Paramedic or Emergency Medical Services Certificate or Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services
Our Program How and When to Apply Background Preparation Clinical Experience Faculty Job Outlook
Become a Paramedic. A paramedic provides the highest level of advanced pre-hospital care available, with critical skills to intervene in life-threatening emergencies. As a paramedic you will provide care and compassion as you help individuals and families through life-threatening situations. You will be part of the patient’s emergency team, and you’ll use cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, medication administration and many other advanced medical procedures.
Our Program
Our program includes classroom instruction, practice in skills lab, and clinical experience in a variety of hospital, clinic, and ambulance service-based care settings. You'll receive the academic and clinical experiences needed to become a caring, ethical and competent health care worker effective in high stress situations. We will prepare you for patient care, leadership, and administrative roles.
Upon completion of either the Paramedic or EMS certificate, you may take an additional 35 credit hours (including coursework in liberal arts and sciences) to earn an Associate of Science Completion degree. Paramedic certificate students will also need to complete BIO 133 and BIO 134 as prerequisites to the ASEMS degree.
Our EMS program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Once you successfully complete these programs, you have the opportunity to advance into the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Completion, Health Care Administration or Health Science degree programs at Mercy College.
How and When to Apply
Our paramedic program is conducted during fall and spring semesters each year. Once you have completed that curriculum, you may be admitted into the Associate of Science Completion degree program and take one or more courses per semester--choose the pace that's right for you.
Applications to the certificate programs must be received by the Office of Admissions for fall admission by July 1; for spring admission by November 1. Your admission into this program is on a competitive basis, so early application is encouraged. Following general College admission, students may enroll in Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) courses in the Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences prior to admission into the EMS program.
Background Preparation
You need to complete an approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic training program before applying for either our certificate or associate of science EMS programs. For admission into our EMS Certificate or Associate of Science Completion degree, you will also need to complete one year high school (or college equivalent) algebra I, biology and English coursework. Additionaly, applicants for admission to the Associate of Science degree also need to provide proof of working toward certification/licensure as a national registered paramedic or Iowa paramedic specialist, or have completed the Mercy College Paramedic Certification Program. Students are encouraged to take LAS courses at Mercy College to meet any unmet program requirements above.
Clinical Work Experience
You will experience direct patient contact during your clinical experience (called practicums) at Mercy Medical Center. You will also work at Mercy affiliate locations and at many other leading health care organizations in central Iowa to gain hands-on learning throughout your course of study. Our students perform during clinical rotations in emergency departments, surgery, intensive care units, obstetrical units and pediatric intensive care units. Field internships are provided for you through local EMS departments and paramedic-level EMS crews.
Faculty
Our EMS program includes a full-time program chair and several instructors as well as medical professionals in the clinical setting. As a student, you receive an exceptional level of personalized instruction.
Job Outlook
Once you’ve completed your paramedic certification or EMS degree, you’ll have the knowledge and exposure to become nationally certified and employable. EMS personnel can work in a variety of settings including 911 ambulance services, non-emergency transfer services, flight medicine, hospital emergency departments, fire departments, occupational safety departments and many other fields. Check out http://www.naemt.org/ for more information on EMS careers.
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