Paramedic

The Paramedic Certificate of Achievement (COA) provides a pathway for students who are seeking technical education towards a living wage career associated with this major. The Paramedic COA program provides technical and practical knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the California Administrative Code to gain licensure as a paramedic by the California State Emergency Medical Services Authority. Students must be 18 years of age to enter the program and be a California Certified EMT (Title 22, Section 100157).

The paramedic functions as an extension of the emergency department physician. The paramedic is responsible for the assessment, treatment, and stabilization of the sick or injured patient utilizing advanced life support equipment and techniques at the scene of the incident and during transportation to the medical facility. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to patient interviewing, physical examination, critical decision making, cardiac monitoring and interpretation, defibrillation, intravenous therapy, drug therapy, intervention in emotional crises and advanced airway management.

An analysis of the job requirements mandates a paramedic must be in good physical condition and able to lift, carry and balance objects more than 125 lbs. They must be able to receive and interpret oral and written communication in a timely manner.

This program prepares students to take and pass the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (NREMTP) examination so they can become Licensed Paramedics in the state of California. 

Based on demand and labor market info, we estimate that 20 students will complete this program annually.

The goal of the Merritt CollegeParamedic Certificate of Achievement (COA) program is career education thatprovides a pathway for students into entry-level positions as paramedic orfirefighter-paramedic. The paramedic program provides technical and practicalknowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the California AdministrativeCode to gain licensure as a paramedic by the California State Emergency MedicalServices Authority. Students must be 18 years of age to enter the program andbe a California Certified EMT (Title 22, Section 100157).

 

The minimum time for completion of this COA is two years/four semesters.  Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.  The course of study includes instruction in paramedic sciences, and clinical paramedic experience in both the pre-hospital and hospital.

Program Prerequisites

Program prerequisite courses must be satisfactorily completed at an accredited college or university prior to enrolling in EMT 221A.  All coursework must be documented by official transcripts.  Program prerequisites may take up to one to two full semesters to complete.  Please meet with a counselor to assist with developing a student education plan.

To confirm that courses taken outside of Peralta Community College District (PCCD) are equivalent to program prerequisite course requirements, it is highly recommended that students meet with a college counselor prior to starting paramedic training.  Prerequisite courses receiving a grade of “Credit” or “Pass” instead of a letter grade will be calculated as a “C” which is equal to a 2.0 GPA.

Program prerequisite course requirements include:

1.  EMT 211 - Emergency Medical Technician Basic (6 units)
     - EMT 211 must be completed prior to enrolling in EMT 221A
2. BIOL 024 – Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 units)
3. MEDAS 503 – The Language of Medicine (noncredit, 0 units)
   or
   HLTOC 101 – Medical Terminology (3 units)
4. MEDAS 505 – Introduction to Pharmacology (noncredit, 0 units)

Students participating in the program must also have the following:

1. High School diploma/GED
2. Current Health care provider CPR certification
3. Current immunization {MMR, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, negative TB skin test)
4. Evidence of good health verified by a physical examination.
5. Background clearance

Mandatory Additional Costs

Additional estimated costs for this program are:

• Textbooks - $600
• Uniforms - $300
• Safety boots - $200
• Medical equipment (stethoscope) - $150
• National Registry testing fees - $200

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon successful completion of the program requirements. The minimum time for completion is two years/four semesters.  Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
EMT 221A	Paramedic Theory and Laboratory I	11	S1
EMT 221B	Paramedic Theory and Laboratory II	11	S2
EMT 421A	Paramedic Clinical Work Experience	3.5	S3
EMT 421B	Paramedic Capstone Work Experience	9	S4

Evidence of consultation attached

Contra Costa College - Evan Decker - No response to consultation Certificate of Achievement - EMED: Paramedic Studies Las Positas College - Kevin Kramer - No response to consultation Certificate of Achievement - EMT-Paramedic AS Degree - EMT-Paramedic City College of San Francisco - Edie Kaeuper - No response to consultation Certificate of Achievement - Paramedic AS Degree - Paramedic