The Career
People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.
Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, slips and falls, childbirth and gunshot wounds all require immediate medical attention. EMTs and paramedics provide this vital service as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility.
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in this field should:
- Be emotionally stable enough to cope with emergencies and other stressors
- Have good dexterity, agility and physical coordination
- Be able to lift and carry heavy loads
- Be decisive and able to respond quickly
Employment and Salary Information
This profession is experiencing faster-than-average job growth, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 2020, the number of positions is expected to increase by 33%
Earnings of EMTs and paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location of their jobs, as well as their training and experience. Median annual earnings of EMTs and paramedics were $34,870 in May 2013
The middle 50 percent earned between $24,800 and $41,470. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $54,710.
The Program
ECC offers a program of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree and Certificate of Achievement in paramedic technology. Students in the program receive instruction in the recognition, treatment and transport of patients with medical emergencies and trauma.
To achieve licensure as a paramedic, students studying at ECC comply with U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines. These guidelines require that students first complete coursework leading to licensure as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic prior to entering in the paramedic technology certificate or degree program.
Courses combine classroom and laboratory activities with clinical experiences in an acute care setting. This provides the student with the opportunity to learn skills and techniques to be applied in the actual work setting. The program of study is accredited by the Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and prepares students for national licensure.
ECC also offers a series of post-licensure refresher courses for professionals working in the field. The college is the designated regional training center for emergency medical services personnel. The EMS program has a state-of-the-art clinical lab which utilizes high-fidelity human patient simulators and an ambulance.
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation must be sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Accreditations
The East Central College Paramedic Program is accredited by:
1. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)
CAAHEP
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
2. Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
http://health.mo.gov/safety/ems
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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