NEW PROGRAM PROPOSAL: AAS IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES - PARAMEDIC Agenda Item I-3c HOPKINSVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE December 4, 2015

Transcription

1 NEW PROGRAM PROPOSAL: ACTION AAS IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES - PARAMEDIC Agenda Item I-3c HOPKINSVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE December 4, 2015 Recommendation That the Board of Regents approve an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Emergency Medical Services Paramedic for Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) to be implemented in Fall Rationale The proposed AAS degree is consistent with the missions of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and Hopkinsville Community College and supports the statewide postsecondary education strategic agenda and the statewide strategic implementation plan. Hopkinsville Community College is currently approved to award the certificate in Emergency Medical Technician. The proposed Associates in Applied Science Degree will enhance the current HCC certificate program in Emergency Medical Technician by allowing students to further their training in this field. Both the Kentucky Labor Market Information (KYLMI) system and the Tennessee Labor Market Information (TNLMI) list EMT/Paramedics as having a nationally bright outlook in terms of employment, with more than a 1,000 open positions between the southern Pennyrile and greater Nashville areas. EMT/Paramedics are listed as one of the 50 fastest growing occupations in the Pennyrile region, with an expected growth of over 25 percent by Additionally, the annual mean wage for EMT/Paramedics in the Pennyrile region is the third highest in the state of Kentucky, averaging $4,000 more a year than the state average ($33,052). The local Fire Chief has informed Hopkinsville Community College of a significant need for trained paramedics in Hopkinsville and the surrounding areas. He is highly invested in having HCC as a local supplier of these needed professionals. Hopkinsville Community College currently offers the general education courses needed for the degree program. The new program will be housed in dedicated space in a new facility funded with BuildSmart Campaign dollars. Equipment is expected to be procured through a partnership with the Hopkinsville Fire Department. Potential adjunct faculty sufficient to teach the program have already been identified. Additional funds required to implement and operate the program will come from HCC s general fund balance and revenue generated from new enrollments. 139

2 Background According to the Kentucky Public Postsecondary Education Diversity Policy and Framework for Institution Diversity Plan Development, Hopkinsville Community College has automatic eligibility. An executive summary of the proposal is attached. A copy of the full proposal has been forwarded to each member of the Board s Academic Affairs and Curriculum Committee. 140

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic Hopkinsville Community College A Proposal for Initiation of a New Degree Program A. Centrality to the Institution s Mission and Consistency with State s Goals Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) is a public, comprehensive, postsecondary institution focused on student success. In support of this mission, the college provides affordable, quality education and training for a diverse community of students. Through student-focused programs and services, HCC provides students with opportunities for lifelong learning and success through the achievement of certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. As a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), Hopkinsville Community College has campuses located at North Drive in Hopkinsville and Bastogne Avenue in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The college provides high quality, affordable education and awards certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in technical areas and the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science for those persons transferring to programs at four-year colleges and universities. A strong commitment to community economic development, customized workforce training and adult and continuing education makes the college a vital force in its service areas. The proposed program with its embedded credentials addresses the above components of the mission statement. This program conforms to the mission of HCC by providing workers with technical skills needed to compete and succeed into today s allied health workforce. B. Program Quality and Student Success The Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic Degree program prepares students to function in the emergency medical profession as a Paramedic in a variety of environments. The program will prepare students to take the National Registry Paramedic Exam to gain licensure. Graduates will be able to find employment with local emergency services providers. Approved C. Program Demand/Unnecessary Duplication Hopkinsville Community College is approved to award the certificate in Emergency Medical Technician. The proposed Associates in Applied Science Degree will enhance the current HCC certificate program in Emergency Medical Technician by allowing students to further their training in this field. 141

4 The local Fire Chief has informed HCC of a significant need for trained paramedics in Hopkinsville and the surrounding areas. He is highly invested in having HCC as a local supplier of these needed professionals. Both the Kentucky Labor Market Information (KYLMI) system and the Tennessee Labor Market Information (TNLMI) list EMT/Paramedics as having a nationally bright outlook in terms of employment, with more than a 1,000 open positions between the southern Pennyrile region and greater Nashville areas. EMT/Paramedics are listed as one of the 50 fastest growing occupations in the Pennyrile region, with an expected growth of over 25 percent by 2020 (Pennyrile Area Occupational Outlook to 2020). Additionally, the annual mean wage for EMT/Paramedics in the Pennyrile region is the third highest in the state of Kentucky, averaging $4,000 more a year than the state average ($33,052). The state of Tennessee projects a growth of 23 percent in this field over the next decade. Many HCC graduates find employment in the Clarksville or Nashville areas of Tennessee and currently Davidson County, TN (Nashville) reports being among the counties with the lowest number of potential EMT/Paramedic candidates per opening in that field. For Kentucky, despite over 200 annual openings in this field, there were only 130 completers at all credential levels of EMS/Paramedic in Sources: Pennyrile Area Occupational Outlook to pdf D. Cost and Funding of the Proposed Program Hopkinsville Community College currently offers the certificate in Emergency Medical Technician. The general education courses needed for the degree program are currently offered at HCC. The new program will be housed in dedicated space in a new facility funded with BuildSmart Campaign dollars. Equipment is expected to be procured through a partnership with the Hopkinsville Fire Department. Potential adjunct faculty sufficient to teach the program have already been identified. Additional funds required to implement and operate the program will come from HCC s general fund balance and revenue generated from new enrollments. E. Program Review and Assessment All academic programs participate in the HCC program review and evaluation process on an annual basis. The process evaluates program strengths, weaknesses, and needed improvements. An advisory board will be created to provide local industry stakeholder input. 142

5 F. Conclusion The proposed Associate in Applied Science Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Degree program is consistent with the missions of KCTCS and Hopkinsville Community College and supports the statewide postsecondary education strategic agenda and the statewide strategic implementation plan. There is an approved curriculum for the degree program. Local and state needs support the establishment of this degree program. Hopkinsville Community College has the resources available to implement the program successfully. 143

6 144