Paramedic Certificate Option Courses

An introduction to the principles of human anatomy and physiology beginning with the cellular/biochemical level of organization and progressing through a comprehensive study of organ systems emphasizing homeostasis. This is a one-term transfer level class designed for students entering allied health fields or biological sciences. Each student must enroll for one laboratory section.

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.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

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.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

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

Prepares the student to provide emergency care at an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Services Education standards. Introduces basic emergency care concepts including fundamental knowledge of the EMS system, safety/well-being of the EMT and medical/legal and ethical issues to the provision of emergency care. Focuses on patient assessment, care and transportation.

Introduces shock and resuscitation, patient assessment, care and transportation of the acutely ill, trauma patient, special patient populations and EMS operations. Focuses on Geriatric Education for EMS (GEMS), Hazmat Awareness, and Incident Command. Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency for skills within the scope of practice for patients of all ages.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in EMS-363.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-363.

Prepares students to provide emergency medical assessment, care and transportation of acutely ill or injured patients of all ages. Develops student proficiency in previously learned skills when providing direct patient care in selected clinical settings. Requires student participation in and documentation of patient contacts and field experience approved by the medical director and the EMS program director. Students must demonstrate competency in skills for patients of all ages within the scope of practice.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in EMS-364.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-364.

This course will provide a clinical atmosphere for performance of psychomotor skills. 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 the stated minimum) may be needed to meet the course competencies.

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.

This course will prepare the entry-level paramedic in advanced airway management, physical assessment, field assessment, clinical decision making, and the assessment and management of respiratory emergencies.

This course provides an overview of paramedic roles and responsibilities and the emergency medical service system. Included is discussion of medicolegal and ethical issues in EMS, agents of trauma and disease, career opportunities for paramedics, demonstration of proper documentation in EMS, and non-patient care aspects of EMS.

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

This course will provide a clinical atmosphere for performance of psychomotor skills. 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 the stated minimum) may be needed to meet the course competencies.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in EMS-541.

This course will provide education for the paramedic in the areas of pathophysiology, recognition, assessment and management of neurological, endocrine, genitourinary/renal, behavioral, toxicological, immunological, hematological, infectious diseases, respiratory and abdominal/gastrointestinal and non-traumatic musculoskeletal complaints.

This course will provide the paramedic student with knowledge of operational roles and responsibilities to ensure patient, public and personnel safety.

This course provides a foundation for the paramedic in the assessment and management of patients who require special considerations.

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.

This course enhances learning through the practice of paramedicine in a field environment and through experiences with actual patients under the supervision of preceptors. It is required prior to the paramedic field internship/capstone.

EMS-541 with minimum grade of C-.

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): Minimum grade of C- in EMS-546.