Paramedic Initial Hybrid

The competency based paramedic course follows the 2009 National EMS Education Standards and consists of at least 1,100 hours of classroom instruction, laboratory, clinical and field rotations through the Lowcountry Region. In addition students will complete provider level courses in trauma, advance cardiac life support, and advance level pediatric life support. The course will prepare students to participate in the National Registry Paramedic exam.

Description

Paramedic training is a rigorous and intense training program consisting of classroom instruction, laboratory skill practice, supervised hospital-based clinical experience and supervised field internship. The course of instruction prepares the student to deliver prompt, effective, and efficient emergency care to victims of sudden injury or illness as well as routine and emergent inter-facility transfers.

 

The curriculum emphasizes accurate patient assessment and the development of essential patient care skills, while applying the knowledge of physiology, pathophysiology and problem solving techniques. Graduates will be prepared to make well-informed decisions regarding pre-hospital care and will have the background necessary to develop additional skills as changes and innovations occur within the profession.

Policies

Applicants to the paramedic certificate program must meet all the following requirements:

  1. Must be 18 years of age at completion of program
  2. High School Diploma or GED
  3. Current South Carolina certification at either the EMT or Advanced EMT level; must be maintained throughout the program
  4. Current National Registry of EMT certification at either the EMT or Advanced EMT level; must be maintained throughout the program
  5. Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) V for Allied Health in the last five years with a minimum adjusted individual total score of 60% or complete the Wonderlic SLE-Q with a minimum score of 19.
  6. Achieve a minimum 10th grade level for reading and mathematics by measurement of standardized means administered by Lowcountry Regional EMS Council.
    1. Contact the Director of Education for alternative standardized tests and established scores
    2. Have completed coursework and earned a degree from a Regionally Accredited Higher Education Institution.
    3. Successfully complete the Paramedic Entrance Exam and Affective Domain Evaluation within two (2) attempts, with minimum score of 70% on the knowledge exam.
      1. This exam includes reading comprehension, Science (Anatomy and Physiology), Affective Domain, and Basic EMT knowledge questions.
      2. Provide a current South Carolina DHEC-EMS approved CPR course completion card; must be maintained throughout the program
      3. Complete an approved Anatomy and Physiology course at least 90 clock hours in length that meets or exceeds the National Standard Paramedic Curriculum within the past five years.
      4. Complete a Lowcountry Regional EMS Council course registration form
      5. Completed Medical and Lab Tests and Immunizations Forms (see Appendix A) Test results must be provided and the form signed by a primary health care provider.

i)       TB Skin Test (A negative TB Skin Test must be obtained prior to starting clinical/field shifts. This negative result is valid for a period of one year from the date of the test. If a student is still attending clinical/field shifts beyond that 1-year period, an additional negative TB Skin test must be provided for the student to continue clinicals.)

ii)     Hepatitis B (3 vaccinations and a titer are required to verify immunity.)

iii)   Tetanus /Diphtheria Booster (Within the last 10 years)

iv)   MMR, Measles, Mumps, Rubella,(Two vaccine doses are required OR positive titer within the last 5 years).

v)      Varicella, Chicken pox, (Two doses of Varicella vaccine OR positive titer within the last 5 years.)

  1. Influenza vaccination (within 3 months of first scheduled rotation and annually while in the program.)
  2. Sign the Essential Functions form stating whether they can meet the functional abilities of a paramedic, with or without accommodations. (see Appendix B)
  3. Complete and submit a satisfactory SLED background check within 12 months of the start of the program
  4. Be willing to undergo and pass a random drug/alcohol screen prior to clinical rotations; this may be repeated at any time during the program
  5. Must arrange transportation to and from clinical, field and other assigned sites for rotations
    1. Provide proof of coverage of either major medical insurance or workers compensation that includes clinical training. Lowcountry Regional EMS Council or its affiliates does not provide any medical insurance for students. The student must secure it at his or her own cost. In the event of an injury during the program, the student is responsible for payment of all related medical bills.

 

 

  1. Director of Education has the right to refuse admission or dismiss any person from the program whose actions could potentially lead to the harm of any person, staff, or student in the program; staff or patient at any clinical sites; or exhibits character traits that could be deemed as irresponsible or potentially dangerous to any patient current or future.

Program Manuals

Paramedic Handbook