Course Catalog

Paramedicine, Degree (PT13) Degree

Campus Locations: Valdosta, Coffee

The Paramedicine applied associate in science degree program prepares students to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Paramedics function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Paramedics perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Paramedic is a link from the scene into the health care system. The Paramedicine degree program prepares students for employment in paramedic positions in today's health services field. The Paramedic degree program provides learning opportunities that introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills from the EMT/EMT-I 1985/AEMT levels to a paramedic level. Successful completion of the program allows the graduate to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic certification examination and apply for Georgia licensure with the State Office of Emergency Medical Service and Trauma (SOEMST) as a paramedic. Criminal background checks and drug screens may be required based on the requirements for participation in clinical experiences.

Program Outcomes: Successful completion of the program allows the graduate to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic certification examination and apply for Georgia licensure with the State Office of Emergency Medical Service and Trauma (SOEMST) as a paramedic.

Careers: Paramedic

Start Terms:

Coffee – Summer 2024
Valdosta – Fall 2023, Fall 2023

Length of Program: 5 Terms

Admission Requirements:

General College Admissions and Placement
Be at least 18 years of age

Program-Specific Admission Requirements:

To enroll in EMSP classes, students must maintain good academic standing at Wiregrass; those on academic warning, probation, or suspension are ineligible. Additionally, all registration holds must be cleared for registration eligibility.
Students must successfully complete the Emergency Medical PreParamedic Technical Certificate of credit prior to registering for the occupational courses included in this program (2000 level EMSP courses) OR must hold certification and/or licensure as an EMT I/85 (with successful completion of Georgia State Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma EMTI to AEMT update course); EMT I/99; or AEMT

Program Information

All programs within the EMS/Paramedicine department program operates on a cohort basis, requiring students to take EMSP classes as prescribed by the program.
Health Science students must meet additional requirements. See the Health Science Program Advising Packet for more information.
Clinical experience is required to complete the program, and students must meet all clinical requirements defined by the clinical facility. No student will be denied admissions to a program due to these requirements; however, the clinical partner requirement may prevent a student from completing the program. Clinical requirements may include, but not limited to, some or all of the following: American Heart Association Provider CPR certification, physical examination or proof of ability to perform required duties, Tuberculin skin test, up-to-date immunizations, mandatory vaccinations, and/or titers. A criminal background check and drug screen are required prior to performing the clinical rotation. Students unable to meet clinical requirements may not be able to graduate from the program. Alternate clinical locations may not be offered or available if a student is unable to meet clinical requirements.

Program Mission Statement: “To prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.”

The Wiregrass Georgia Technical 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 – 113^th St. N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
https://www.caahep.org/

To Contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org

Program Effectiveness based on pass rates for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic written exam.

Program Effectiveness Data	2020	2021	2022
Number of Graduates	8	3	25
Pass Rate	57%	33.3%	60%
Retention Rate	89%	80%	73.5%
Job Placement Rate	88%	100%	100%

Wiregrass EMS Student Handbook – 2023

Curriculum Outline (67 hours)

General Core Courses	15
Area I - Language Arts/Communication (3 Hours)	3
ENGL 1101Composition and Rhetoric Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.	3
Area II - Social/Behavior Science (3 Hours)	3
PSYC 1101Introductory Psychology Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.	3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics - Choose One of the Following (3 Hours)	3
MATH 1101Mathematic Modeling Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.	3
MATH 1111College Algebra Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.	3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours	3
General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours	3

Occupational Courses	52
BIOL 2113Anatomy and Physiology I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.	3
BIOL 2113LAnatomy and Physiology I Lab Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.	1
BIOL 2114Anatomy and Physiology II Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.	3
BIOL 2114LAnatomy and Physiology II Lab Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.	1
EMSP 2110Foundations of Paramedicine Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course introduces the student to the role of the paramedic in today's healthcare system, with a focus on the prehospital setting. This course will also prepare the student to integrate scene and patient assessment findings with knowledge of epidemiology and pathophysiology to form a field impression. This includes developing a list of differential diagnoses through clinical reasoning to modify the assessment and formulate a treatment plan. Topics include: EMS Systems; Research; Workforce Safety and Wellness; Documentation; EMS System Communication; Therapeutic Communication; Medical/Legal and Ethics; Life Span Development; Public Health; Incident Management; Air Medical; Scene Size-Up; Primary Assessment; History Taking; Secondary Assessment; Monitoring Devices; and Reassessment.	3
EMSP 2120Applications of Pathophysiology for Paramedics Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course expands the concepts of pathophysiology as it correlates to disease processes. This course will enable the student to apply the general concepts of pathophysiology to the assessment and management of patients in the emergency setting. Topics include: Pathophysiology.	3
EMSP 2130Advanced Resuscitative Skills for Paramedics Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course will equip the paramedicine student with an expanded knowledge of pharmacology, as well as skills used to manage the respiratory system. Students will learn to use these advanced resuscitative skills to mitigate patient care emergencies, and to improve the overall health of the patient. Topics include: Principles of Pharmacology; Medication Administration; Emergency Medications; Airway Management; Respiration; and Artificial Ventilation.	3
EMSP 2140Advanced Cardiovascular Concepts Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course equips the paramedicine student with an expanded knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and electrophysiology of the cardiovascular system. Students will also examine the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, and will begin to integrate advanced assessment skills (including ECG interpretation) into the assessment of cardiac patients. Topics include: Anatomy, Physiology, and Electrophysiology of the Cardiovascular System; Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Disease; Assessment of the Cardiac Patient; Electrocardiographic (ECG) interpretation.	4
EMSP 2310Therapeutic Modalities of Cardiovascular Care Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course will enable the student to integrate assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for a patient experiencing a cardiovascular emergency. Topics include: Cardiovascular Emergencies and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).	3
EMSP 2320Therapeutic Modalities of Medical Care Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course will enable the student to integrate assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for a patient experiencing a medical emergency. Topics include: Medical Overview; Neurology; Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Disorders; Immunology; Infectious Disease; Endocrine Disorders; Psychiatric; Toxicology; Respiratory; Hematology; Genitourinary/Renal; Non-Traumatic Musculoskeletal Disorders; Diseases of the Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat; and Assessment of Medical Emergencies.	5
EMSP 2330Therapeutic Modalities of Trauma Care Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course will enable the student to integrate a comprehensive knowledge of causes and pathophysiology into the management of traumatic: cardiac arrest and peri-arrest states; shock, respiratory failure or arrest with an emphasis on early intervention to prevent arrest. This course will also include integrating assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression to implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for an acutely injured patient. During this course, the student will complete a nationally recognized pre-hospital trauma course (i.e. PHTLS, ITLS, ATT, etc.). Topics include: Shock and Trauma Resuscitation; Trauma Overview; Bleeding; Chest Trauma; Abdominal and Genitourinary Trauma; Orthopedic Trauma; Soft Tissue Trauma; Head, Facial, Neck, and Spine Trauma; Nervous System Trauma; Special Considerations in Trauma; Environmental Emergencies; Multi-System Trauma; and Assessment of Trauma Emergencies.	4
EMSP 2340Therapeutic Modalities-Special Patient Populations Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course will enable the student to integrate assessment findings with principles of pathophysiology and knowledge of psychosocial needs to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for various special patient populations. During this course, the student will also complete a nationally recognized pediatric course (i.e. EPC, PALS, PEPP, etc.). Topics include: Obstetrics; Gynecology; Neonatal Care; Pediatrics; Geriatrics; and Patients with Special Challenges.	4
EMSP 2510Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course provides the paramedicine student with supervised clinical experience in various clinical settings. EMSP 2510 Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - I is one in a series of courses that also includes: EMSP 2520, EMSP 2530, EMSP 2540, EMSP 2550, EMSP 2560 and EMSP 2570. The successful completion of all of these will result in meeting all clinical standards required by the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma (SOEMST). Topics include: Clinicals.	2
EMSP 2520Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - II Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course provides the paramedicine student with supervised clinical experience in various clinical settings. EMSP 2520 Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - II is one in a series of courses that also includes: EMSP 2510, EMSP 2530, EMSP 2540, EMSP 2550, EMSP 2560 and EMSP 2570. The successful completion of all of these will result in meeting all clinical standards required by the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma (SOEMST). Topics include: Clinicals.	2
EMSP 2530Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - III Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course provides the paramedicine student with supervised clinical experience in various clinical settings. EMSP 2530 Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - III is one in a series of courses that also includes: EMSP 2510, EMSP 2520, EMSP 2540, EMSP 2550, EMSP 2560 and EMSP 2570. The successful completion of all of these will result in meeting all clinical standards required by the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma (SOEMST). Topics include: Clinicals.	2
EMSP 2540Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - IV Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course provides the paramedicine student with supervised clinical experience in various clinical settings. EMSP 2540 Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - IV is one in a series of courses that also includes: EMSP 2510, EMSP 2520, EMSP 2530, EMSP 2550, EMSP 2560 and EMSP 2570. The successful completion of all of these will result in meeting all clinical standards required by the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma (SOEMST). Topics include: Clinicals.	1
EMSP 2550Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - V Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course provides the paramedicine student with supervised clinical experience in various clinical settings. EMSP 2550 Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - V is one in a series of courses that also includes: EMSP 2510, EMSP 2520, EMSP 2530, EMSP 2540, EMSP 2560 and EMSP 2570. The successful completion of all of these will result in meeting all clinical standards required by the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma (SOEMST). Topics include: Clinicals.	1
EMSP 2560Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - VI Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course provides the paramedicine student with supervised clinical experience in various clinical settings. EMSP 2520 Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - VI is one in a series of courses that also includes: EMSP 2510, EMSP 2520, EMSP 2530, EMSP 2540, EMSP 2550 and EMSP 2570. The successful completion of all of these will result in meeting all clinical standards required by the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma (SOEMST). Topics include: Clinicals.	1
EMSP 2570Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - VII Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None This course provides the paramedicine student with supervised clinical experience in various clinical settings. EMSP 2520 Clinical Applications for the Paramedic - VII is one in a series of courses that also includes: EMSP 2510, EMSP 2520, EMSP 2530, EMSP 2540, EMSP 2550 and EMSP 2560. The successful completion of all of these will result in meeting all clinical standards required by the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma (SOEMST). Topics include: Clinicals.	1
EMSP 2710Field Internship for the Paramedic Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Provides supervised field internship experience in the prehospital advanced life support setting. Topics include: Field Internship.	2
EMSP 2720Practical Applications for the Paramedic Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Allows opportunities to demonstrate critical thinking skills and assessment based management techniques through competency based evaluations relevant to the practice of a Paramedic. Topics include: Assessment Based Management for Paramedics.	3