Emergency Medical Services A.A.S. Degree (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 Requirements:

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. An academic advisor may also be able to determine readiness through evaluation of current high school or college transcripts.
   2. Students not assessed with college-level academic skills in math and English will complete prescribed course work prior to admission to the EMS Program.
6. Complete Biology placement exam.
   1. Eligibility for this exam is obtained through academic advising. The exam is administered through the testing center(s) at either the Wye Mills or Cambridge Center sites. Students that score > 70% may register directly into BIO 211. Students that score <70% will need to register for BIO 103 before taking BIO 211, or as a co-requisite to Bio 211.
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 Program, A.A.S. (518).

   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 selection is competitive. Meeting the program requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

For More Information, Contact:

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