CIP 51.0904
Degree: Career Studies Certificate
Program Code: 221-146-05
Program Length: Three Semesters
Minimum Credits: 26

Program Director
Bill Akers
276.964.7729
Russell Hall Room 111

Purpose: The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry- level Paramedics who can provide the highest level of out-of-hospital care. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification. This credential leads to Paramedic licensure or certification in Virginia and most other states. Employment opportunities for Paramedics are available with ambulance; fire and rescue services; hospitals; local, state and federal government agencies.

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; and
• Personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations for the entry-level paramedic

Accreditation: This program is accredited nationally by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater FL, 33763, phone 727-210- 2350.

Admission Requirements: Prior to the starting program courses, the applicant must:

1. Meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by the Virginia Office of EMS;
2. Meet the college’s general admission requirements.
3. Be certified and EMT -Intermediate and have three years experience at or above that level.

Selection Process:
To be eligible for selection to the program, interested persons should complete the following process by May 10: 

1. Submit a college admission application.
2. Submit an application to the program (separate document) with required attachments.
3. Complete the VPT English and Math assessment. To enroll in EMS courses the student must test above ENF 1 and MTE 01  on the college placement test or have equivalent scores on the ACT, SAT, etc. (or submit satisfactory SAT or ACT scores).
4. Have transcripts of previous college courses sent to the college.

At that time the first round of students will be selected. Selection will be based on previous college coursework, entrance exam, skill assessment, and college placement reading scores. Students should place into ENF 3 or higher to be eligible for consideration in the first round of selection. Should openings still be available, persons who apply or meet requirements after May 10, or score lower than cut sore on the reading exam will be considered.

Program Requirements:

Physical Requirements: 
An EMS provider is faced with many physical and psychological challenges. Please refer to the Office of Emergency Medical Services web site for a more detailed functional job description. Office of Emergency Medical Services web.

Academic Requirements: 

Students must make a “C” or better in all program cores courses. Any student receiving a grade less than “C” will be placed on programmatic academic probation. That course shall be remediated. Remediated course 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/content/uploads/sites/23/2017/04/BLS- Student-Handouts-for-Initial-Certification-Programs.pdf.

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.

Reciprocity Statement:

Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Southwest Virginia Community College Career Studies Certificate in EMS-Intermediate to Paramedic Bridge program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:

The National Assoc. of EMS Officials (NASEMSO) has ruled EMS provider licensure and certification to be synonymous and National Registry certification is recognized for reciprocity in 48 of our 50 states.

The Southwest Virginia Community College EMS 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).

SWCC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Licensure Reciprocity (https://sw.edu/health-technology/wp-content/uploads/Licensure-Reciprocity.pdf).

Program Contact:
Bill Akers Jr., MS, NRP, Program Director, 276.964.7729 bill.akers@sw.edu