2023-2024 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    May 09, 2024  
2023-2024 Pierce College Catalog

Paramedic Certificate Course Map


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Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides you a clear path to complete your certificate by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets certificate requirements. Courses are organized in a recommended sequence; please schedule accordingly. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time.

While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the Paramedic Certificate, you are responsible for fulfilling all certificate requirements.

Questions? Your Success Network is ready to help you!

 


Certification Eligibility Requirements

In addition to successfully completing the EMS program you will need to have a current CPR-BLS and successfully completed the National Registry EMT Cognitive Examination and the State-approved psychomotor examination for EMT Certification. Pierce College has not determined if our EMS and EMT education program meets requirements for licensure outside of the state of Washington.  Visit our NC-SARA Licensure Disclosure page for more information.


 

Admission Requirements

  • Emergency Medical Technician state or national certification 

  • One year of EMS experience prior to starting program 

  • Call log of 250+ patient contact 

Required Prerequisites 

EMS -Long Certificate or equivalent courses to include: ​

  • Communications 
    • ENGL& 101  

  • Computation 

    • MATH& 146 or MATH& 107 (pre-requisite for program admission) or other college-level math 

  • Human Relations 

    • CMST 105 or BUS 240 (pre-requisite for program admission) 

  • BIOL& 241  

  • BIOL& 242 

  • EMS 150 

  • Advising Note: If you have courses outside of those listed above, please see your advisor to see how they may be counted. 

Total Credit for Prerequisites: 30 credits


Action Item: Apply to Paramedic Program  

Students will apply to the Paramedic program separate from applying to Pierce College. Once accepted you will be coded as a Paramedic student and your courses will be completed in four quarters as part of a cohort. After acceptance into the program you will attend a mandatory orientation day where you will receive your course outlines and program expectations. All program cost and expectations will be given at that time.   

CIP Code: 51.0904


ctcLink Plan Code:


Total Credits: 65 credits


Total Credits with Prerequisites: up to 95 credits if prerequisites must be taken


TERM I


1. Human Body Systems


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

2. Introduction to Emergency Medical Services


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

3. Prehospital Emergency Pharmacology


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

4. Paramedic Crisis Resource Management


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

5. Paramedic Skills Lab I


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

Action Item: Meet with Advisor


Advising workshop will occur during the Winter quarter. Students will sign up for the next series of classes as a cohort.  

Term II


6. Basic Electrocardiography


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

7. Medical Emergencies I


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

  • Course purpose: In this course you will learn the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the most common respiratory and cardiac emergencies encountered by paramedics. You will learn to integrate assessment findings and to formulate treatment plans.   

8. Paramedic Skills Lab II


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

9. Paramedic Clinical I


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

10. Paramedic Initial Field Clinical


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

Action Item: Meet with Advisor


Advising workshop will occur during the Spring quarter. Students will sign up for the next series of classes as a Cohort.  

TERM III


This is a dynamic session and the clinical and field rotations with preceptors will run through September. 

11. Advanced Electrocardiography


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

12. Management of Traumatic Injuries and Special Populations


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

13. Medical Emergencies II


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

  • Course purpose: In this course you address the epidemiology and pathophysiology of various medical and trauma emergencies. You increase integration of patient assessment and diagnostic finding through use of treatment plans for acute illness and injury.   

14. Paramedic Skills Lab III


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

  • Course purpose: This course will provide you with the ability to perform advanced level paramedic skills in a safe and effective manner.  This course will prepare you to take the paramedic credentialing exam.

15. Paramedic Clinical II


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

Action Item: Apply for Graduation


Way to go! It is time to apply for graduation. Visit the graduation page for details. 

TERM IV


16. Medical Emergencies III


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

17. Paramedic Clinical III - Capstone Field Internship


This course requires completion with a minimum of a 2.0

Total Credits: 65 credits


Total Credits with Prerequisites: up to 95 credits if prerequisites must be taken


CIP Code: 51.0904


ctcLink Plan Code:


Program Outcomes


  1. Address potential hazards to the patient(s), civilians, and emergency management team during an emergency.
  2. Conduct a patient evaluation.
  3. Maintain equipment used in emergency patient care.
  4. Apply rationality, self-awareness, critical thinking and discipline in responding to emergency situations as an emergency service responder.
  5. Communicate essential continuing patient care information to responding and hospital personnel.
  6. Administer emergency treatment rendered at an advanced life support level.

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