Program Overview
Paramedicine (A.S.)
A paramedic is an allied health professional who is a link from the community to the
healthcare setting whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care
for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system.
Students will be able to apply the knowledge of paramedicine in the scope of the overall
healthcare system and understand the paramedic's role in the community as a provider,
educator and leader. A Paramedic 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.
Paramedicine Training
If you're interested in paramedicine training, contact Jason LeFebvre, Action Ambulance:
info@neipm.com
978-253-2664
Read about upcoming Paramedic classes
EMT and Paramedic Key Similarities and Differences
EMTs and paramedics both work for EMS to provide urgent and emergency care for patients.
Both careers require a high school diploma, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) –
basic life support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers, a license to practice
in their state, and certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical
Technicians (NREMT). To become a paramedic, one must already hold EMT certification.
Paramedics must receive an additional 1,200 hours of training, so they can lead their team on the field, make decisions about where to take the
patient for the best care, give oral and intravenous (IV) medication, and use advanced
airway management techniques. Paramedics often earn higher pay because they receive
additional education and learn more skills.
What is an EMT?
An EMT is a member of EMS who evaluates the patient's condition, provides them basic
medical care, and transports them to the hospital.
What is a Paramedic?
A paramedic is a healthcare professional within EMS who has earned EMT certification
and learned additional skills, such as stitching wounds, giving oral and IV medications,
and reading electrocardiograms (EKG) for patients who need urgent medical care.
Differences between EMT and Paramedic
| Points to Consider |
EMT |
Paramedic |
| Admission Requirements |
EMT
- High school diploma or equivalent
- CPR certification
|
Paramedic
- High school diploma or equivalent
- CPR certification
- EMT certification from NREMT
|
| Degree Required |
EMT
|
Paramedic
- Associate degree or bachelor's degree could be required
|
| Certification Options |
EMT
- CPR-BLS certification for healthcare providers
- EMT certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
- An EMT license issued by the state
|
Paramedic
- CPR-BLS certification for healthcare providers
- Paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
(NREMT)
- A paramedic license issued by the state
|
| Recertification Options |
EMT
- Schedule and pass the recertification exam for EMTs
OR
- Complete 40 hours of continuing education that meets the requirements the National
Continued Competency Program
|
Paramedic
- Schedule and pass the recertification exam for paramedics
OR
- Complete 60 hours of continuing education that meets the requirements the National
Continued Competency Program
|
| Duties and Responsibilities |
EMT
- Responding to 911 calls
- Asses patients' medical condition
- Driving the ambulance
- Providing first aid
- Providing life-support
|
Paramedic
- Leading the EMS team in the field
- Deciding where to take the patient for the best care
- Stitching wounds
- Reading EKGs
- Giving oral and IV medication
|
Learn More
-
Expected Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to gather information, assess a patient, develop and execute
a treatment plan as a team leader relative to the role of an entry-level paramedic
- Conduct oneself in a professional manner consistent with moral, altruistic, legal,
ethical, regulatory, and humanistic principles
- Demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal relations respecting the cultural and personal
traits of patients in a variety of settings
- Use critical thinking skills to assess and treat patients with altered health conditions
in a variety of settings
- Communicate effectively through oral and written methods in a patient care setting
-
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED/HiSET
- Math: ACCUPLACER Next Generation QAS score of 262 or greater OR successful completion
of MAT-028, MAT-028
Please note: To graduate with Health Science A.S. Degree in Paramedicine, students
need to obtain Paramedic certification (any current state paramedic or National Registry
Paramedic certification).
-
Graduation Requirements
- Program
- 24 credits transferred as credits for prior learning for successful completion of
the paramedic certification course and passing the state exam.
- 36 credits earned at BCC to fulfill the requirements for an associate's degree.
- Total degree would be 60 credits leading to a Health Science Degree
- General Education
- ENG COMP – 6 credits
- SOC-105 – 3 credits
- COM – 3 credits
- PSY-107 – 3 credits
- AHS-230 – 3 credits
- BIO-201 – 4 credits
- BIO-202 – 4 credits
- MAT-136 or MAT-123 – 3 credits
- BIO-105 – 4 credits
- Humanities elective – 3 credits
U.S. Bureau of Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023
29-2043 Paramedics
Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses.
May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer
advanced life support to sick or injured individuals. Excludes “Emergency Medical
Technicians” (29-2042) and “Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical
Technicians” (53-3011).
National estimates for Paramedics
Industry profile for Paramedics
Geographic profile for Paramedics
