Paramedic What is a Specialist Certificate?

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1 Program Information Brief Paramedic What is a Specialist Certificate? For all campus information, call or , extension Call this number to speak with an advisor about the program. It is a short-term credit program intended to provide you with the latest information and skills needed to function more effectively in your job or to update your skills for employment possibilities. It will provide you and an employer with evidence of your continued education in a specific occupational area. The education you gain will broaden your skills and increase your ability to function in a given area. The Paramedic certificate prepares individuals to use critical thinking skills to provide treatment for medical, trauma and cardiac emergencies in the pre-hospital setting. The Paramedic transports patients to and between hospitals using ground and air ambulances, and performs skills in a variety of settings including emergency departments, critical care units and cardiac catheter labs. Course content includes anatomy and physiology, pathology and the identification and initial diagnosis of disease and injury in a variety of populations. Paramedics initiate IVs, perform endotracheal intubation, read electrocardiograms and provide cardiac defibrillation. Instruction in rescue operations, crisis scene management and medical triage is included. This program will prepare students to become a Paramedic. The program provides students with the necessary preparatory courses for seeking certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic, which leads to certification as a Paramedic in the state of Iowa. National certification will require a passing score on a nationally recognized certification exam of Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (NREMT-P). At the successful completion of the program, a Paramedic certificate will be awarded. The student may further their education by obtaining an A.A.S. degree. (See the Paramedic A.A.S. degree PIB.) The Paramedic certificate is the foundation of the degree. Within the degree, students may choose to specialize in one of three concentrations: management, clinical or fire science. Most paramedics are interested in one of these areas of expertise. Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participation in paramedic education experiences. Students unable to participate in paramedic education will be unable to complete the Paramedic program. For more information about the Paramedic certificate, please visit our website at Location: Ankeny Students start Fall term. Go to to apply for admission. Ankeny Campus 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd. Ankeny, IA Boone Campus 1125 Hancock Drive Boone, IA Carroll Campus 906 N. Grant Road Carroll, IA Newton Campus 600 N. 2nd Avenue W. Newton, IA Urban Campus th Street Des Moines, IA West Campus 5959 Grand Avenue W. Des Moines, IA

2 Program Entry Requirements 1. Complete an application for admission. 2. Attend any required information/registration session. 3. Submit a copy of current State of Iowa EMT-Basic, Iowa EMT-Intermediate/85 or Iowa EMT-Paramedic certification (I/99). All students must have an Iowa EMT-B or EMT-I certification. 4. Submit evidence of a grade of C or better in one year of high school biology OR a grade of C or better in DMACC Academic Achievement Center Biology I OR equivalent. 5. Obtain a minimum score of 81 in Reading on the COMPASS test. 6. Obtain a minimum score of 46 in Algebra on the COMPASS test OR a minimum ACT math score of 19 OR obtain a grade of C or better in MAT 073 or equivalent. 7. Obtain a minimum score of 70 in English on the COMPASS test OR a minimum ACT English score of 19 OR a grade of C or better in ENG 061 or equivalent. 8. Submit evidence of a grade of C or better in one year of high school chemistry OR a grade of C or better in DMACC Academic Achievement Center Chemistry I and II or equivalent. To earn the Paramedic certificate, a grade of C or better is required in all EMS courses. Term 1 EMS 460 Role of the Paramedic 2 EMS 463 Medical/Legal/Ethical Issues 2 EMS 467 Prin. of Pathophysiology I 7 EMS 468 Prin. of Pathophysiology II 7 Term 2 EMS 470 Patient Assessment 4 EMS 473 Medical Emergencies 7 EMS 476 Trauma 7 Term 3 EMS 480 Special Considerations 6 EMS 483 Operations 4 Total credits required to complete this certificate 46 These credits are applicable toward the Paramedic A.A.S. degree. Students who wish to receive additional training can pursue the Paramedic A.A.S. degree and choose a concentration in public administration, advanced clinical knowledge or fire science.

3 Fixed Costs Tuition...$ per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs The Paramedic program utilizes a background check service, to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and to track immunizations, health records and CPR certification for each student after their acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service (approximately $58). Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Books (approximate) Background check/immunizations 75 EMS Shirt 50 Scheduling Software 50 EMS Testing Software 50 Approximate total for the program: $7,119

4 What Kind of Work Will You Do? Respond to incidents such as automobile accidents, heart attacks, slips and falls, childbirth, gunshot wounds and any other emergencies that require immediate care. Assess the nature of a patient s condition and follow emergency medical protocols and guidelines for treatment. Prepare and administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations and use monitors and other complex equipment. Transport patients to various kinds of medical facilities (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, etc.) at times, using special equipment such as backboards to immobilize patients. Report observations and actions to emergency department staff. Perform emergency medical care under the direction of a physician. After each run in an ambulance, replace used supplies and check equipment. Work in a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, private ambulance services, fire departments, educational institutions and medical supply companies. What Skills and Abilities Will You Need? Must be adaptable to work both indoors and out, in all types of weather. Must be in good physical condition to perform considerable lifting, kneeling and bending. Must be adaptable to irregular periods of sleep that accompany irregular working hours, because emergency services function 24 hours a day. Must be able to communicate verbally with patients and their significant others in diverse cultures and age groups and document relevant information in writing. Must have the ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations while taking on the role of leader. Perform mathematical calculations/ratios and apply them in an expedient, accurate and practical manner. Must be independent, confident and able to work without much structure. Must be cognizant of all legal, ethical and moral obligations inherent within scope of practice. Must have good, stable reasoning ability to draw valid conclusions expediently relevant to a patient s condition. What Else Should I Consider About This Program or Career Choice? General education and Paramedic classes are scheduled on the College campus. 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. By the year 2017 (estimated), certification for the state of Iowa will require a Paramedic education. Credentialing in the state of Iowa may be obtained by passing the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic exam. 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. Paramedic Certificate ( )

5 Iowa Core Performance Standards for Health Care Career Programs Iowa Community Colleges have developed the following Core Performance Standards for all applicants to Health Care Career Programs. These standards are based upon required abilities that are compatible with effective performance in healthcare careers. Applicants unable to meet the Core Performance Standards are responsible for discussing the possibility of reasonable accommodations with the designated institutional office. Before final admission into a health career program, applicants are responsible for providing medical and other documentation related to any disability and the appropriate accommodations needed to meet the Core Performance Standards. These materials must be submitted in accordance with the institution s ADA policy. Capability Standard Some Examples of Necessary Activities (Not All-Inclusive) Cognitive-Perception The ability to perceive events realistically, Identify changes in patient/client health status to think clearly and rationally and to function Handle multiple priorities in stressful situations appropriately in routine and stressful situations. Critical Thinking Critical thinking ability sufficient for Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations sound judgment. Develop plans of care Interpersonal Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues appropriately with individuals, families and Demonstrate high degree of patience groups from a variety of social, emotional, Manage a variety of patient/client expressions cultural and intellectual backgrounds. (anger, fear, hostility) in a calm manner Communication Communication abilities in English sufficient Read, understand, write and speak English competently for appropriate interaction with others in Explain treatment procedures verbal and written form. Initiate health teaching Document patient/client responses Validate responses/messages with others Mobility Ambulatory capability to sufficiently maintain The ability to propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc., a center of gravity when met with an opposing alone or with assistance as available force as in lifting, supporting and/or transferring a patient/client. Motor Skills Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to Position patients/clients provide safe and effective care and Reach, manipulate and operate equipment, documentation. instruments and supplies Electronic documentation/keyboarding Lift, carry, push and pull Perform CPR Hearing Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and Hears monitor alarms, emergency signals, assess, or document health needs. auscultatory sounds, cries for help Hears telephone interactions/dictation Visual Visual ability sufficient for observation and Observes patient/client responses assessment necessary in patient/client care, Discriminates color changes accurate color discrimination. Accurately reads measurement on patient/client-related equipment Tactile Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment, Performs palpation inclusive of size, shape, temperature and texture. Performs functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g., insertion of a catheter Activity Tolerance The ability to tolerate lengthy periods of Move quickly and/or continuously physical activity. Tolerate long periods of standing and/or sitting Environmental Ability to tolerate environmental stressors. Adapt to rotating shifts Work with chemicals and detergents Tolerate exposure to fumes and odors Work in areas that are close and crowded Work in areas of potential physical violence Nondiscrimination Policy: Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure (ES4645). Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost s office, the Academic Dean s office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For requests for accommodations, the Accommodation/Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at For Title IX questions and concerns, contact For all campus information, call or , extension 6200.