Paramedic, Certificate

Certificate Program

Paramedics are allied health professionals who function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, performing interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Certificate in Paramedic program is designed to provide students with the necessary life-saving knowledge and skills required for entry-level employment as a paramedic. Students will build upon an emergency medical technician (EMT) background to develop proficiency in critical and emergent patient care as encountered in the pre-hospital setting. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians® (NREMT) Paramedic certification exam.

Program Outcomes

A. Demonstrate the ability to formulate an assessment and construct a treatment plan for a patient with a medical emergency.

B. Demonstrate the ability to formulate an assessment and construct a treatment plan for a patient with a traumatic emergency.

C. Apply the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology into the assessment and treatment plan development.

D. Formulate a field impression based on assessment findings, utilizing knowledge of epidemiology and pathophysiology.

E. Integrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the provision of emergency care.

 

The Paramedic certificate program also provides students with course work and competencies in critical thinking, communication, and social and cultural awareness, making it possible for students to transfer to related bachelor degree programs.

Prerequisite

A current, unrestricted Michigan Emergency MedicalTechnician (EMT) license or higher OR completion of an MDHHS approved EMT program, and eligible to sit for the NREMT EMT certification exam and licensure in the state of Michigan (certification and licensure must be completed prior to the end of the paramedic program).

Additional Program Information

Paramedic program consists of didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses. The clinical courses will take place in hospital and ambulance settings with MCCC clinical partners.

The paramedic program is approved through the State ofMichigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS),and holds a Committee on Accreditation of Education Programsfor the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) Letter of Review (LoR)designation.

The Monroe County Community College Paramedic program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self-Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the National Registry’s Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.

To contact CoAEMSP: 214-703-8445 www.coaemsp.org

Transfer Information

For information regarding transfer opportunities for this, or any program, please visit the Transfer section of the MCCC website.

Admission Criteria

The Paramedic Program is a selective admissions program. Paramedic students must meet the following minimum established criteria to be considered for acceptance.

1. Acceptance into Monroe County Community College.
2. A current, unrestricted Michigan Emergency MedicalTechnician (EMT) license or higher OR completion of an MDHHS approved EMT program, and eligible to sit for the NREMT EMT certification exam and licensure in the state of Michigan (certification and licensure must be completed prior to the end of the paramedic program).

For additional questions about admission criteria and how to apply, please visit http://www.monroeccc.edu/paramedic or contact the Health Sciences Division Office at 734-384-4102 or the MCCC Admissions office at 734-384-4104.

General Information

1. The program admits students once per year in the Fall, and can accommodate up to 20 students maximum.
2. Immunizations and health examinations are required at the student’s expense to ensure that the student can meet the technical standards of the program and the requirements of partner clinical agencies.
3. Students admitted to health science programs must consent to background/security checks including a criminal background check and drug screening. The student is responsible for any cost associated with the background/security/drug screening checks. Certain criminal convictions may render a student ineligible to train at clinical sites which are necessary in order to successfully complete the program. The college will review the results and determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether to deny admission to any individual based on the results of the background check, criminal background check, and drug screening. Despite the passage of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act in November 2018, the possession of marijuana remains prohibited under United States Federal Law and MCCC policy (6.21). The College and Health Sciences Division prohibits employees, students, and members of the public from possessing or using marijuana (legal or medicinal) on College property or during any College activity. Health occupation students must consent to random drug screening with negative results for marijuana or any illicit substance. Failure to provide a negative drug screen will prevent participation in the program and/or result in program dismissal.
4. Paramedic program students are required to have professional liability and personal health insurance. The professional liability insurance is provided by Monroe County Community College. Personal health insurance must be obtained by the student and maintained throughout the program in order to comply with clinical agency requirements. Proof of insurance will be required prior to participating in the first clinical activity.
5. For the duration of the program students must maintain an active American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate for professional rescuer of infant, child, and adult (BLS). More information will be provided to students at the beginning of the program.
6. Paramedic involves the provision of emergent care for individuals and families and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge and the skillful performance of life-saving paramedic functions. Therefore, in order to be considered for admission or to continue in the program, all applicants must be able to meet the health sciences technical standards available in the Paramedic Program section of the MCCC website. A prospective student or participant in the program with a disability for which accommodations may be appropriate can request reasonable accommodations to meet technical standards. The College will provide appropriate accommodations, but is not required to fundamentally alter the requirements or nature of the program or lower its academic standards. Requests for accommodations should be directed to a disability services counselor in the Student Success Center. To make an appointment, please call 734-384-4167.
7. The student must receive a “B” or better grade in all Paramedic courses required in the program plan of study. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the inability to progress to the next semester of the program. Paramedic and required non-Paramedic courses must be completed in the order outlined in the program’s plan of study.
8. Paramedic courses utilize internet services and resources to supplement instruction. Students must have a desktop or laptop computer with reliable internet access.
9. The Paramedic Program is designed to meet the education requirements for paramedics in the state of Michigan. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the NREMT Paramedic Certification Exam. MCCC has not determined if the paramedic program meets the state education requirements for licensure in states other than Michigan. Students who wish to work in any other state or US territory are encouraged to reach out to that state’s regulatory body for additional information on such requirements.
10. In addition to the general college rules, paramedic students are required to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the Paramedic Student Handbook.

Technical Standards

The purpose of the technical standards is to inform students choosing to enter into an EMS program of the basic minimal technical standard requirements that must be met to complete all coursework, objectives, and student outcomes. The listed standards encompass what is minimally required to perform necessary tasks. This list is not exhaustive and can be modified as the college deems necessary. Students enrolled in an EMS program at MCCC must provide safe and effective care. These technical standards apply to any student enrolling in any of the EMS programs. The student must demonstrate sufficient cognitive, professional, motor (physical), sensory, and other abilities, with or without accommodation, to meet program technical standards. Technical standard requirements are listed below.

• Critical Thinking and Cognitive Competencies: Students must have sufficient critical thinking, problem solving and cognitive skills to:
  • calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data in a timely manner.
  • problem solve and make decisions in a timely manner.
  • apply knowledge, skills, and experience to determine best/safe practice.
• Professionalism: Students must demonstrate the ability to:
  • adapt to changing situations and emergency conditions while maintaining emotional control.
  • when effectively under stress, utilize healthy stress management techniques.
  • use appropriate impulse control and professional level of maturity.
  • use ethical behavior, cross-cultural competency, moral reasoning, and a commitment to an environment of mutual respect, trust, integrity and reliability in interactions with patients, patient representatives, students, faculty, staff, members of the public, and other healthcare professionals.
  • accept responsibility for own actions and accept constructive feedback.
  • function independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing.
• Communication: Students must be able to:
  • communicate, read, write, interpret, comprehend, and legibly document as needed.
  • extensively use verbal skills and reasoning skills.
  • listen and respond to others in a nonjudgmental, respectful manner.
  • observe and recognize non-verbal behavior.
  • demonstrate emotional stability.
• Physical Skills, Motor Function, and Mobility: Students must have the ability to:
  • apply knowledge and experience through demonstrating competency, quality, and productivity standards in job responsibilities as outlines in the course competencies and program outcomes.
  • handle and carry supplies and equipment at varying weights.
  • demonstrate stamina sufficient to maintain physical activity for a period of a typical shift.
  • have sufficient gross and fine motor skills to perform emergency skills in a safe and effective manner.
  • perform physical activities that require considerable use of their hands, arms, and legs. This includes fine motor abilities like finger dexterity, manual dexterity, arm-hand steadiness and trunk strength.
  • have sufficient endurance, strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and coordination to perform patient care activities and emergency procedures.
• Sensory and Tactile Senses: Students must:
  • have sufficient auditory ability, visual ability, sense of smell and tactile ability.
  • demonstrate ability to tolerate heat, humidity, and extreme cold during personal care activities.
  • monitor and assess the needs of the patient and health care team.
  • have vision sufficient for observation and assessment necessary for patient care.
  • demonstrate ability to tolerate exposure to odors and common allergens.
• Safety: Students must be able to:
  • respond appropriately to threatening or emergency situations.
  • adhere to safety guidelines and regulations in a variety of settings.
  • apply knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe environment for themselves and the community.

Occupational Risks

The provision of emergency medical services (EMS) poses inherent occupational risks for EMS responders. These risks arise from the nature of the job, which often involves responding to unpredictable and high-stress situations. The risks include the following:

• Violence/assaults
• Verbal threats/aggression
• Motor vehicle crashes
• Infectious diseases
• Lifting injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Psychological trauma
• Hazardous chemical exposure
• Hyper/hypothermia