PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATE
Program #8160
The goal of the Paramedic Certificate program 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 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 advanced 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 pre-admission requirements. Applicants with the best qualifications are selected during the summer of each year to begin work in the Fall term. Admission requires current certification as a State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician.
   This is an intensive 1,200 contact hour 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 Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professional.

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.

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 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.