departments, critical care units and cardiac catheter labs. Course content includes anatomy and physiology, pathology, and the identification and initial diagnosis of disease and injury in a variety of populations. Paramedics initiate IVs, perform endotracheal intubation, read electrocardiograms and provide cardiac defibrillation. Instruction in rescue operations, crisis scene management and medical triage is included.

This program will prepare the student to become a Paramedic. The program provides students with the necessary preparatory courses for seeking certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic, which leads to certification as a Paramedic in the State of Iowa. National certification will require a passing score on a nationally-recognized certification exam of Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (NREMT-P). At the successful completion of the program, a Paramedic certificate will be awarded.

The student may further their education by obtaining an AAS degree. (See the Paramedic AAS Degree in this catalog.) The Paramedic certificate is the foundation of the degree. Within the degree, students may choose to specialize in one of three concentrations: management, clinical or fire science. Most paramedics are interested in one of these areas of expertise.

Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participation in paramedic education experiences. Students unable to participate in paramedic education will be unable to complete the Paramedic program.

For more information about the Paramedic certificate, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/health/paramedic.

Location: Ankeny

Students start Fall semester.

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Attend any required information/registration session.
Submit a copy of current State of Iowa EMT-Basic, Iowa EMT-Intermediate/85 or Iowa EMT-Paramedic certification (I/99). All students must have an Iowa EMT-B or EMT-I certification.
Submit evidence of a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school biology OR a grade of “C” or better in DMACC Academic Achievement Center Biology I OR equivalent.
Obtain a minimum score of 81 in Reading on the COMPASS test.
Obtain a minimum score of 46 on ALEKS math placement test OR a minimum ACT math score of 19 OR obtain a grade of “C” or better in MAT 073 or equivalent.
Obtain a minimum score of 70 in English on the COMPASS test OR a minimum ACT English score of 19 OR a grade of “C” or better in ENG 061 or equivalent.
Submit evidence of a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school chemistry OR a grade of “C” or better in DMACC Academic Achievement Center Chemistry I and II OR equivalent.

To earn the Paramedic certificate, a grade of “C” or better is required in all EMS courses.

Required Courses

Note:

These credits are applicable toward the Paramedic AAS degree. Students who wish to receive additional training can pursue the Paramedic AAS degree and choose a concentration in public administration , advanced clinical knowledge or fire science .

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 46

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3
Books (approximate)	300	100	100
Uniforms	150
Physical Exam (approx)	80
Immunizations (may be paid by insurance) and Background Check	100
Scheduling Software	100
EMS Testing Software	100

Approximate total for the program: $7,608*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

Respond to incidents such as automobile accidents, heart attacks, slips and falls, childbirth, gunshot wounds and any other emergencies that require immediate care.
Assess the nature of a patient’s condition and follow emergency medical protocols and guidelines for treatment.
Prepare and administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations and use monitors and other complex equipment.
Transport patients to various kinds of medical facilities (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, etc.) at times, using special equipment such as backboards to immobilize patients.
Report observations and actions to emergency department staff.
Perform emergency medical care under the direction of a physician.
After each run in an ambulance, replace used supplies and check equipment.
Work in a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, private ambulance services, fire departments, educational institutions and medical supply companies.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

General education and Paramedic classes are scheduled on the College campus. Correlated clinical experience takes place in selected hospitals and ambulance transport services throughout the area. Courses are taught by individuals experienced in the field and are offered at a variety of times.
You will be required to communicate easily and clearly with patients and coworkers.
You must accept responsibility for your actions.
You will stand and walk most of the day.
Working under pressure requires good physical health and emotional stability.
You will be working with patients who may be contagious or have communicable diseases.
You will have access to private health information and will need to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
By the year 2017 (estimated), certification for the state of Iowa will require a Paramedic education. Credentialing in the state of Iowa may be obtained by passing the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic exam.
There are two parts for the NREMT-P. First, the paramedic student must pass the practical exam and then must pass the written exam. The Paramedic is required to obtain continuing education hours for recertification within two years of initial certification.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.