Emergency Medical Services
You to the Rescue
You could be the difference between life and death for someone in need. Getting your degree in Emergency Medical Services will allow you hands-on access to anatomy labs, training ambulances and modern EMS equipment so that when the time comes, you’ll be able to save lives. After your education is complete, you can start a rewarding career in ambulance services, fire departments, emergency response teams or search and rescue squads.
Emergency Medical Technicians perform basic emergency medical procedures such as opening airways, restoring breathing, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock. Intermediate level EMT’s may also administer cardiac medications and intravenous fluids. Paramedics provide more extensive pre-hospital care, such as administering drugs orally and intravenously, interpreting EKGs, and using monitors and other complex equipment. They may carry out more complicated procedures under the direction of medical personnel with whom they are in radio contact.
You might choose this career if you are interested in helping others by providing emergency medical care in a variety of settings. You will rely on your knowledge and ability to react quickly in urgent situations, both on emergency scenes and in medical facilities. Typically, Emergency Medical Technicians give immediate care and then transport the sick or injured to medical facilities.
If you can use good judgment while under stress, have leadership ability and emotional stability, and can adapt to many different situations, then you may enjoy this exciting and challenging career. Want to find out if this career is for you? Check it out on the web at www.acinet.org, and select Occupation Information.
Program Description
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Services offers an emphasis in Paramedic. There are also certificate options that provide entry-level Emergency Medical Technician – Basic training and EMT – Basic refresher updates.
Practical hands-on training is a major focus of the program. You will have access to anatomy labs, training ambulances, a video library, study guides, open labs and a large collection of modern EMS equipment, plus the opportunity to do an emergency department rotation, an ambulance 3rd ride and a community service rotation.
The program is implemented with the cooperation of local medical societies and emergency medical agencies, and is approved by the State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Pre-Hospital Care Division.
Career Path Notes
The Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic certificate provides more advanced training options, and is often taken by those already working in emergency medical services who wish to advance in their careers.
Program Information
Click here for program specific information.
For More Information
Call the Division of Health, Environmental, Natural and Physical Sciences at 719-502-3400.
Employment Opportunities
Career opportunities in Emergency Medical Services include Ambulance Services, Emergency Rooms, Fire Departments, Private Industry Emergency Response Teams, Volunteer Fire and Search & Rescue Agencies, Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, Emergency Dispatchers, and Construction On-Site First Aid.
Earnings Outlook
In Colorado, the median hourly salary in 2005 for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics was $15.56 with a salary range of $9.69 – $22.98. From 2004 to 2014, there are expected to be an average of 140 job openings per year statewide. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Financial Aid
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Find Out More About Your Future Career
Contact Career Planning and Advising at (719) 502-3232
www.ppcc.edu/Advising
Associate of Applied Science Degree
1st Semester - Fall
EMS 125 Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
EMS 170 EMT Basic Clinical
HPR 178 Medical Terminology
HWE 100 Human Nutrition
Semester 1 Credit Hours 15
2nd Semester - Spring
BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
CIS 118 Introduction to PC Applications
ENG 121 English Composition I
HPR 208 Advanced Medical Terminology
PSY 101 General Psychology I
Semester 2 Credit Hours 15
3rd Semester - Fall
BIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
EMS 112 Emergency Medical Dispatch
EMS 136 EMT/Paramedic Safety Issues in the Field
EMS 152 Wellness for Emergency Services
HPR 190 Basic EKG Interpretation
Approved EMS Elective
Semester 3 Credit Hours 13.5
4th Semester - Spring
EMS 150 Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Professionals
EMS 151 Geriatric Emergencies
EMS 153 Advanced Patient Assessment & History Taking
PHT 207 Drug Classification
PSY 227 The Psychology of Death & Dying
Approved EMS Elective
Semester 4 Credit Hours 16.5
Total Credit Hours 60
Certificates
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Refresher
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic