Paramedic

The Associate in Science (AS) Paramedic Degree provides a pathway for students who are seeking technical education towards a living wage career associated with this major. This AS degree 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).

Paramedics function 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 College Associate in Science (AS) Paramedic degree is career education that provides a pathway or students into entry-level positions as paramedic or firefighter-paramedic. The paramedic 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 minimum time for completion of this AS degree 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

Associate Science Degree Requirements

To qualify for the Associate in Science Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. See the Associate Degrees and Certificates section of this catalog for more information about overall and general education requirements for local AA/AS degrees.

This AS degree program requires students to complete the following:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the College. The maximum number of units varies based on the choice of major.
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 units of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College; courses taken outside of the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they can be applied to the degree.
   4. When the units from General Education and the degree major do not total 60 units, the student must complete any degree applicable course(s), referred to as electives, until a total of 60 units is completed.
2. A minimum grade point average of 2.0.
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major.
4. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for English 1A or English 1AS or their equivalent; and MATH 203 or higher or its equivalent.
5. A 2.00 grade point average in general education coursework.

The minimum time for completion of this AS degree 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
COMM 003	Introduction to Human Communication	3	S1
or
COMM 004	Dynamics of Group Discussion	3	S1
or
COMM 020	Interpersonal Communications Skills	3	S1
or
COMM 045	Public Speaking	3	S1
EMT 221B	Paramedic Theory and Laboratory II	11	S2
MATH 013	Introduction to Statistics	4	S2
EMT 421A	Paramedic Clinical Work Experience	3.5	S3
ENGL 001A	Composition and Reading	4	S3
or
ENGL 001AS	Composition and Reading with Support	5	S3
PSYCH 001A	Introduction to General Psychology	3	S3
EMT 421B	Paramedic Capstone Work Experience	9	S4
ANTHR 003	Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology	3	S4
or
SOC 001	Introduction to Sociology	3	S4
GE or Elective courses to meet 60 units		3.5 - 4.5	S3 or 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