Paramedic, Certificate

Location: West

Pathway: Public & Community Services

Graduation Requirements: To earn the Paramedic certificate, a grade of "C-" or better is required in all EMS courses.

Note: These credits are applicable toward the . Students who wish to receive additional training can pursue the or

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 43

What Else Should I Consider about this Certificate program?: - General education and Paramedic classes are scheduled on the West campus starting Fall of '26. 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. - Credentialing in the state of Iowa may be obtained by passing the Nationally Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic exam, which students are prepared to take in this program - 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.

Program Competencies: - Determine the role of a Paramedic within an EMS system - Explain the elements of paramedic education - Determine the legal issues that impact decisions in the pre-hospital setting - Differentiate types of paramedic responsibilities - Evaluate Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology - List and differentiate the different phases of drug activity - Assess the importance of the respiratory tract in the human body - Describe the importance of the cardiovascular system - Outline the major structures of the cardiovascular system - Evaluate the components of cardiac output and factors affecting venous return - Evaluate the various EKG rhythms, segments and intervals - Assess a history on a patient - Perform a comprehensive physical exam on any patient - Describe the incident and scope of traumatic injuries and death - Create a treatment plan for the pediatric patient - Formulate a treatment plan for the chronically ill child - Apply standards to ensure safe and effective ground transport