Cooperative Program with Southwest Virginia Community College)
Degree: Associate of Applied Science with a major in Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics.
Length: Five semesters
Purpose: The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry-level Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics (EMT-P) who can service the community with advanced life support care via the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) infrastructure. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Employment opportunities for Paramedics are available with ambulance; fire and rescue services; hospitals; local, state and federal government agencies; and humanitarian relief organizations.
Program Goals: At the completion of the program the graduate will be able to demonstrate:
- the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate the clinical information relative to his role as an entry-level paramedic;
- technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of an entry-level paramedic;
- personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations for the entry-level paramedic.
Admission Requirements: Students must apply to this program through Southwest Virginia Community College. Prior to the starting program courses, the applicant must: (1) meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by the Virginia Office of EMS; and (2) meet the college’s general admission requirements. For specific program entrance requirements contact Bill Akers at (276) 964-7729 or bill.akers@sw.edu or visit http://www.sw.edu.
Accreditation: This program is accredited nationally by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP).
Selection Process: To be eligible for selection to the program, interested persons should complete the following process by May 10:
- Submit a college admission application;
- Submit an application to the program (separate document) with required attachments;
- Take the Virginia placement test (or submit SAT or ACT scores);
- Have transcripts of previous college courses sent to the college.
At this time the first round of students will be selected. Selection will be based on previous college coursework, interview, entrance exam and college placement reading scores. A score of 61 on the COMPASS or comparable score on the SAT, or ACT is required for first round selection. Should openings still be available, persons who apply or meet requirements after May 10, or score lower than cut score on the reading exam will be considered.
Physical Requirements:
An EMS provider is faced with many physical and psychological challenges. Please refer to the Office of Emergency Medical Services website for a more detailed functional job description: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/OEMS/Training/TPAM/Appendix/ALS%20Part%20II.
Academic Requirements:
Students must make a “C” or better in all program core courses. Any student receiving a grade less than “C” will be placed on programmatic academic probation. That course shall be remediated. Remediated courses must be completed with a final grade of “C” or better.
Clinical and Behavioral Requirements:
Selected and supervised student experience is required by the program and will be accomplished at selected regional health care facilities. The student is responsible for transportation to these facilities, as well as to any scheduled field trips. Program preceptors will observe and evaluate the student’s suitability for the profession. If the student does not exhibit those documented behaviors required of the EMS professional, the student might be asked to withdraw from the program.
Other Requirements:
Applicants accepted to the program are required to submit a health certificate signed by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant or RNP and should include documentation of measles, mumps, Rubella (MMR) and chicken pox exposure or inoculations; documentation of Hepatitis B inoculation; Tuberculosis testing; and overall general health of the applicant. A criminal background check and drug screening is also done to confirm compliance with state regulations. See http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/OEMS/Training/TPAM/ Forms/Training%20Programs%20Summary.
The purchase of items such as uniforms, liability insurance and other accessories is the financial responsibility of the individual student. Students who elect to take support courses recommended by the Program Director prior to formal acceptance into the program will find this activity to be advantageous in subsequent course scheduling.
Program Contact: Bill Akers Jr., MS, NREMTP, Program Director, (276) 964-7729, bill.akers@sw.edu.
The following list is a suggested sequence in which students may plan their class schedules to ensure graduation in two years.
