The purpose of this certificate program is to provide a theoretical base to understand and implement life-saving techniques in an emergency situation. The program curriculum adheres to the National EMS Education Standards. College laboratory experience is provided for learning skills. A supervised clinical rotation enables the trainee to gain confidence and expertise in order to implement the life-saving and supportive measures necessary at the emergency scene and during transportation to a medical facility.
Paramedic program's minimum expectation goal is:
"To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning 'domains' to enter the profession."
Upon successful completion of the program and successful completion of final comprehensive written and practical examinations, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the NREMT examination and if successful apply for the Florida State certification.. A two-year Associate in Science degree in Emergency Medical Services also is available.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for EMS Professionals (CoAEMSP). The program curriculum follows the standards established by the National EMS Education Standards and is approved by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for EMS Professionals can be contacted at the following address or phone number. For additional information, visit www.coaemsp.org.
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for EMS Professionals
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite #111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
Advanced Placement Policy:
Currently, Pasco-Hernando State College does not have an official policy referencing advanced placement and experiential training for EMS programs. The Florida Department of Health, (EMS Bureau) has Florida Statutes and/or Florida Administrative Code that addresses certification for advanced practitioners, such as physicians, physician’s assistant, dentists, or registered nurses. The following link is to the F.S. 401.27 (7), (12).
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/401.27
Completed applications, including all admission requirements, must be received by the Admissions and Student Records office within the following time frame:
August admission: The application will be accepted from the third Monday in January until the third Monday in March. View program webpage for dates.
January admission: The application will be accepted from the second Monday in July until the second Monday in September. View program webpage for dates.
Note: Students who fail to attend the term for which admission is granted must reapply to the program.
Application and Admission Requirements
- Completed PHSC paramedic application and pay the general admissions application fee and limited access application fee.
- Attend a Health Program Information Session. Applicants can register through their applicant portal for a session. Applicants who have already attended a session within the past several months may have this requirement waived.
- Official high school transcript indicating graduation and receipt of standard high school diploma or an official transcript of GED scores indicating receipt of a high school equivalency diploma
- Official transcript from each U.S. college and university attended other than PHSC
- Official scores from external agencies as appropriate for prerequisite courses (ex: AP, CLEP, IB, etc.)
- Copy of current Florida EMT license
- Copy of current driver's license, (P.O. boxes will not be used for residency preference in the selection process). If a driver's license, or equivalent, is not submitted as proof of residency, the application will be processed as a nonresident application.
- Submit verification form of current EMT employment. If an EMT verification form is not submitted as proof of employment, the applicant will be processed as a non-EMT application.
- Copy of current American Heart Association "Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers" CPR certification (Expiration date must extend through program completion. If certification expires prior to end of the program, PHSC course NCH 0050, American Heart Association "Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers" must be taken.)
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
- Complete HSC 2531 - Medical Terminology (3 credits) with a grade of "C" or higher
Note: Once an application packet is submitted, it cannot be amended.
Selection Process
Applicants who meet minimum requirements as of the deadline date are ranked based upon overall GPA and length of EMT employment. In addition, residents of Pasco and Hernando counties receive preference over out-of-county residents. EMT's in fire departments in Pasco or Hernando county receive preference over EMTS employed by other organizations and non-EMT applicants.
Notice regarding academic history: official transcripts are required and are reviewed as part of the application packet. If the applicant has previously attended a health science program and has multiple unsuccessful attempts in that program, the applicant may be disqualified by the selection committee. Applicants that were dismissed from a paramedic program at another institution are ineligible for admission into this program at PHSC.
Prerequisites
Admission into the Paramedic Certificate program.
CPR certification, PHSC course NCH 0050, American Heart Association, "Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers", is a requirement of this program.
| HSC 2531 | Medical Terminology | 3 cr. |
NCH 0050
| Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider CPR | 4 hr |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Session I
Successful completion of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) with the program medical director in EMS 2620L is required for continuation in the Paramedic program.
| EMS 2620 | Paramedics I | 9 cr. |
| EMS 2620L | Paramedics I Laboratory | 2.5 cr. |
| EMS 2621 | Paramedics I Clinical | 2 cr. |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.5 |
Session II
| EMS 2622 | Paramedics II | 7 cr. |
| EMS 2622L | Paramedics II Laboratory | 2 cr. |
| EMS 2623 | Paramedics Clinical II | 4.5 cr. |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13.5 |
Session III
| EMS 2624 | Paramedics III | 4 cr. |
| EMS 2624L | Paramedics III Laboratory | 1.5 cr. |
| EMS 2625 | Paramedic Internship | 6.5 cr. |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 |
Note(s): A grade of “C” or higher in each paramedic course must be earned to continue in the program.
Courses may be repeated only on the recommendation of the paramedic faculty, EMS program director, the Dean of Nursing and Health Programs and approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer, and if space is available.
The following courses include computer competencies: EMS 2620, EMS 2621, EMS 2622, EMS 2623, EMS 2624, EMS 2625.