Ridgewater/HCMC Paramedic Training Program PARAMEDIC PROGRAM INFORMATION DIPLOMA OPTION Summer 2015 Thank you for your interest in the Ridgewater College/Hennepin County Medical Center Paramedic program. Please read the following information carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Overview The Ridgewater College/Hennepin County Medical Center Paramedic program is committed to providing the highest quality Emergency Medical Paramedic program with rigorous and comprehensive didactic instruction, extensive hands-on educational/training labs, and broad clinical and field experiences. In addition to maintaining the standards established by CAAHEP, our program outcomes include academic and professional standards designed to meet the expectations of Health Care Organizations and ensure that graduates are prepared to provide safe and effective patient care. Paramedic classes are currently held Tuesday and Thursday from 6-10pm and approximately one Saturday a month from 8-4:30pm (It is expected that this schedule will continue in 2015-16). Course delivery includes a blend of classroom and/or web-based lecture and on-site lab sessions. Classroom and lab sites may include HCMC in Minneapolis and one of the Ridgewater campus sites in Hutchinson and/or Willmar depending on enrollment. In addition, ambulance and hospital clinicals will require approximately 600 hours scheduled at ambulance and healthcare facilities at multiple locations. Note, clinical assignments include both hours and specific patient contacts, and the hours required to complete the patient contacts may impact the total clinical hours. The Ridgewater College/ Hennepin County Medical Center Paramedic program offers two program options: 1. The Paramedic Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree option is designed for any student seeking to become a paramedic. The program includes EMT courses, general education and science courses, and core paramedic courses. This option is appropriate for individuals with no EMT experience, and it is also an option for experienced EMTs who are seeking an associate s degree. 2. The Paramedic diploma is a one-year option available only for individuals who are experienced Emergency Medical Technicians with documented prior EMT education, extensive, recent and appropriate EMT experiences, and meet additional admission requirements. IMPORTANT: All Paramedic applicants - those seeking either the Diploma or AAS option - are required to apply to Ridgewater College and be accepted into the Health Science major first. You are not required to complete the Health Science AS degree. While in this major you will be (1) preparing documentation to fulfill the admission requirements, and/or (2) taking additional coursework towards the AAS degree. When you have completed all of the admission requirements for the Paramedic program - you may submit an application and application check list requesting to be placed in the Paramedic class for Summer 2015. Applications will be accepted beginning on October 27, 2014. The educational plans for the Health Science AS and the Paramedic diploma are attached to this packet for your review.
Ridgewater/HCMC Paramedic Program Paramedic Diploma Admission Requirements The Paramedic diploma option is designed for individuals with extensive EMT experiences who meet all of the following admission requirements. Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification Current EMT-B certification Documentation of 50 emergency (911 response) ambulance runs which must include patient transport. These must be completed after EMT certification. Documentation must be recorded on the run log which includes the date, nature of the run, and patient care involvement. Each page of the run log must include the signature of the supervisor and their phone number. The ambulance runs must have been in the two years prior to acceptance into the program. (Field Experience Verification Form attached) Recommendation by the medical director for the service provider they have worked with. (Confidential Reference/Recommendation Form attached) One-two page essay describing the individual s emergency medical service experiences and how these, along with their broader educational and work experiences have prepared them with the knowledge and skills to be successful in their career with the diploma program option. (Template attached) Passed FISDAP Entrance Exam: http://www.fisdap.net/what_we_make/entrance_exam. Contact Gary Zvorak for details 320-234-8563 gary.zvorak@ridgewater.edu or attach test results. Accuplacer assessment scores as follows: Admission Criteria Table: Required Assessment Test Scores or Course Equivalents ACCUPLACER Score Developmental Coursework College-Level Coursework Reading 78 or higher on Reading Comprehension Test OR "C" or higher in Reading 99 or equivalent OR "C" or higher in a college-level reading course English 86 or higher on Sentence Skills Test AND 78 on Reading Comprehension Test OR "C" or higher in ENGL 94 AND ENGL 99 OR "C" or higher in ENGL 121 or equivalent Math 56 or higher on Elementary Algebra Test OR "C" or higher in MATH 97 or equivalent OR "C" or higher in college-level math course If you have taken courses at another MNSCU college/university please list them on your college application and we can get your official transcripts. You do not need to request them. If you have college transcripts from a private or out of state college/ university you will need to request that official copies be sent directly to the Admissions Office Attention: Stacey Kohn If you have any questions regarding admission please contact Sally Kerfeld, Director of Admissions at 1-800-722-1151 or sally.kerfeld@ridgewater.edu The application to Ridgewater College - Health Science - can be completed online at www.ridgewater.edu or you can print off a paper copy. Please list Hutchinson as your campus if you will be applying to HCMC. Also required is a high school transcript/ged and an application fee ($20).
Paramedic Diploma Program Course Planner Summer Term Cr Fall Semester 2 Cr Spring Semester 2 Cr Introduction to Emergency Care 1 Pharmacology for the Paramedic 2 Ambulance Operations II 2 Anatomy & Phys for the Paramedic 2 ACLS Provider 1 Shock and Trauma 3 Ambulance Operations I 1 Cardiology 4 Special Populations 3 Airway and Patient Assessment 2 Medical Emergencies 4 Clinical II 3 Field Clinical 2 Clinical I 2 Field Internship 3 Pulmonology 1 Field Clinical II 2 PALS Provider 1 Subtotal Credits 9 Subtotal Credits 15 Subtotal Credits 15 Total Credits Required: 42 Ridgewater College/Hennepin County Medical Center Paramedic Diploma 2014-2015 Educational Plan (42 credits) Paramedic Courses (39 credits req.) Credits EMSP 1502 Introduction to Emergency Care... 1 EMSP 1504 Anat. & Phys. for the Paramedic... 2 EMSP 1506 Pharmacology for the Paramedic... 2 EMSP 1510 Ambulance Operations I... 1 EMSP 1512 Ambulance Operations II... 2 EMSP 1530 Airway and Patient Assessment... 2 EMSP 1540 Shock and Trauma... 3 EMSP 1552 Pulmonology... 1 EMSP 1554 Cardiology... 4 EMSP 1560 Medical Emergencies... 4 EMSP 1570 Special Populations... 3 EMSP 1580 Clinical I... 2 EMSP 1582 Clinical II... 3 EMSP 1590 Field Clinical I... 1 EMSP 1592 Field Clinical II... 2 EMSP 1596 Field Clinical III/Capstone... 4 EMSP 1600 ACLS Provider... 1 EMSP 1602 PALS Provider... 1 General Studies/Education Courses (3 credits req.) Credits Choose 3 credits from the following: GSCM 1122 Applied Oral & Written Com.... 2 GSCM 1132 Applied Technical Communications... 2 GSIS 1502 Human Relations... 2 GSMS 1201 Applied Mathematics... 1 Any MNTC Goal area 1, 3, 4, 5, or 7 courses... 3-4 After Application/Acceptance
In addition to the admissions requirements, completion of background study and immunizations are mandatory. Accepted students who do not fulfill these requirements will lose their space in the program. MN Human Services Background Study is required prior to all clinical experiences. Minnesota Human Services requires any individual having contact with patients to complete a background study prior to starting clinical experiences. An individual may be disqualified from having patient contact and would not be permitted to participate in the clinical experience. o Note, the background study is completed by the college when student enroll. Individuals with concerns or questions should discuss with the Paramedic Advisor. Completion of the Health Information Packet which includes documentation of current immunizations for rubella, chicken pox and mumps (Hepatitis B and a Mantoux test is also required), and a physical examination. o The Physical Examination and Health Information Packet should be completed prior to the Paramedic Orientation session. Individuals with concerns or questions should discuss with the Paramedic Advisor.
FIELD EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION Ridgewater College/HCMC Paramedic Program STUDENT S NAME: I confirm that the above named candidate has been employed for (length of time) at. During employment the above named candidate has completed at least 50 BLS/ALS field calls. Run log attached (initials) Did the above candidate act as the lead EMT for at least 50 BLS calls? (initials) Please indicate any other factors that should be considered in this candidate s situation. PERSON PROVIDING VERIFICATION: Name: Date: Organization: Address: Phone Number: Signature: Please complete and return to: Ridgewater College Attn: Stacey Kohn - Admissions 2 Century Avenue SW Hutchinson MN 55350
CONFIDENTIAL Paramedic Student Reference Form Ridgewater College/HCMC Paramedic Program Applicant / Student Name: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and its amendments guarantee student access to educational records concerning them. Students are also permitted to waive their rights to access to recommendations. The following signed statement indicates the applicant s wish regarding this recommendation: I waive or do not waive my right to see this form or any supplementary notes or letters pertaining to this reference form. Applicant/ Student Signature: Date: TO THE EVALUATOR: You have been chosen as a reference in support of the applicant for the Ridgewater/HCMC Paramedic Program. We are particularly interested in your appraisal of the applicant s abilities and potential for education in a rigorous training program. Circle the number that is most characteristic of the applicant. Make any additional comments that you feel would be helpful in our evaluation. Please seal the evaluation in an envelope and sign your name across the flap. 1. Problem Solving: Ability to identify and solve problems. Very poor Satisfactory Excellent 2. Sense of Responsibility: Ability to complete tasks, duties, and honors commitments. Doesn t complete Satisfactorily completes Always completes Avoids Responsibility Will accept responsibility Accepts Responsibility 3. Maturity: Conducts self in a mature adult manner. Immature/Childish Average Mature/Adult behavior 4. Attitude: Based upon your experience, what type of attitude does the applicant project toward life, school, job, etc.? Very Negative Average Very Positive 5. Caring Attitude: Does the applicant show genuine concern and care for others? Very Little Average Exceptional 6. Anxiety Level: Ability to deal with stressful, anxiety-producing situations. Poor/Ineffective Average Excellent 7. Motivation: Extent to which individual applies to self. Uninspired Average Self starter/hard worker 8. Appearance: Extent to which the applicant s standard of appearance is met.
Untidy Average Well groomed appearance 9. Confidence/Flexibility: Extent to which the applicant accepts constructive critique and considers others points of view. Resents/Rejects Average Seeks, Utilizes and Responds Effectively 10. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate with peers, co-workers, teachers, etc. Expresses Self Poorly Average Excellent Expression/Fluent 11. Integrity: Extent to which the applicant displays an ethical code. Cheats/Untruthful Average Always Honest/Trustworthy 12. Interpersonal Relationships: Ability to cooperate and get along with peers, co-workers, teachers, employers, etc. Inappropriate Behavior Satisfactory Outstanding Ability to work well with others 13. Absenteeism/Punctuality: Extent to which the applicant s absenteeism and punctuality affects performance. Interferes with Performance Average Almost never Interferes OVERALL RECOMMENDATION: I highly recommend this applicant for the program. I recommend this applicant for the program. I do not recommend this applicant for the program. COMMENTS: (Please Print) May attach additional page EVALUATOR INFORMATION (Please Print) Evaluator s Name: Phone: Title: Employer/Agency: Length of time you have known applicant: Capacity: Signature: Date: Please complete and return to: Ridgewater College Attn: Stacey Kohn - Admissions 2 Century Avenue SW Hutchinson MN 55350 Ridgewater/HCMC Paramedic Diploma Program
Application Essay Template Admission to the Ridgewater/HCMC Paramedic Diploma Program requires students to explain in an essay their ability to be successful in this program based on prior EMT and related learning experiences. To facilitate writing of this essay, you may use the following headings as descriptors for each section of the essay. Note: the finished essay should be approximately 1-2 pages. Introduction Description of related work experiences as an EMT Explanation of how EMT experiences have provided the broad learning experiences that are foundational for Paramedics. Summarize why the diploma option is appropriate for you instead of the Paramedic AAS degree. Please return to: Ridgewater College Attn: Stacey Kohn - Admissions 2 Century Avenue SW Hutchinson MN 55350 Ridgewater/HCMC Paramedic Program
Application and Checklist - Summer 2015 You are required to be an accepted student at Ridgewater College and have ALL admission criteria completed prior to submitting this application and checklist. The submission of this checklist and information indicates you have completed all of the admission requirements and wish to be officially enrolled in the Summer 2015 Cohort Paramedic classes. Name (Last, First, Middle) Date of Application: Student ID#: ADMISSIONS INFORMATION Paramedic Diploma Option (for current EMT only) Which site? Hennepin County Medical Center (Labs may require travel to more than one campus) Ridgewater Hutchinson or Willmar Current Mailing Address (Street, Rural Route, House/Apartment Number, P.O. Box) (City, State, ZIP, County) Home Phone Cell Phone E-mail: Paramedic Diploma Application Checklist (For the experienced EMT) Accepted to Ridgewater College Health Science major, EMT-B or higher certification attach a copy of the card with expiration date Healthcare Provider CPR attach a copy of the card with expiration date Accuplacer testing or course required Reading 78 or higher on test or take Reading 99 or testing was waived Sentence Skills 86 or higher on test or take English 94 or testing was waived Math 56 or higher on Elementary Algebra or take Math 97 or testing was waived Field Experience Verification Form with run logs attached Paramedic Student Reference Form Essay Passes FISDAP exam I have read and understand the information provided in the Paramedic Application Package. Name (printed) Signature Date Checklist and all supporting documents must be mailed to: Ridgewater College Attn: Stacey Kohn - Admissions 2 Century Avenue SW Hutchinson MN 55350 Fax: 320-234-8506
Program Requirements (49 Credits Required) BIOL 100 Introduction to Biology 4 BIOL 210 Human Anatomy 4 BIOL 211 Human Physiology 4 BIOL 215 Microbiology 4 CHEM 101 Survey of Chemistry 4 CMST 121 Introduction to Communications 3 ENGL 121 College Composition 3 MATH 112 College Algebra 4 MATH 201 Elementary Statistics 3 PSYC 131 Introduction to Psychology 4 PSYC 263 Developmental Psychology 3 PHIL 102 Introduction to Ethics 3 PUBH 107 Nutrition 3 SOC 105 Introduction to Sociology 3 Ridgewater College Health Sciences Broad Field Associate in Science Degree 2014-2015 Educational Plan (60 Credits) Notes: *BIOL 210 and CHEM 101 or higher are prerequisites for BIOL 211 **PSYC 131 is a prerequisite for PSYC 263 Elective courses (11 Credits Required) Elective courses are selected based on intended major and transfer college/university requirements. Consult advisor for planning assistance. Suggested elective courses for Paramedic students are: EMT 1 and EMT 2 7 CMST 226 Interpersonal Communication 3 SOC 106 General Social Problems 3 SOC 242 Racial and Cultural Minorities 3 BIO 108 Human Biology 4 Or BIOL 210 Human Anatomy 4 BIOL 211 Human Physiology 4