Emergency Medical Services, A.A.S. (518)

A cooperative program between Shore Health System and Chesapeake College.

Award: Associate of Applied Science

Program Mission: The Chesapeake College Emergency Medical Services Degree 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.

Program Description: The Emergency Medical Services Degree program includes paramedic courses that mirror the courses offered in the Emergency Medical Services Certificate. The additional general education coursework affords students an opportunity to achieve and Associates of Applied Science degree. The degree enhances employment opportunities and advancements, and also prepares graduates for future studies in emergency medicine or other allied health fields. EMS students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all science, math, and EMS courses in order to continue in and graduate from the Emergency Medical Services 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 Degree program will:

• Facilitate proficiency in content knowledge and skills for the College’s general education competencies.
• 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 successful careers 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 equivalent (official transcripts required).
2. Current BLS CPR certification.
3. Maryland EMT Basic certification.
4. Admissions application to Chesapeake College.
5. Complete the College’s placement examinations in English, reading, and mathematics administered through the Division of Student Success and Enrollment Services.
6. Complete developmental courses identified by the placement testing.
7. Complete BIO 101 , Fundamentals of Biology with a grade of “C” or better within 10 years of application to the program.

Admissions Procedures: Students are admitted in the summer session and program courses begin in the fall semester.  Completed applications are due by March 31. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Selection will be based on a point system with residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties being given priority in selection.

1. Apply for admission to Chesapeake College.
2. Request program information and application at www.chesapeake.edu/alliedhealth or from the Center for Allied Health.
3. Complete program application form and return to the Center for Allied Health no later than March 31.
4. The applicant’s ALS affiliation must complete the EMS Applicant Evaluation Form and mail the completed form to the EMS Program Director for review and inclusion in the application packet.
5. Applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The Committee reserves the right to request an interview to obtain additional information or clarification.

For More Information, Contact:
Ms. Lorraine Holden
Nursing & Allied Health Advisor
Room C-218, Wye Mills Campus
410-822-5400, ext. 2203
lholden@chesapeake.edu

or

Mr. Jon Longest
Program Director
Chesapeake College Center for Allied Health
410-822-5400 or 410-827-5917, ext. 2724
jlongest@chesapeake.edu