The 29 credit-hour certificate program is to be offered in two semesters starting in August (fall semester) and concluding the following May (spring semester). The program is designed to expand the entry-level knowledge and skills initially acquired through Emergency Medical Technician-Basics (EMT-B) or Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate (EMT-1) training. Paramedics reach that status through successful completion of either EMT-B or EMT-1 training that includes classroom instruction, hospital-based, and field-based clinical experiences under the direct supervision of a preceptor. The Paramedic program exposes the students to a wide variety of emergency situations, including direct patient care in one of the involved EMS system hospitals and on emergency vehicles. Instructional content and design is based on the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective standard objectives specified in the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1998 National Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Curriculum. The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of EMS and Highway Safety accredits the Paramedic program.

The Paramedic program coursework including the internships are administered through Northwest Community Healthcare, Emergency Medical Services Department. Hospital internships are completed at eight area-wide hospitals while the field internship is completed at the Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider agency with which the student is either employed or has a participation agreement. After completion of the program, candidates are eligible to take the EMT-Paramedic licensure exam in the State of Illinois.

**Admission Requirements:

• Evidence of current Illinois licensure as an Emergency Medical Technician-B (EMT-B) or Emergency Medical Technician-1 (EMT-1).
  
• Evidence of six months field experience as an EMT-B, EMT-1, or a waiver request to the EMT-P (Paramedic) program coordinator. Compensatory experience may be gained by working as a technician in a hospital or clinic; however, acceptance of such compensatory experience rests with the EMT program coordinator.
  
• Evidence of written agreement with Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider agency.
  Agency for field experience and documentation of liability insurance to be filed with application.
  
• If not employed by the agency, applicants must submit verification of personal professional liability insurance.
  
• Proof of 18 years of age or older.
  
• Proof of a valid Illinois driver's license.
  
• Submission of official transcripts from Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or high school and all college/universities attended.
  
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification at the health care provider level.
  
• Submission of a Harper College general and paramedic program specific application form.
  
• Physical examination which states that the applicant meets all physical and psychological requirements for providing Basic Life Support (BLS) care with reasonable accommodation.
  
• Completed immunization record for rubella, rubeola, varicella, and hepatitis B. Hepatitis B vaccination is required or a waiver must be submitted refusing immunization.
  
• (Corrected) vision to 20/30 in at least one eye with color discrimination for at least red, amber and green.
  
• (Amplified) hearing adequate to distinguish blood pressures, breath, bowel, and heart sounds.
  
• Sufficient strength to lift patients with one partner (average 100-250 pounds).
  
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform a physical assessment, CPR, endotracheal intubations, IV insertion and all other BLS and ALS skills specified in the curriculum and the EMS (Emergency Medical System) procedure manual.

Students with Disabilities:
The program does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. However, students are expected to demonstrate the physical capacity to perform all the essential functions of the paramedic profession during the program with or without reasonable accommodations.

If reasonable accommodation is to be exercised by a qualified individual with a disability using products, appliances, or personnel, it will be the studentís responsibility to contact the Access and Disability Services office at Harper College.

Students with Communicable Diseases:
Applicants with contagious diseases covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the EMS physician to determine if they are ìotherwise qualifiedî for the program under the ADA.

First Semester:
EMS 210	Paramedic I–Preparatory	6
EMS 211	Paramedic II–Medical Emergencies I	6
EMS 212	Paramedic II–Medical Emergencies II	6
EMS 213	Paramedic III–Trauma Emergencies and Special Clients	3
total:		21
Second Semester:
EMS 214	Paramedic–Hospital Internship	2
EMS 215	Paramedic–Field Internship	3
EMS 216	Paramedic Seminar	3
total:		8

*Paramedic is a limited enrollment program. See Limited Enrollment Programs section of this catalog for details.

**Subject to change, Contact the Admissions Office for additional information.

1. Pending approval by the Illinois Community College Board.