As important members of the healthcare team, paramedics perform a wide variety of functions both on and off the streets. The professional paramedic is qualified by education and certification to provide pre-hospital care under the supervision of a medical director. In addition, the paramedic may also hold administrative duties within his/her organization. Students seeking the Associate Degree in the EMS Program have two options. The first, the Traditional Program, offers students the necessary classroom and “hands-on” training needed to become Ohio certified paramedics. Students who have an EMTB certificate will need to take this option. Additionally, students will take advantage of alternate format courses offered through Rhodes State’s Center for Distance Education. The second option is for current paramedics and offered solely through Rhodes State’s Center for Distance Education. This is for students who cannot fit traditionally-delivered courses into their active lives but want to pursue a college degree. Students will complete coursework via videotape, Internet, and other media. Instructors are available by telephone or during office hours on campus to assist students.

Several certifications are also available, including:

• EMT-Basic 
• EMT-Intermediate
• EMT-Paramedic
• Allied Health Profession to Paramedic
• Associates Degree in Technical Studies with emphasis in FIRE SCIENCE

Individuals who wish to pursue an associated degree in technical studies utilizing their Fire Fighter training should contact the EMS program chair. College credit will be awarded for state certification in the following courses

• EMS-115 Volunteer Firefighter Course
• EMS-116 Level I Transition Firefighter
• EMS-117 Level I Fire Fighter
• EMS-118 Level II Firefighter
• EMS-119 Fire Safety Inspector

See page 160 of the College catalog regarding requirements for the Associate of Technical Studies.

The Emergency Medical Services Program promotes professional growth in students by providing a learner-centered environment that meets the needs of a diverse population.

Employment for EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Job prospects should be good, particularly in cities and private ambulance services.

Employment change. Employment of emergency medical technicians and paramedics is expected to grow by 19 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Full-time paid EMTs and paramedics will be needed to replace unpaid volunteers. It is becoming increasing difficult for emergency medical services to recruit and retain unpaid volunteers because of the amount of training and the large time commitment these positions require. As a result, more paid EMTs and paramedics are needed. Furthermore, as a large segment of the population—aging members of the baby boom generation—becomes more likely to have medical emergencies, demand will increase for EMTs and paramedics. There also will still be demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas.

Job prospects. Job prospects should be favorable. Many job openings will arise from growth and from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation because of the limited potential for advancement, as well as the modest pay and benefits in private-sector jobs.

Job opportunities should be best in private ambulance services. Competition will be greater for jobs in local government, including fire, police, and independent third-service rescue squad departments which tend to have better salaries and benefits. EMTs and paramedics who have advanced education and certifications, such as Paramedic level certification, should enjoy the most favorable job prospects as clients and patients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital.

This program is fully accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division Of Emergency Medical Services. Ohio Accreditation Number 318.

Inquiries regarding accreditation should be directed to:
Ohio Department of Public Safety,
Division of Emergency Medical Services
1970 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43218
1–800-233-0785
http://ems.ohio.gov/ems.asp

In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements have been established for Emergency Medical Services Associated Degree applicants:

1. Students must be 18 years of age or older.

2. Photocopy of the following: (1) valid current driver’s license, (2) valid current Ohio EMT Card, (3) American Heart Healthcare Provider certification or its equivalent, and (4) National Registry Certification (optional).

3. Completion of Squad/Medical Director Information Sheet.

4. COMPASS placement testing to be arranged through the College’s Testing Center.

5. The Office of Admissions must receive high school transcript by the first day of class.

6. The physical form provided must be completed and returned prior to the first day of class for review by the program medical director.

7. ACT composite score of 21 or higher; individual test scores of 20 or higher in mathematics and natural science; 18 or higher in English and Social Science or other appropriate test scores/developmental coursework. (See 1a under “Acceptance into an Allied Health Major” in the catalog.

8. A minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) for any previous college course work at the time of selection and matriculation.

9. Must have basic computer skills prior to admission to the program. This can be satisfied through high school experiences, life experiences or completion of CPT-104 or equivalent.

10. A satisfactory interview with the Emergency Medical Services program chair or director of clinical education.

Requirements 11 and 12 must be met by the time of enrollment in the first Emergency Medical Services Clinical course.

11.Results of a physical examination including laboratory tests and completion of required immunizations before actual clinical course work can be started. The Emergency Medical Services program also has technical standards for which all students must be capable. These standards specify skills necessary to participate in learning activities and professional practice.

12.Successful completion of an American Heart Association, BLS, Health Care Provider, CPR course prior to clinical course work. Must be maintained through to graduation.  

NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OR CURRENT EMS STUDENTS

You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences at some hospitals or other clinical sites; therefore preventing you from completing the program. A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession.

Applicants who do not meet academic requirements may plan a program of study under the guidance of the Academic Advisor for Allied Health to prepare for possible admission to the program.

Since enrollment in the EMS program is limited, selection will be done on a competitive basis. PREFERENCE will be given to those students who possess a current National Registry Card.

Due to the accelerated nature of the program, the COMPASS Placement test will also be used to determine eligibility for entrance into the program. To be considered, the student must place out of MTH-030 or better, COM-090 or better, and must place out of COM-103. If a student does not qualify for entrance into the program due to results from the COMPASS examination, he/she may take the suggested developmental course work. Upon receiving a passing grade of “C” or better in the developmental work, the student may reapply to the program the next time it is offered and the requirement for the COMPASS will be waived.