Associate of Applied Science

Health Technology
Major: Emergency Medical Services Technology

emt patch

Length: Two-year Program - Five semesters

Purpose: The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry-level Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics (EMT-P) who can service the community with advanced life support care via the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) infrastructure. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Employment opportunities for Paramedics are available with ambulance; fire and rescue services; hospitals; local, state and federal government agencies; and humanitarian relief organizations.

Program Goals: At the completion of the program the graduate will be able to demonstrate:
• the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate the clinical information relative to his role as an entry-level paramedic;
• technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of an entry-level paramedic;
• personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations for the entry-level paramedic.

Admission Requirements: Prior to the starting program courses, the applicant must:
1. meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by the Virginia Office of EMS; and
2. meet the college's general admission requirement.

Accreditation: This program is accredited nationally by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP).

Selection Process: To be eligible for selection to the program, interested persons should complete the following process by May 10:

1. Submit a college admission application
2. Submit an application to the program (separate document) with required attachments.
3. Take the COMPASS or ASSET placement test (or submit SAT or ACT scores).
4. Have transcripts of previous college courses sent to the college.

At this time the first round of students will be selected. Selection will be based on previous college coursework, interview, entrance exam and college placement reading scores. A score of 61 on the COMPASS or comparable score on the ASSET, SAT, or ACT is required for first round selection. Should openings still be available, persons who apply or meet requirements after May 10, or score lower than cut score on the reading exam will be considered.

Program Requirements:

Physical Requirements:

An EMS provider is faced with many physical and psychological challenges. Please refer to the Office of Emergency Medical Services web site for a more detailed functional job description. http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/oems/Training/ResourceCD/Content/TPAM/Appendix/BLS%20Student%20Handouts .pdf

Academic Requirements:

Students must make a "C" or better in all program core courses. Any student receiving a grade less than "C" will be placed on programmatic academic probation. That course shall be remediated once, with a written contract drafted containing the requirements of the remediation. Remediated courses must be completed with a final grade of "C" or better. Dismissal from the program shall result if the student does not meet the requirements of the contract.

Clinical and Behavioral Requirements:

Selected and supervised student experience is required by the program and will be accomplished at selected regional health care facilities. The student is responsible for transportation to these facilities, as well as to any scheduled field trips. Program preceptors will observe and evaluate the student’s suitability for the profession. If the student does not exhibit those documented behaviors required of the EMS professional, the student might be asked to withdraw from the program.

Other Requirements:

Applicants accepted to the program are required to submit a health certificate signed by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant or RNP and should include documentation of measles, mumps, Rubella (MMR) and chicken pox exposure or inoculations; documentation of Hepatitis B inoculation; Tuberculosis testing; and overall general health of the applicant.

The purchase of items such as uniforms, liability insurance and other accessories is the financial responsibility of the individual student. Students who elect to take support courses recommended by the Program Director prior to formal acceptance into the program will find this activity to be advantageous in subsequent course scheduling

Program Contact: Bill Akers Jr., MS, NREMTP, Program Director 276.964.7729 bill.akers@sw.edu

Course
Number		 Course Title Lecture
Hours		 Lab
Hours		 Course
Credits
First Semester
EMS 111 Emergency Medical Technician - Basic 4 4 6
EMS 120 EMT-Basic Clinical 1 0 1
SCI* Science Elective 3 3 4
SDV Student Development/Orientation 1 0 1
TOTAL 9 7 12
         
  Second Semester      
EMS 151 Intro. to Advanced Life Support 3 2 4
EMS 170 ALS Internship I 0 3 1
EMS 153 Basic ECG Recognition 2 0 2
EMS 157 ALS-Trauma Care 2 2 3
ENG 111 English Composition 3 0 3
  TOTAL 10 7 13
         
  Third Semester(Spring)      
EMS 155 ALS-Medical Care 3 2 4
EMS 159 EMS Special Populations 1 2 2
EMS 172 ALS Clinical Internship II 0 3 1
EMS 173 ALS Field Internship I 0 3 1
ITE Computer Elective 3 0 3
SOC Social Science Elective 3 0 3
  TOTAL 10 10 14
         
  Fourth Semester (Fall)      
EMS 205 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 0 3
EMS 207 Advanced Patient Assessment 2 2 3
EMS 242 ALS Clinical Internship III 0 3 1
EMS 243 ALS Field Internship II 0 3 1
EMS 201 EMS Professional Development 2 0 2
EMS/FIR/HLT EMS Fire Programs or HLT Elective 3 0 3
TOTAL 10 8 13
Fifth Semester (Spring)
EMS 209 Advanced Pharmacology 3 2 4
SOC Social Science Elective II 3 0 3
EMS 211 Operations 1 2 2
EMS 244 ALS Clinical Internship IV 0 3 1
EMS 245 ALS Field Internship III 0 3 1
HUM Humanities Elective 3 0 3
TOTAL 10 10  14

Total Minimum Credits for Emergency Medical Services Tech. Major 66

* BIO 141-142 are recommended if the student is planning to transfer to another medically related program Social Science subject areas: PSY/PLS/ECO/HIS/SOC
** Humanities/Fine Arts subject areas: MUS/ART/PHI/SPA/REL/Eng 241-242/SPD 130