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 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 exams in English, reading, and mathematics administered through the Division of Student Success and Enrollment Services.
6. Complete developmental courses identified by the placement testing.

Admissions Procedures: Students are admitted in the summer session and program courses begin in the fall semester. Admission into the program is limited and selection is competitive. 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 Chesapeake College 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.

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.

For More Information, Contact:
Ms. Lorraine Holden, Nursing and Allied Health Advisor
Dorchester Building, Room D-139
410-822-5400, ext. 2203
lholden@chesapeake.edu

or

Mr. Jon Longest, Program Director
Health Professions & Athletics Center, Room 203C
410-822-5400, ext. 2724
jlongest@chesapeake.edu