Emergency Medical Services Certificate (519)

A cooperative program between Shore Health System and Chesapeake College.

Award: Certificate

Program Mission:  The Chesapeake College Emergency Medical Services Certificate prepares students for entry-level paramedic positions. The curriculum follows the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards and provides an opportunity for EMT certified individuals to acquire the paramedic skills necessary to sit for the national certification and state protocol examinations for paramedics. The certificate is designed so that students may progress to the Emergency Medical Services Degree.

Program Description:  The Emergency Medical Services Certificate program is offered over five semesters (18 months). Courses provide an opportunity for an EMT certified individual to acquire the paramedic skills and knowledge necessary to sit for the national certification and state protocol examinations. The curriculum follows the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards and includes didactic, laboratory, and clinical training. A grade of “C” or better in the EMS courses is required to progress in the program. Students should consult with the College’s Admissions Office or the Nursing and Allied Health Advisor in planning an appropriate program.

Program Goals: The Emergency Medical Services Certificate program will:

• Maintain a National Registry pass rate that is at least 10 percent higher than the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) standard and a retention rate that exceeds CAAHEP standards.
• Prepare students for entry-level employment in emergency medical services or for further study in the field.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Implement advanced patient assessments, clinical skills and therapeutic procedures on medical and trauma patients.
• Develop treatment plans for patients suffering from medical illness or traumatic injuries.
• Interpret collected data from charts and patients.
• Perform and interpret diagnostic procedures.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and other medical professionals.
• Evaluate professional responsibilities concerning ethical issues that may be present in an emergency medical services environment.
• Apply critical thinking skills to assess and treat patients in emergency settings.

Admissions Prerequisites:

1. High school graduation or equivalency (official transcripts required).
2. Current BLS CPR Certification. (American Heart Association or American Red Cross only)
3. EMT Certification (Either National Registry or Maryland)
4. Apply for admission to Chesapeake College and indicate EMS 519 as the academic course of study.
5. Determine readiness for College level Math and English.
   1. Assessments are administered through the testing center (s) at either Wye Mills or Cambridge Center sites.
6. Complete any developmental course work recommended through the placement process.
   1. An appropriate score on the placement English and reading exams or complete ENG 094+ and MAT 023 (if indicated through the placement process) prior to beginning the program
7. Complete FISDAP Paramedic Entrance Exam.

Admissions Procedures:

Selection is competitive. Candidates will be selected based on a point system with residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties being given priority.

1. Request program information and program application at www.chesapeake.edu/alliedhealth or from the Health Professions Center.
2. Submit official high school/college transcripts.
3. Apply for admission to the Emergency Medical Services Certificate Program (519).

   Note: New students are admitted in the fall semester only. The deadline for filing completed applications and submitting all documentation is March 31. Applications will be accepted beginning January 15th of each year.

    

NOTICE:  Enrollment in the EMS Program is limited and admission into the program is competitive. Meeting the program requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Gainful Employment Information

• Gainful Employment Information

For More Information, Contact:

David Timms, Program Director
Health Professions & Athletics Center, Room 220D
410-822-5400 ext. 2707
dtimms@chesapeake.edu