Paramedic Certificate Option Courses

The first of a two-semester sequence especially designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields as well as any student desiring an in-depth undergraduate transfer course. The course focuses on the interdependent relationships between the structure and functions of body systems and the ways these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure the survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include levels of organization, the chemistry of life, support/movement, integration/control, and coordination. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

The second of a two-semester sequence designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields or wishing an in-depth undergraduate transfer course in the biological sciences. The course focuses on interdependent relationships between the structures and functions of body systems and the way these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include systems associated with circulation, maintenance, elimination and continuity. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in BIO-168.

This course presents the foundation necessary to develop a basic medical terminology vocabulary. Emphasis on the components of terms as related to each body system will be provided. The course further provides the student with the opportunity to properly spell, pronounce and utilize medical terms in relation to pathological conditions, tests, and procedures. Common medical abbreviations will also be discussed for each system.

This course will provide clinical atmosphere for performance of psychomotor skills as described by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Standard Paramedic Curriculum. To successfully complete this course, students must demonstrate competency in skills for patients of all ages within the scope of practice. The student will participate in and document patient contacts and field experience. Additional contact hours (up to 3 times stated minimum) may be needed to meet the course competencies. Permission of instructor required.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in HSC-113, BIO-168, and BIO-173.

Co-requisite(s): EMS-610, EMS-619, EMS-641, and EMS-674.

This is a required course in Hawkeye's National Paramedic Education Program. This course prepares the paramedic to administer medications per the paramedic scope of practice.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in BIO-168, BIO-173, and HSC-113.

The course includes Module 2 (Airway Management and Ventilation) and Module 3 (Patient Assessment) of the DOT National Standard Curriculum for EMT Paramedics. Content will include advanced airway management physical assessment, field assessment, clinical decision making, documentation and the assessment and management of respiratory emergencies. The lab component of this course includes skills in airway management and ventilation, history taking, techniques of physical examination, patient assessment, clinical decision making, communication and AHA ACLS. All will be practiced and demonstrated.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in BIO-168, BI0-173, and HSC-113.

Provides an overview of paramedic roles and responsibilities and the emergency medical service system. Includes discussion of medicolegal and ethical issues in EMS, agents of trauma and disease, and career opportunities for paramedics. Provides discussion and demonstration of proper documentation in EMS, emergency vehicle operations, and non-patient care aspects of EMS.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in BIO-168, BI0-173, and HSC-113.

Cardiology for the Paramedic will focus on assessing the prehospital cardiac patient, interpreting electrocardiograms, and formulating treatment regimens for these patients.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in BIO-168, BIO-173, HSC-113.

This course will provide clinical atmosphere for performance of psychomotor skills as described by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Standard Paramedic Curriculum. To successfully complete this course, students must demonstrate competency in skills for patients of all ages within the scope of practice. The student will participate in and document patient contacts and field experience. Additional contact hours (up to 3 times stated minimum) may be needed to meet the course competencies. Permission of instructor required.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-541, EMS-610, EMS-619, EMS-641, and EMS-674.

Lecture and case-based teaching in the pathophysiology, recognition and advanced life support assessment and management of emergencies involving the nervous, endocrine, renal, and gastrointestinal systems. Assessment and intervention in psychological emergencies.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-541, EMS-610, EMS-619, EMS-641, and EMS-674.

Special Patient Populations for the Paramedic explores illness and injury in the obstetric/gynecologic, neonatal, pediatric, geriatric, and chronically ill patient populations.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-619, EMS-641, EMS-610, EMS-541, and EMS-674.

Traumatic Emergencies for the Paramedic explores the science of traumatic injuries, their detection and treatment. Major topics include: soft tissue, shock, hard tissue, nervous system, and internal injuries.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-641, EMS-619, EMS-610, EMS-674, and EMS-541.

This course will prepare the learner to function in EMS operations in the out-of-hospital environment and includes emergency vehicle operator and HAZMAT operations certifications.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-546.

This course will provide a platform for the student to apply cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills to actual practice during a field internship. This course will also include comprehensive psychomotor exercises in a lab setting to prepare the paramedic student for national certification.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-546.