Effective: Fall 2023

The Associate in Applied Science Degree: Paramedic – Advanced Life Support program is designed for individuals who are seeking careers as paramedics. Paramedic careers include 9-1-1 emergency response, inter-facility and critical care transport via ground and aero-medical vehicles. The primary focus of the program is to provide the education, skills and clinical experiences to best prepare the entry level paramedic. The National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards: Paramedic Instructional Guidelines were used in developing the competencies and course content for the Paramedic – Advanced Life Support degree program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

An Associate of Applied Science will be awarded upon completion of the Paramedic-Advanced Life Support curriculum with a 2.0 GPA and a “C” or better in all Emergency Medical Services (EMTP and EMS) courses, Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 150), and Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 151). Students in this degree program must maintain a “C” or better in all EMTP courses and BIO 150 and BIO 151 to remain in the program and must progress through the curriculum in sequence.  Students who do not maintain a “C” or better in BIO 150 and BIO 151 and all EMTP courses, in accordance with the program retest policy, will be dismissed from the program and must reapply to the program in a subsequent year.

Students will be allowed a total of one (1) retest for each written or practical final exam. A student is permitted to retest a total of three (3) retests of written or practical final examinations throughout the entire paramedic program.  Failure to pass a 4th retest examination (written or practical) will result in dismissal from the Paramedic Program. Students will be allowed one (1) retest for the Program Summative Exam. There will be no opportunity to retest a quiz, group assignment, clinical assignment or research paper.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Students are required to submit the following documentation to the Director of Emergency Services Education by the fourth week of the first spring semester of the program:

• Submit clear Criminal Background checks.  Students living in Pennsylvania are required to submit a PA State Police background check as well as a FBI background check with fingerprints.  Students living outside Pennsylvania are required to submit a PA State Police background check, a FBI background check with fingerprints and a criminal background check from their state of residence.  If a student has a prior criminal history, he/she will be required to petition to the PA Bureau of EMS and be approved for admissions prior to acceptance into the Paramedic program. Students with a prior criminal history are encouraged to contact their Regional EMS office to determine their eligibility for state certification as a paramedic.
• Submit a clear Child Abuse background check.
• Successfully complete a physical examination, including drug testing.
• Submit verification of current medical health insurance, which must be maintained throughout the program.
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be currently certified as a Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Technician or have a reciprocity application in process for PA EMT certification.  This certification must be maintained throughout the program.
• Be currently certified as a CPR provider by one of the third-party accreditation bodies approved by the PA Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. This certification must be maintained throughout the program.

NATIONAL REGISTRY EXAM

Upon successful completion of the 40 credits of EMTP and EMS core classes and 7 credits of BIO 150 and BIO 151, with a “C” or better, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry exam to become certified as a Paramedic.  This national certification exam consists of twelve psychomotor (skills) stations as well as a computer-based cognitive exam.  Completion of the A.A.S. degree does not guarantee the student a National Registry certification as a paramedic.

DISMISSAL

Students may be dismissed from the program for violation of patient safety, confidentiality or behavior incompatible with acceptable standards pending outcome of the appeal process.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes.  If a student is absent for more than 24 hours in the ENTIRE program they will be dismissed from the program.  Students wishing to re-enter the program must re-apply.

Students who are accepted into the Paramedic – Advanced Life Support program are required to immediately divulge any misdemeanor or felony convictions that may occur while in the program to the Director of Emergency Services Education.  Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program in accordance with the Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services policies.  In addition, upon review by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, the student may be dismissed from the program and denied paramedic certification.

PRIOR LEARNING

Students who are currently certified Paramedics wishing to obtain the Paramedic – Advanced Life Support A.A.S. degree may be awarded 36 credits for prior learning by DCCC upon evaluation of current documentation as required by the Assessment Center. Students who are awarded the credit for prior learning will be required to take two three-credit Emergency Management and Planning (EMER) courses in lieu of EMS 100. 

This program requires a special process for admission. Check with Admissions to submit additional materials and/or follow procedures for admission.