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Catalog 1999-2000 |
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM #8130
The Emergency Medical Technician is a member of the Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) team delivering out-of-hospital emergency
care under the direction of an emergency physician. EMTs are a
mainstay with public health and community service agencies operating
emergency vehicles that respond to emergency rescue calls and
other life-threatening situations. The EMT's primary responsibilities
are to safely care for victims of accident or sudden illness by
stabilization of the patient's condition and safely transporting
the patient to the hospital emergency department.
The goal of the Emergency Medical Technology Certificate is to
graduate students who have demonstrated the necessary knowledge,
technical skill, and professional attitude and behavior to implement
safe, effective and appropriate care as entry level Emergency
Medical Technicians.
The program is designed to prepare individuals for initial employment
as an EMT. Instruction includes current knowledge, techniques
and development of professional attitudes practiced by an EMT
providing out-of-hospital emergency medical care. This is an intensive
course that requires careful planning of school, work and home
schedules to accomplish. Students are advised to contact the program
manager for additional information and scheduling details. This
certificate course is a 276 contact hour program consisting of
lecture, lab and clinical components.
Students are expected to demonstrate competency in basic, emergency
medical care skills, knowledge and to display a professional attitude.
PRE-REQUISITES
Students who score below required levels on state mandated placement
tests in English or Reading are required to enroll in and complete
the appropriate college preparatory courses before enrolling in
EMS 1159. First Responder Credit from other colleges will be transferred.
First Responder certificates from other institutions will require
verification with a score of 70% or higher on the First Responder
"Credit by Exam." Successful completion of this exam
provides PCC credit for EMS 1059 and EMS 1059L.
ACCREDITATION STATUS
The State of Florida, Bureau of EMS, accredits the EMS instructional
program.
CERTIFICATE COST
The approximate cost is $650.00. In addition to the cost of the
program prerequisites, this includes course fees, lab fees, books,
uniforms and other estimated costs.
PROGRAM HOURS
The EMT course is offered in the evenings on Tuesday/Thursday
or Monday/Wednesday. Substantial out of class work is required
to complete the certificate. Students must plan carefully.
WORKING SITES
The EMT performs in various settings, in conjunction with other
emergency service providers, including Law Enforcement and Fire
Department personnel. The actions of an EMT can often mean the
difference between patient survival or patient death.
POTENTIAL SALARIES
Salaries range from $18,000 - $25,000 depending upon the agency
of employment.
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
Successful completion of EMS 1159 and EMS 1159L qualifies students
to take the Florida State Examination for EMT's and the National
Registry of EMT's.
CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
EMS 1059 First Responder 2
EMS 1059L First Responder Lab 1
EMS 1159 Emergency Medical Technology 6
EMS 1159L Emergency Medical Technology
Lab/Clinical 4
TOTAL HOURS 13
ENGINEERING GRAPHICS CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM #8400
This certificate provides a program of study to develop the AutoCAD®
skills needed to assist the engineering activities of industry
and consultants in planning, design, detailing and rendering.
The program is intended to train students in producing and technically
interpreting AutoCAD® drawings. Included is engineering graphics,
civil and architectural, construction and structural details,
fabrication and machined drawings, electronic/electrical drawings,
and landscape, as well as solid modeling and 3-dimensional movement
applications.
Credits Required
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
EGS 1110C Engineering Graphics 3
ETD 2320C Intermediate Engineering Graphics 4
ETD 2350C Advanced Engineering Graphics 4
SUR 2101C Surveying 3
TOTAL HOURS 14
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION
CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM #8060
The medical transcriptionist, using a standard format, types
the doctor's impressions regarding patient assessment, work-up,
therapeutic procedures, clinical course, and prognosis in order
to document patient care and facilitate delivery of service. This
work requires an excellent understanding of medical terms, human
anatomy and physiology, human diseases, dictation and transcription
equipment and computer word processing applications.
PROGRAM COST
The current cost of the certificate program including course fees,
books, and supplies is approximately $2,250.
PROGRAM HOURS
Most courses will be offered on Monday through Friday, primarily
during the evening hours.
WORK SITES
Medical transcription professionals are employed in a variety
of settings: hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, government
facilities, insurance companies or veterinary medical facilities.
Experienced transcriptionists may work as independent contractors.
POTENTIAL SALARIES
Beginning pay ranges from $8.00 to $10.00 per hour, plus incentives.
CERTIFICATION EXAM
Transcriptionist's may take the national certification examination
with the American Association of Medical Transcription to become
certified.
CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM
Credits Required
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
*BSC 2085C Anatomy & Physiology I 5
*BSC 2086C Anatomy & Physiology II 5
*HSC 1000 Introduction to Allied Health 1
*HSC 1531 Medical Terminology 2
*HSC 2532 Advanced Medical Terminology 2
*HSC 2554 Principles of Disease 3
*MRE 1000C Health Information Management I 3
*MRE 1211 Health Information Technology 1
OST 1143C Microcomputer Keyboarding II 3
OST 1611C Medical Transcription I 3
OST 2144C Microcomputer Keyboarding III 3
OST 2612C Medical Transcription II 3
OST 2613C Medical Transcription III 3
OST 2940 Medical Transcription Practicum 3
TOTAL HOURS 40
*These courses are common to the following programs: Health
Informa-tion Management, Coding Specialist and Medical Transcription.
OFFICE SYSTEMS SPECIALIST
CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM #8230
The Office Systems Specialist program prepares students for entry-level
positions. Completers are prepared to assist management in typing
and transcribing business documents, operating word and information
processors, filing, handling receptionist and telephone duties,
and keeping financial records. A minimum of 30 credits, which
may be completed in one year, is required to receive a certificate.
All 30 credits are accepted for students who wish to pursue one
of the Office Systems Technology degrees after completing this
certificate.
Students scoring below required levels on state mandated placement
tests in English, reading, and mathematics are required to enroll
in and complete the appropriate College Preparatory course(s)
before enrolling in some program requirement courses.
Credits Required
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 27
ENC 1101 College Composition I 3
ACG 2001 Principles of Financial Accounting I 3
CGS 1100 Business Applications on
Microcomputers 3
OST 1142C Microcomputer Keyboarding I 3
OST 1143C Microcomputer Keyboarding II 3
OST 1601C Machine Dictation and Transcription 3
OST 1711C Word Processing Concepts
and Applications 3
OST 2402C Office Procedures and Management 3
OST 1271 Speedwriting and Notetaking 3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS OPTION 3
ACG 2450 Microcomputer Accounting or 3
OST 2723C Advanced Word Processing Applications
and Systems Management 3
TOTAL HOURS 30
PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM #8160
The goal of the Paramedic Certificate program is to graduate students
who have demonstrated the neces-sary knowledge, technical skill,
and professional attitude and behavior to implement safe, effective
and appropriate care as an entry level Paramedic.
The Paramedic is the team leader of the Emergency Medical Services
System team delivering out-of-hospital emergency care under the
direction of an emergency physician. Paramedics direct and manage
patient care aspects of the emergency response team. The response
team is commonly composed of public safety and community service
agency personnel that respond to traffic accidents, fires, explosions,
cave-ins, emergency rescue calls and other life-threatening situations.
The Paramedic's primary responsibilities are to safely care for
victims of accident or sudden illness by stabilization of the
patient's condition using advance life support skills and equipment
and safely transporting the patient to the hospital emergency
department. The Paramedic performs these duties, in various settings,
in conjunction with other emergency service providers, including
Law Enforcement and Fire Department personnel. Paramedics also
assist in patient care in hospitals and doctors' offices, with
specific instruction and supervision. The actions of a Paramedic
can often mean the difference between patient survival or patient
death. Successful completion of the prescribed courses and the
awarding of a certificate of completion will provide eligibility
to take the State of Florida Paramedic Examination or the National
Registry Examination for certification as a Paramedic.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Paramedic course sequence is a three-semester sequence consisting
of four components each semester: Lecture, Lab, Hospital Clinical,
and EMS Clinical. Students are expected to demonstrate competency
in advanced, emergency medical care skills, knowledge and to display
a professional attitude.
This is a limited admission certificate program that requires
that each applicant first be admitted to the college and meet
preadmission requirements. Eighteen applicants with the best qualifications
are selected during the summer of each year to begin work in the
Fall term. The State of Florida Medical Technician examination
must be successfully completed before any advanced courses are
taken or before sitting for the Paramedic state exam.
This is an intensive 1,200 hour contact program that requires
careful planning of school, work and home schedules to accomplish.
During the hospital/field phase the student will observe a special
calendar, which is not identical with the college's published
calendar. Students must attend program activities as assigned.
Students are advised to contact the program manager for additional
information and scheduling details.
The program is offered in the daytime on an alternating (week
to week) schedule to accommodate students who work a 24-on-48-off
work schedule.
Students who score below required levels on state mandated placement
tests in English, Reading, and Mathematics may enroll in one college
preparatory course concurrent with Paramedic I. Student requiring
more than one college preparatory course will be denied admission
until the English, Reading and Mathematics requirements are achieved.
ACCREDITATION
The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational
Programs for the EMT-Paramedic of the American Medical Association.
ADMISSION CRITERIA
The following are minimum requirements for consideration for admission
to the Paramedic Certificate Program. Applicants are admitted
once a year and are limited to individuals selected by the Selection
Committee.
1. Acceptance to Polk Community College as a credit student with
all required admission documents on file.
2. --At the time of application and admission to the Paramedic
program, an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or higher.
3. Completion of all but one required college prep courses, if
any.
4. Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade
of "C" or better:
EMS 1059 First Responder
EMS 1059L First Responder Lab
EMS 1159 Emergency Medical
Technology
EMS 1159L Emergency Medical
Technology Lab
BSC 1084C Basic Anatomy and
Physiology
5. Submission of a complete and accurate application for the Paramedic
Certificate program to Student Services by the application deadline
of June 30 for the following Fall class. Late applications are
not considered unless fewer than 14 qualified applications are
received by the deadline. Applications are available in Student
Services.
The application must contain all the above listed requirements
in order for it to be sent to the Selection Committee. Therefore,
it is IMPERATIVE that a student wishing to be considered for a
position in the Paramedic program meet with an academic advisor
to assure compliance with the above requirements.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Additional requirements that are completed after the selection
process has been finalized include:
A. Physical Examination and Essential Functions
B. Immunizations and Communicable Disease Screenings
C. Current CPR Certification (ARC or AHA)
The Program manager will provide information regarding the completion
of these additional admission requirements with the acceptance
letter.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Admission to the Paramedic Certificate Program is based on the
following criteria with maximum points for each criterion indicated:
1. GPA of prerequisite courses: 50 points
2. GPA of AS Degree general education courses indicated below
that have been completed: 15 points
ENC 1101 College Composition I
MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra
(or MAC courses)
HUM 2020 Introduction to Humanities
PSY 1012 General Psychology
HLP 1081 Wellness Concepts
3. Interview with selection committee: 20 points
4. Demonstrated experience in EMS: 15 points
Experience in EMS may be obtained as a volunteer or employee.
The hours must be documented and will be verified by the program
manager.
SELECTION PROCESS
1. The Selection Committee selects candidates for program admission
based on total points earned in the selection criteria as indicated
above.
2. The most qualified applicants are selected.
3. When selected for a position in the Paramedic program, the
applicant must enter at the designated time or lose his/her position.
Positions unclaimed will be given to alternates. Previous selection
does not mean automatic selection for a later class, as a new
application is required.
PROGRAM COST
The approximate cost of the Paramedic program is $2000 in addition
to the cost of the program prequisites. The cost includes course
fees, books, physical exams, uniforms, and other related cost.
POTENTIAL EARNINGS
Paramedic's normally work a 56-hour work week on a 24-hour on
and 48 hours off work schedule. Salaries range for $22,000 to
$40,000 annually.
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
The program prepares students for the National Registry of EMT's
Paramedic Exam and Florida's certification exam as a Paramedic.
CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM
Credits Required
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
EMS 1059 First Responder 2
EMS 1059L First Responder Lab 1
EMS 1159 Emergency Medical Technology 6
EMS 1159L EMT Lab/Clinical 4
BSC 1084C Basic Anatomy and Physiology 5
EMS 2294 Paramedic I 8
EMS 2294L Paramedic I Lab/Clinical 4
EMS 2295 Paramedic II 8
EMS 2295L Paramedic II Lab/Clinical 4
EMS 2296 Paramedic III 6
EMS 2296L Paramedic III Lab/Clinical 4
TOTAL HOURS 52
CORRECTIONS OFFICER CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM #8500
This program provides job-related training at the entry level
to candidates for correctional officer positions. The curriculum
is prescribed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal
Justice Standards and Training Commission in accordance with Florida
Statutes. This program requires physically and mentally strong,
fair-minded and constantly alert individuals.
Upon completion of the program, the student must pass the Florida
Criminal Justice State Examination before receiving provisional
certification. This certification is required for employment as
a correctional officer in either the county or state correctional
institutions.
Candidates for this program must submit an application for the
program to the Criminal Justice Training Program office.
Vocational
Credits Required
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
CJD 0254 First Responder 1.5
CJD 0705 Weapons 2.0
CJD 0710 Legal I 2.0
CJD 0711 Legal II 1.5
CJD 0713 Interpersonal Skills I 2.0
CJD 0750 Interpersonal Skills II 1.5
CJD 0704 Defensive Tactics 3.5
CJD 0712 Communications 2.0
CJD 0741 Emergency Preparedness 1.0
CJD 0752 Correctional Operations 2.0
TOTAL HOURS 19.0
LAW ENFORCEMENT CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM #8600
This program provides job-related training at the entry level
to candidates for law enforcement officers positions. The curriculum
is prescribed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal
Justice Standards and Training Commission in accordance with the
Florida Statutes. This program requires physically and mentally
strong, fair-minded and constantly alert individuals.
Upon completion of the program, the student must pass the Florida
Criminal Justice State Examination before receiving provisional
certification. This certification is required for employment as
a law enforcement officer in local, county, and state law enforcement
agencies.
Candidates for this program must submit an application for the
program to the Criminal Justice Training Program Office.
Vocational
Credits Required
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
CJD 0254 First Responder 1.5
CJD 0705 Weapons 2.0
CJD 0710 Legal I 2.0
CJD 0711 Legal II 1.5
CJD 0730 Legal III 1.0
CJD 0713 Interpersonal Skills I 2.0
CJD 0732 Traffic 1.5
CJD 0704 Defensive Tactics 3.5
CJD 0712 Communications 2.0
CJD 0723 Vehicle Operation 1.0
CJD 0731 Patrol 2.0
CJD 0734 Investigation 2.0
TOTAL HOURS 22.0
Linkage Programs
The Linkage System is a cooperative agreement among five community
colleges in the Tampa Bay Area: Hillsborough Community College,
Manatee Junior College, Pasco-Hernando Community College, Polk
Community College, and St. Petersburg Junior College. PCC also
has a linkage agreement with Valencia Community College for Dental
Hygiene. This system offers PCC students the opportunity to enter
identified programs on a quota-based system. Some courses appropriate
to the respective programs may be taken at PCC. Students who have
been selected for admission to a linkage program at a college
out of their district will be required to conform to all program
requirements, policies, and procedures of the linkage college,
which is the degree granting college.
Additional information on the Linkage Program may be obtained
by contacting a Polk Community College counselor. Linkage Programs
are as follows:
Hillsborough Community College
-Environmental Science Technology
Human Services
Medical Sonography Technology
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Ophthalmic Dispensing
Radiation Therapy Technology
Respiratory Care
Manatee Community College
Respiratory Care
Pasco Hernando Community College
Dental Hygiene
St. Petersburg Junior College
Dental Hygiene
Funeral Services
Health Services Management
Respiratory Care
Medical Lab Technology
Veterinary Technology
Valencia Community College
Dental Hygiene
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