Paramedic

The Paramedic Core Curriculum culminates in an Advanced Certificate (AC). In addition to the AC, Moraine Valley offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in EMS. Successful completion of the identified general education courses in addition to the Paramedic Core Curriculum culminates in an Associate in Applied Science Degree, which can broaden the student’s marketability, as well as provide a strong basis for continued professional learning.     

The Paramedic program runs three consecutive semesters starting in the spring of each year. Successful completion of the Paramedic Core Curriculum and achieving the minimum program GPA provide eligibility to take the Paramedic certification examination offered by the National Registry of EMTs, which can lead to licensure by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

Spring Semester—EMS-102 and EMS-103
19 CREDIT HOURS
Agency medical services include the role of the paramedic, communications and the ethical and legal aspects that influence field practice. Emphasis will be placed on a foundational understanding of pathophysiology, lifespan development, pharmacology, medication administration, assessment, communication, documentation, medical conditions, diseases and treatment protocols.

Summer Semester—EMS-104
10 CREDIT HOURS
A continuation of the spring semester. Integration of previously learned principles and skills and the introduction of new theory, preparation of the learner for expanded medical responsibilities. Further emphasis is placed on the pharmacological agents and adjunctive equipment utilized in pre-hospital care. Refer to the course schedule for specific topics and reading assignments for each class day. Students will integrate previously learned principles and skills with new theory and prepare for expanded responsibilities. Students will be introduced to additional hospital clinical rotations and the emergency department. Clinicals are self-scheduled by the student within specified time frames. The final exam will be administered during this section and must be passed to progress to EMS 233 and EMS 237.

Fall Semester—EMS-233 and EMS-237
11 CREDIT HOURS
Patient assessment and skills related to clinical and field patient care. Routine lectures and classes are scheduled weekly during this period and the student is required to report to the Lead Instructor for any required necessary meetings.

Total Credit Hours in Major (Core): ​40 Credit Hours
Note: The program does not offer advanced placement or transfer of credits from another college for the core curriculum.       

Recommended Classes Prior to Paramedic Program

• Paramedic Prep Class
• Anatomy and Physiology 115, or equivalent
• Biomedical Terminology 110, or equivalent

Courses run for three consecutive semesters starting each Spring Semester. The program application process typically opens at the start of the Fall Semester and closes 4 weeks after.  The packet of required documents is due at the time of application.

Program Requirements

• Successful application to the paramedic training program.
• 18 years of age (minimum).
• Current State of Illinois EMT-B license.
• Valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR certification.
• Meet entrance requirements for Moraine Valley Community College.
• High school graduate/GED.
• Background check - Certified Background.
• All immunizations, titers and drug screens per health entrance requirements of the program.
• Attendance at orientation day.

Life experience/experiential learning or transferring credit from previous attendance in a paramedic program will not be applicable towards the above pre-requisites, nor will they replace any individual component of the program.

Students must complete EMS 102 and 103 to be eligible to take EMS-104.

Students must complete EMS 104 to be eligible to take EMS-233 and EMS-237.                                                                  

Ambulance experience as an EMT-B (approximately 500 hours) and completion of college-level anatomy and physiology, biology and medical terminology courses by start of program are strongly recommended.

Selection of candidates for this program is highly competitive and is based on:

• Successful completion of the application process, including following all instructions and submitting the proper paperwork by the assigned deadline.
• A passing grade on the entrance exams, which will include didactic and psychomotor testing.
• Completion of the Admission Committee Oral Interview.
• Attendance at the mandatory orientation (date provided in application packet).

Preference Points
Preference points will be awarded to the applicants with proper proof and documentation. These points will be added to your cumulative didactive and psychomotor entrance exams. 

• 4 points – Awarded to Veterans of military service.
• 3 points – Awarded to Fulltime Firefighters at a precepting department.
• 2 points – Awarded to an applicant sponsored by a Fire Department or a private ambulance service that is an approved precepting department.
• 1 point – Awarded to 6 months of experience or more on an ambulance, Fire Department or ER technician position.
• 1 point – Awarded to an applicant who successfully completed the Moraine Valley EMT-B program.
• 1 point – Awarded to an applicant who successfully completed the Moraine Valley Fire Academy program.

In-district applicants will be considered before out-of-district applicants unless sponsored by in-district employment.

Emergency Medical Technician
You must apply to Moraine Valley Community College to register for EMS-101. All requirements for clinical eligibility will be discussed the first day of class.

Paramedic Program 
The application to the Paramedic Education Program requires licensure as a State of Illinois EMT and a completed application with supported documentation.

Download the application to the Moraine Valley Paramedic Program.

 Physical Requirements

• Use digital fine motor skills with both hands continually throughout the day.
• See clearly enough to read hand-written and computer-generated communications.
• Hear clearly enough to accept verbal orders from incident commanders and electronically generated orders broadcast from emergency room personnel.
• Work standing on their feet for the majority of the day.
• Walk quickly to and from service locations for the majority of the day.
• Lift patients onto gurneys, into ambulances, as well as up and down stairwells.
• Write and speak to patients, peers, and staff effectively.
• Interact appropriately with patients, physicians, peers, and supervisors.
• Use good judgment to seek assistance when needed.
• Lift a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted.
• Apply safety and infection control standards learned in the program to maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, staff, and self.
• Capable of handling stressful situations, remain calm and prioritize patient treatments.
• Ability to work in extreme and hazardous conditions including darkness, heat, cold, dampness, and very small spaces.

To qualify for EMS licensure, an individual must successfully complete a State-approved course and achieve full competency in cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. In addition, the individual must achieve a passing score on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) licensure examination.

EMS personnel must be at least 18 years of age. The knowledge, skill and responsibility required of Paramedics demand a minimum of a high school education or equivalent.

EMS personnel must possess the ability to:

• Communicate verbally, in person and via telephone/radio in proficient English.
• Lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance).
• Interpret written, oral, and diagnostic instructions in real time and in English.
• Use good judgment, set priorities and anticipate issues in high-stress situations.
• Work effectively in an environment with loud noises, chaos and flashing lights.
• Function efficiently throughout a 24-hour shift, including when awoken from sleep.
• Act calmly under time constraints, managing time effectively.
• Read and understand English language manuals.
• Interview patients, family members and bystanders.
• Document all relevant information.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and hospital staff.
• Follow and apply oral and written directions.
• Stay organized and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate a desire to care for all people and be culturally competent.
• Demonstrate ability to focus and provide attention to detail.
• Recognize an emergency.
• Apply knowledge in an emergency.
• Make sound critical-thinking decisions under duress.
• Maintain self-discipline and emotional stability.
• Understand the principle of “first do no harm.”
• Relate to and communicate with diverse clientele of all ages.
• Remain flexible in ever-changing situations.
• Uphold ethical standards, morals and professionalism under pressure.
• Draw valid conclusions and defend them as necessary.
• Apply best practices in an unstructured environment.
• Remain safe and take measures to avoid errors.
• Be assertive, assume a leadership role and direct a crew.
• Understand personal/professional strengths, weaknesses and limitations.
• Work efficiently and accurately in time-sensitive situations.
• Accept accountability for self and crew.
• Advocate for patients and loved ones.
• Maintain sound mental, emotional and physical health.

EMS personnel must possess manual dexterity and prove the ability to perform all tasks related to quality patient care. The ability to bend, stoop and crawl on uneven terrain and the ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold and moisture is vital. The ability to work in low light, confined spaces and other dangerous environments is required. Paramedics must be able to function in chaotic, noisy environments.

Sheila Moran, Program Director, Clinical Coordinator 
Dr. Jessica Sinnott, Program Medical Director
Kristy Suriano, Co-Lead Instructor
Michael Korzen, Co-Lead Instructor

The Moraine Valley Community College Paramedic program has been granted provisional accreditation and has applied for full accreditation 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 (www.CoAEMSP.org)”.​

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 
25400 US Highway 19 North— Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway— Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org

The Paramedic program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), through the medical oversight of Christ Hospital, Dr. Jessica Sinnott, EMS Medical Director.