Term Effective: Fall 2005

The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.

Description:

The Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Certificate of Achievement 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 EMT-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 en-route to the medical facility. Specific responsibilities include: patient interviewing, physical examination, critical decision making, cardiac monitoring and interpretation, defibrillation, intravenous therapy, drug therapy, intervention in emotional crises and advanced airway management.

Employment of EMT-Paramedics by the year 2005 is expected to be above the average growth for all occupations primarily because of the rapidly expanding aging population. Recent surveys show that there is more demand for EMT-Paramedics, who are usually placed as soon as they complete required licensure because of their advanced training and experience.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student will be able to:

1. Complete the National Registry written exam;
2. complete the National Registry Skills Exam; and
3. demonstrate professional behavior consistent with criteria for employment as a licensed paramedic.

For students interested in an Associate degree, an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic major is available. More information about the program can be found on the Public Safety Department website.

Certification Note:
All public safety positions have legal requirements and background qualifications. Certain criminal violations may disqualify a candidate for licensure (refer to CA Health and Safety, Title 22, Section 100178.1).

Course Prerequisites and Advisories:

Courses in a program of study may have prerequisites or advisories; that is, courses that must or should be completed before taking that course. Please check for prerequisites or advisories by clicking on the course numbers in the Program Requirements section.

It is important that students who are completing an Associate Degree and desire to transfer to a four-year institution meet with a counselor to plan their lower division coursework. While many majors at SRJC are intended to align with lower division major preparation required by California public universities, specific lower-division major requirements vary among individual campuses. See a counselor, visit the Transfer Center, and check Guides For Transfer in Specific Majors, and ASSIST to review transfer preparation guides for specific schools and majors.

Notes:

Student's participating in the program must have the following:

High school diploma/GED
Current EMT- 1 certificate
Current health care provider CPR certification
Current immunizations (MMR, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, negative TB Skin test)
Evidence of good health verified by a physical examination
Background clearance