Paramedic, A.A.S.

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Offered at Main Campus

This 24-month (eight-term) program prepares the student to take the National Registry-certified Paramedic exam. Paramedics provide medical care in pre-hospital or emergency settings operating through orders or protocols from a medical control physician. Skills include cardiac monitor interpretation, IV initiation, drug administration, advanced airway maneuvers and trauma care. Students will complete hospital clinical time and ambulance ride time in area facilities. Students meeting all program and graduation requirements receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible to take the National Registry certification testing.

To apply, complete an IHCC application and submit high school transcripts or High School Equivalency Diploma scores and take one of the following: ACT, SAT or ACCUPLACER test. Testing may be scheduled by calling the IHCC Testing Center at (641) 683-5142 or (800) 726-2585, ext. 5142. This program begins in the Fall term of each year. Students with current EMS certification qualify for advanced standing in the program.

Criminal background, drug screening, and dependent adult and child abuse record checks are required prior to the clinical courses.

The Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Program Learning Outcomes

Promote safety, well-being, and professionalism in the EMS profession.
Develop methods to establish rapport with patients, family members, public service professionals, health professionals, and medical providers.
Integrate anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to properly assess and treat a variety of medical conditions.
Integrate anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to properly assess and treat a variety of traumatic injuries.
Use appropriate communication techniques to provide proper documentation and verbal reports for patient care.
Prepare graduates to enter the workforce as competent and confident entry-level EMS providers.