Emergency Medical Services


The student who completes the Paramedic program will have the ability to provide immediate care to critically ill and injured patients. Paramedics determine the nature and extent of illness or injury, provide advanced life support, and communicate patient's condition to medical personnel at the hospital. Paramedics inspect and maintain medical equipment to ensure efficient operating conditions.

The COS paramedic program received accreditation through the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in October 2003 and renewal in 2008.

Admission to the Paramedic program is limited. Students must contact the Career and Technical Education Department at (530) 938-5512 to receive enrollment information.

Upon successful completion of this 40-unit program, the student will be prepared for the EMT/Paramedic National Registry examination.

Click on the image for a full version of the brochure (PDF)

Paramedic Brochure

Program Requirements

Certificate: EMT/Paramedic (40 units)
Required Program: Units
EMS 0954 EMT/Paramedic 1A - Theory (Didactic) 12
EMS 0955 EMT/Paramedic 1B - Theory (Didactic) 14
EMS 0956 EMT/Paramedic II - Clinical 4
EMS 0957 EMT/Paramedic III - Field Internship 10
Total Required Units 40

By completing general education requirements and electives, a student can earn an Associate of Science degree.

Program Enrollment Requirements:

Students must be 18 years of age or older. Strongly recommend 1 to 2 years of EMT experience.

  • Provide documentation of current EMT-1 and CPR for the Professional certifications. These cards must be current throughout the program. If they will expire before the end of the four modules (EMS 0954, EMS 0955, EMS 0956, EMS 0957), you will need to recertify before you start EMS 0954.
  • Have successfully completed with a "C" or better, MATH 0830 (Pre-Algebra) and ENGL 0896 (Basic Writing Skills) or place above those two classes through assessment test scores.
  • Submit proof of high school graduation. (Copy of diploma, GED, or high school transcripts. Transcripts must show a graduation date.)
  • Students must contact the Career and Technical Education Department, (530) 938-5512, to receive a permit to register.
  • Pass a physical examination using DMV form or have current ambulance driver's license.
  • Obtain mandatory immunizations for the program: tetanus/diphtheria (within last three years), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) hepatitis B, and varicella positive immunity. Evidence of a negative PPD (tuberculosis) or chest x-ray.
  • Obtain malpractice insurance through NCTI.
  • Purchase materials such as uniforms, books, manuals, supplies, insurance, preceptor costs, examination fees, etc., totaling approximately $4,400.
  • Spend several additional hours per week beyond the scheduled class and lab times independently studying and practicing procedures.
  • Work evenings, night shifts, and weekends as scheduled in clinical facilities.
  • Participate in a very intensive field internship following the completion of EMS 0956 requiring 24-hour availability several times per week for two to six consecutive months.
  • Provide own transportation to College of the Siskiyous, Weed campus, and hospitals and ambulance companies throughout the northern California area.
  • Recommended: Anatomy and Physiology

Personal Characteristics:

  • ability to compile information
  • ability to learn and understand procedures
  • ability to visualize objects from pictures, drawings, and descriptions
  • ability to work with accuracy
  • average physical coordination
  • ability to work well with people
  • ability to make judgments using experience
  • ability to work under stress from having to deal with emergency situations and with people who are injured, ill, or in a state of shock

Work Environment:

  • indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather
  • employees usually work in teams of two on rotating shifts
  • overtime may be required at times
  • physical ability to do heavy lifting
  • ability to complete paperwork, go over checklist, and check equipment on a regular basis

Certificate Opportunities:

  • EMT/Paramedic Certificate

Associate Degree Information for NCTI Graduates:

Below is a link to a document describing the process for NCTI graduates to receive an Associate's Degree through College of the Siskiyou.

How to Receive an Associate's Degree for NCTI Graduates

Completion of math, writing and reading assessments are required for enrollment in any certificate or AA/AS degree program. Please contact Counseling Services for more information: (530) 938-5353. Students must receive a "C" grade or better in all major or certificate coursework.

 

ACCREDITATION

The Certificate of Achievement/Associate Degree for the  EMT/Paramedic program is accredited through  National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
6610 Busch Blvd.
P.O. Box 29233
Columbus, Ohio  43229

The following link provides information regarding the National Registry examination and licensure process  http://nremt.org/.  For more information about pass rates please go to http://www.emsa.ca.gov/Newsletter/2011/04-April/default.asp.

Contact

Program Contact
Career and Technical Education Department
(530) 938-5512
cteinfo@siskiyous.edu




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