Dec 08, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Paramedic


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The Associate of Applied Science Paramedic Degree at Northark is a 2-year program designed to prepare Paramedics for out-of-hospital care. This program meets and exceeds National DOT Standards and curriculum. Graduates are eligible to take the National Registry, Psychomotor & written exams.

To be eligible for the programs, prospective students must:

  • Be accepted as a student in the college; complete the Northark application if you are not current enrolled
  • Be accepted into the Paramedic Program; complete the Paramedic Program application
  • Be 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED certificate; complete high school transcript request
  • Be in good health; submit a Health Information Form
  • Have a current Arkansas EMT certification or be in the testing phase
  • Be currently certified in AHA Health Care Provide CPR
  • Complete required pre-requisites
  • Have completed ACT and/or the Accuplacer test and have scores sent to Northark
  • Have all immunization records on file and provide proof of Hepatitis B vaccine, rubella vaccine and TB skin test
  • Have three written recommendations (see application)
  • Have a minimum grade of “C” in each prerequisite course and in each course required in the paramedic program

The deadline for completing the application packet is July 1.

 

Paramedic Program Accreditation

The North Arkansas College 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).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
 
To contact the CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
Fax: 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org

Program Cost

Tuition charges per semester hour as approved by the Northark Arkansas College Board of Trustees. Paramedic books, liability insurance, name badges and uniforms will be an additional cost. This does not include certification in costs for ACLS, PHTLS, PALS or EPC.

 

Program Outcomes

Paramedic Program Pass Rates

 

Program Goals

The goal of the EMT-Paramedic program is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics. The curriculum and work-based training will encompass the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning. Competencies acquired through training and practice include:

  • Recognize a medical emergency, assess the situation, and manage emergency care and extrication, if necessary.
  • Establish rapport with the patient and his/her significant others to alleviate their state of crisis.
  • Assign priorities of emergency treatment and record and communicate data to the designated medical command authority.
  • Coordinate efforts of agencies involved in the care and transportation of the patient.
  • Initiate and continue emergency medical care under medical control, including the recognition of presenting medical conditions and initiation of appropriate non-invasive and invasive therapies.
  • Exercise personal judgment in case of interruption in medical direction caused by communications failure or in cases of life threatening conditions using protocols specifically authorized in advance.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Graduates of the Paramedic Program will distinguish the nature and seriousness of the medical condition and extent of traumatic injuries using anatomy and physiology to assess and treat the patient within the scope of paramedic practice.
  • Paramedic graduates will demonstrate proper handling of the patient to minimize discomfort, prevent further injury, and perform drug calculations and medication administration safely during patient care.
  • Graduates will identify operational knowledge in such areas as communication, transportation, inventory and custody of accounts and laws related to Paramedic and healthcare practice.
  • Graduates will exhibit cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills in out-of-hospital care dealing with environmental safety of the accident/trauma patient.

 

Students begin in the Associate of General Studies. Required courses from the Associate of General Studies Certificate are to be completed prior to program entry include:

First Semester (Fall): 13 Credits


Second Semester (Spring): 16 Credits


Third Semester (Fall): 12 Credits


  • Students who complete the above Pre-Requisites and have a Certified EMT-B or have completed EMS 1105 Emergency Medical Technology & EMS 1102 Emergency Medical Technology Practicum are ready to apply to the Paramedic Program. After acceptance into the program, proof of immunizations, CPR Certification are required.  A criminal background check and drug screen will be arranged by the Program Director prior to being assigned to a clinical site. Upon written program acceptance, the following EMS courses are taken.   Failure of any EMS course prevents progression in the program. EMS courses must be taken in the following sequence:    

  •  

  • Credits: 1
  • Credits: 3
  • Credits: 4
  • Credits: 3
  • Credits: 1
  •  

Sixth Semester (Summer II): 4 Credits


Grand Total: 64 Credits


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