Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Emergency Medical Services


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Application Deadlines and Admission Dates for Emergency Medical Services

Name of Program Max # of Students Application Deadline Admissions Credentials Deadline Notification Term Newly Accepted Class Begins

Paramedic (Technical Certificate) Space Avail. *July 1 July 1 August Fall


 

Emergeny Medical Services Programs General Policies and Procedures

Minimum Terms of Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration for admission to an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training program, applicants must, except as may be provided for by a specific program, meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. Be granted degree admission status at Southwest.
  2. Complete all requirements for admission specified for the program to which one is applying prior to the beginning of the term for which admission is being sought.
  3. Have a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.0 on any attempted college-level courses OR be a qualifying freshman eligible to take college level English (eligibility for college level math is also required for paramedic level only)
  4. Students not meeting college level placement requirements must successfully complete appropriate learning support courses prior to admission to the EMS training programs.
  5. Provide evidence of physical and/or emotional ability to carry out the essential requirements of the program.
  6. Meet the requirements for clinical and field internship attendance.

Procedures and Criteria of Admission

Admission requirements for Emergency Medical Technology courses follow the institutional requirements for entry into a technical certificate or Associates Degree program. Additional admission requirements for each EMS training level are detailed in the program specific sections for each level.

Departmental Permission:

Departmental permission is required for al EMSB courses. Interested students must contact the program director, Merry Mattix at mmattix@southwest.tn.edu from their student Southwest e-mail account to request information and permits to register. Account Holds must be cleared prior to permits being issued.

EMS program courses are in high demand and space is limited. It is recommended that students make their requests for permits at least three months in advance of the semester they wish to enroll into.

Prior Learning Credit/Advanced Placement Policy 

  1. The Southwest EMS program does not offer or accept credit for prior learning or other alternative credit for EMT Basic, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic training.   
  2. The Southwest EMS program does not offer advanced placement for EMT Basic, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic training.   

Dismissal Policy

A student dismissed from an EMS training program for academic reasons may be considered for readmission under the specific program’s readmission policy on a space available basis. Any student receiving a second academic dismissal may not be considered for readmission into the program for one year. Students dismissed from any level of EMS training program for violations related to professional licensure will not be considered for re-admission to any EMS training program. Students dismissed from any EMS program for disciplinary/behavioral reasons will not be considered for re-admission. Violation of classroom procedures, clinical procedures or personal misconduct will result in disciplinary action and can result in immediate dismissal from the program and the College. Disciplinary actions can result from, but are not limited to, such examples as conduct dangerous to others, disorderly conduct, misuse of or damage to property, misuse of documents or identification cards, or violations of state or federal laws. Procedures for disciplinary action and/or dismissal from EMS and Allied Health Sciences programs, and related appeal procedures, are listed in the Student Handbook under the section entitled Student Conduct and Disciplinary Policies. Handbooks are available in the Counseling and Advising Center.

Readmission to EMS Training Programs

A student who has incurred two or more academic dismissals from an EMS training program may be eligible to be considered for readmission absent disciplinary action. Such students are evaluated and ranked in accordance with the procedure set forth by each specific program and readmission granted on a space available basis. To be eligible for consideration, the student must:

  1. Have been separated from the program at least one (1) full academic year.
  2. Comply with the procedures for regular admission described previously.
  3. Submit an essay demonstrating that the conditions that led to the academic dismissal no longer exist and that he/she is prepared to and capable of making satisfactory progress in the program.

Malpractice Insurance Requirement

All EMS students enrolled in EMSB, EMSA, and EMSP courses are required to obtain malpractice insurance for participation in the EMS training programs and maintain coverage for the entirety of the training program. Malpractice insurance coverage for 12 months is included in the fees for the EMSB, EMSA, and EMSP courses.

Program Costs

In addition to tuition and fees, EMS students may have additional costs ranging from $500 to $1,000 to include uniforms, physical examinations, substance screening, immunizations, graduation, certification and licensure fees.

Background Checks

Affiliates that provide clinical and field rotation sites may require students to have a criminal background check prior to attending. Students will be responsible for the costs of such checks and making any arrangements for the background check. In addition to background checks required for clinical and field rotations sites, the state of Tennessee Office of EMS requires a background

Technical Standards for Students in Emergency Medical Technology Training Programs

Students in the EMT Basic, EMT Advanced, and Paramedic Programs at Southwest Tennessee Community College must meet the following technical standards. The students also understand that some courses will have additional lab and or clinical requirements that will be outlined in the course syllabi.

Students must also meet the requirements set forth in the RULES OF THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BUREAU OF HEALTH LICENSURE AND REGULATION DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CHAPTER 1200-12-01 GENERAL RULES, 1200-12-01-.13 EMT, AEMT AND PARAMEDIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS which states in part:

Upon selection for admission into the EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic program, the student shall:

  1. Show good physical and mental health and possess no physical handicaps or disabilities which would impede the ability to fulfill the functions and responsibilities of an EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic.
  2. Submit a physical examination form indicating physical health sufficient to perform the duties of an EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic completed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, who has examined the individual. If there are any limitations in the individual’s ability to perform adequately, additional documentation shall be submitted from the appropriate professional evaluator which indicates the applicant’s abilities to perform adequately (i.e.): I. Speech impairment - Speech Pathologist; II. Hearing impairment - Audiologist; III. Physical handicap or disability - Orthopedist or Registered Physical Therapist; or IV. Vision - Ophthalmologist

Critical Thinking Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students are required to accumulate a variety of information. The students are expected to comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate the information given. The program must ensure that students are capable of practicing the new accumulation of information. The program must also ensure that patients are not placed in jeopardy by students with impaired intellectual, physical or emotional functions.

Motor Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must be able to demonstrate proficiency in inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other treatment specific procedures during lab/clinical activities. Additionally, students must be able to perform motor movements reasonably required to provide emergency medical care, including but not limited to the physical strength to lift and transfer adult patients, carry equipment, enter and exit emergency vehicles, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Students must be able to offer manual assistance to classmates during scenario/lab exercises, bend, and squat and kneel without difficulty, and assume a variety of skills performance positions including prone, supine, seated for long periods of time, etc. Students must be able to lift and transfer completely dependent classmates from one place to another using a variety of manual moves and equipment. These skills are also necessary in the clinical setting.

Sensory/Observational Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory/clinical activities and scenarios as required in the curriculum. Such observation necessitates the functional use of vision, hearing and other sensory modalities. Candidates must have visual perception, which includes depth and acuity.

Communication Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form with faculty, peers, patients, and other allied health personnel. Students must have the ability to complete reading assignments, search, and evaluate the literature. Students must be able to complete written assignments and maintain written records. EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must have the ability to use therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching. These skills must be performed in clinical/field internship settings, as well as in the classroom and in laboratory environments.

Behavioral/Social Skills and Professionalism

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must possess the emotional well-being required for use of intellectual abilities, exercise of sound judgment, prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the evaluation and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Students must be able to adapt to ever-changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in stressful situations in the classroom, lab and clinical setting.

Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Technical Certificate

Merry Mattix • (901) 333-5413
This program is approved by the State of Tennessee Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

This is the initial level of EMS training. This certificate must be completed prior to Advanced EMT courses.

The Basic Emergency Medical Technology technical certificate program is designed to prepare students to become competent entry level Basic Emergency Medical Technicians. This level of training focuses on the acute management and transportation of critical and non-critical patients, and prepares the graduate to serve in emergency care settings such as an ambulance service or fire department.

Using the most current NHTSA Educational Standards, education includes the application of basic patient assessment, problem recognition, and basic treatment modalities for medical, trauma, and environmental emergencies. Clinical exposures in local hospitals and ambulance services assure appropriate experience.

The Basic EMT technical certificate program involves six courses, which may be completed in one semester (Fast Track) or two semesters (Split Track). These are prerequisite courses for persons considering entry into the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certificate program.

Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ written and practical EMT Basic certification examinations.

Additional Requirements:

Students must successfully complete a program exit exam with the approved minimum score set by the department to be eligible for certification and licensure exams.

Certification exams include a Psychomotor and a cognitive examination approved by the State of Tennessee EMS board.

Following successful program completion, approved candidates will have two years beyond the date of course completion to seek certification with the National Registry of EMTs and the Tennessee Office of EMS. Fees associated with certification or licensure will be the responsibility of the student.

Students will be required to wear a class/clinical uniform.

Students must attend a mandatory orientation prior to or on the first scheduled date of class attendance

Clinical and field internship rotations will be scheduled in addition to classroom hours. Travel required for these rotations is the responsibility of the student.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for Basic Emergency Medical Technology technical certificate program follow the institutional requirements for entry into a technical certificate or Associates Degree program.

In addition, the student must be proficient in the English language and must show eligibility for college level English by meeting college level placement requirements (ACT score, qualifying GPA or qualifying placement exam score). Students not meeting college level placement requirements must successfully complete appropriate reading and writing learning support courses prior to admission to the EMT Basic Technical Certificate program. Students must also be a qualifying freshman or have an overall minimum GPA of 2.0 on any attempted college level courses.

Departmental Permission:

Departmental permission is required for al EMSB courses. Interested students must contact the program director, Merry Mattix at mmattix@southwest.tn.edu from their student Southwest e-mail account to request information and permits to register. Eligible students will then be admitted to the training program and permitted to register. Account Holds must be cleared prior to permits being issued. EMSB courses fill rapidly and space is limited by state regulation. Students will be enrolled in the EMT Basic courses on a space available basis. It is recommended that students make their requests for permits at least three months in advance of the semester they wish to enroll into.

Retention Policy

Students must successfully complete all EMSB co-requisite courses with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher in order to progress/complete the certificate program. Failure of one or more co-requisite courses will require the student to repeat all of the co-requisite courses in order to successfully complete the certificate and be eligible for certification and licensure. Students dismissed for academic reasons may be considered for readmission the following term according to the departmental readmissions policy.

For additional Information, please see our EMS General Information Packet

Malpractice Insurance

Students are required to obtain malpractice insurance for participation in the EMT program. Malpractice insurance is included in the fees associated with EMSB 1111.

Criminal Background Checks

A vendor specific criminal background check is required, at the student’s expense, to apply for initial licensure in Tennessee; applicants will have their fingerprints scanned. Certain criminal background findings may preclude licensure, certification, and/or employment.

Physical Exam

A physical exam will be required at the student’s expense. Certain immunizations and or titers may be required and certain physical abilities are required to meet the program technical standards and the requirements of the state of Tennessee Division of EMS rules. Based on the results of the exam, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow a students presence at their facility. This could result in inability to successfully complete the program requirements. Certain physical exam findings may preclude licensure, certification, and/or employment. A physical exam is required, at the student’s expense, to apply for initial licensure in Tennessee.

Technical Standards for Students in Emergency Medical Technology Programs

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students are required to accumulate a variety of information. The students are expected to comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate the information given. The program must ensure that students are capable of practicing the new accumulation of information. The program must also ensure that patients are not placed in jeopardy by students with impaired intellectual, physical or emotional functions.
Students in the EMT Basic, EMT Advanced, and Paramedic Programs at Southwest Tennessee Community College must meet the following technical standards. The students also understand that some courses will have additional lab and or clinical requirements that will be outlined in the course syllabi.

Motor Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other treatment specific procedures. Additionally, students must be able to perform motor movements reasonably required to provide emergency medical care, including but not limited to the physical strength to lift and transfer adult patients, carry equipment, enter and exit emergency vehicles, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Students must be able to offer manual assistance to classmates during scenario/lab exercises, bend, and squat and kneel without difficulty, and assume a variety of skills performance positions including prone,
supine, seated for long periods of time, etc. Students must be able to lift and transfer completely dependent classmates from one place to another using a variety of manual moves and equipment. These skills may also be utilized in the clinical and or field internship settings.

Sensory/Observational Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory/clinical activities and scenarios as required in the curriculum. Such observation necessitates the functional use of vision, hearing and other sensory modalities. Candidates must have visual perception, which includes depth and acuity.

Communication Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form with faculty, peers, patients, and other allied health personnel. Students must have the ability to complete reading assignments and search and evaluate the literature. Students must be able to complete written assignments and maintain written records. EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must also have the ability to use therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching. These skills must be performed in clinical settings, as well as in the classroom and in laboratory environments.

Behavioral/Social Skills and Professionalism

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must possess the emotional well-being required for use of intellectual abilities, exercise of sound judgment, prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the evaluation and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Students must be able to adapt to ever-changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in stressful situations in the classroom and clinical setting.

Program Costs

In addition to tuition fees and the purchase of required texts and materials, students may have additional costs ranging from $500 to $800 to include uniforms, physical examinations, background checks, laboratory tests, immunizations, etc. After graduating, the cost to take the certification and licensure exams will range from $100 to $300.

Emergency Medical Technician - Advanced Technical Certificate

Merry Mattix • (901) 333-5413
This program is approved by the State of Tennessee Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

This is the second of three levels of EMS training. This certificate must be completed after successful completion of the EMT Basic technical certificate and prior to application to Paramedic level training courses.  

The Advanced Emergency Medical Technology technical certificate program is designed to prepare currently certified/licensed Basic Emergency Medical Technicians to become competent entry level Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians. This level of training focuses on the acute management and transportation of critical and non-critical patients, and prepares the graduate to serve in emergency care settings such as an ambulance service or fire department. The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician student has the knowledge associated with, and is expected to be competent in, all of the skills of the EMR and EMT basic.

Using the most current NHTSA Educational Standards, education includes the application of advanced EMT patient assessment, problem recognition, and advanced EMT treatment modalities for medical, trauma, and environmental emergencies. Clinical and field internship rotations with local hospitals and ambulance services assure appropriate experience.

The Advanced EMT technical certificate program involves six courses, usually completed in one semester. These are prerequisite courses for persons considering entry into the Paramedic Technical Certificate and the A.A.S. Paramedic Degree programs.

Students must successfully complete a program exit exam with the approved minimum score set by the department to be eligible for certification and licensure exams.

Certification exams include a Psychomotor and a cognitive examination approved by the State of Tennessee EMS board.

Following successful program completion, approved candidates will have two years beyond the date of course completion to seek certification with the National Registry of EMTs and the Tennessee Office of EMS. Fees associated with certification or licensure will be the responsibility of the student.

Prospective student are required to attend a mandatory orientation session to receive permits to the EMSA courses.

Students will be required to wear a class/clinical uniform.

Clinical and field internship rotations will be scheduled in addition to classroom hours. Travel required for these rotations is the responsibility of the student.

Upon successful completion of the training courses, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ written and practical Advanced EMT certification examinations.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be currently licensed as a Basic Emergency Medical Technician by the State of Tennessee OR have completed a Tennessee EMT basic program within 120 days of admission into an Advanced EMT training program AND BE currently certified by the National Registry of EMTs as Basic Emergency Medical Technician. All certifications/licenses must be current and unencumbered and must remain current and unencumbered throughout the duration of the courses. Other admission requirements for this course of study follow the institutional requirements for entry into a technical certificate or Associate’s degree program.

In addition, the student must be proficient in the English language and must show eligibility for college level English by meeting college level placement requirements (ACT score, qualifying GPA or qualifying placement exam score). Students not meeting college level placement requirements must successfully complete appropriate reading and writing learning support courses prior to admission to the EMT Advanced Technical Certificate program. Students must also be a qualifying freshman or have an overall minimum GPA of 2.0 on any attempted college level courses.

Departmental Permission:

Departmental permission is required for all EMSA courses. Interested students must contact the program director, Merry Mattix at mmattix@southwest.tn.edu from their student Southwest e-mail account to request information and permits to register. Eligible students will then be admitted to the training program and permitted to register. Account Holds must be cleared prior to permits being issued. Prospective students must attend a mandatory orientation prior to being permitted for EMSA courses.

EMSA courses fill rapidly and space is limited by state regulation. Students will be enrolled in the EMSA courses on a space available basis. It is recommended that students make their requests for permits at least three months in advance of the semester they wish to enroll into.

Retention Policy

Students must successfully complete all co-requisite EMSA courses with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher in order to progress/complete the certificate program. Failure of one or more co-requisite courses will require the student to repeat all of the co-requisite courses in order to successfully complete the certificate and be eligible for certification and licensure. Students dismissed for academic reasons may be considered for readmission the following term according to the departmental readmissions policy.

For additional Information, please see our EMS General Information Packet

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks are required at the student’s expense. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility. This could result in the inability to successfully complete the program requirements. Certain findings in a criminal background check may preclude licensure, certification, and/or employment. A separate criminal background check is required, at the student’s expense, to apply for initial licensure in Tennessee; applicants will have their fingerprints scanned.

Physical Exam

A physical exam will be required at the student’s expense. Certain immunizations and or titers are required and certain physical abilities are required to meet technical standards. Based on the results of the exam, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility. This could result in inability to successfully complete the program requirements. Certain physical exam findings may preclude licensure, certification, and/or employment. A physical exam is required, at the student’s expense, to apply for initial licensure in Tennessee.

Technical Standards for Students in Emergency Medical Technology Programs

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students are required to accumulate a variety of information. The students are expected to comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate the information given. The program must ensure that students are capable of practicing the new accumulation of information. The program must also ensure that patients are not placed in jeopardy by students with impaired intellectual, physical or emotional functions.
Students in the EMT Basic, EMT Advanced, and Paramedic Programs at Southwest Tennessee Community College must meet the following technical standards. The students also understand that some courses will have additional lab and or clinical requirements that will be outlined in the course syllabi.

Motor Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must be able to demonstrate proficiency in inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other treatment specific procedures during lab/clinical activities. Additionally, students must be able to perform motor movements reasonably required to provide emergency medical care, including but not limited to the physical strength to lift and transfer adult patients, carry equipment, enter and exit emergency vehicles, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Students must be able to offer manual assistance to classmates during scenario/lab exercises, bend, and squat and kneel without difficulty, and assume a variety of skills performance positions including prone, supine, seated for long periods of time, etc. Students must be able to lift and transfer completely dependent classmates from one place to another using a variety of manual moves and equipment. These skills are also necessary in the clinical setting.

Sensory/Observational Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory/clinical activities and scenarios as required in the curriculum. Such observation necessitates the functional use of vision, hearing and other sensory modalities. Candidates must have visual perception, which includes depth and acuity.

Communication Skills

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form with faculty, peers, patients, and other allied health personnel. Students must have the ability to complete reading assignments, search, and evaluate the literature. Students must be able to complete written assignments and maintain written records. EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must have the ability to use therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching. These skills must be performed in clinical/field internship settings, as well as in the classroom and in laboratory environments.

Behavioral/Social Skills and Professionalism

EMT Basic, EMT Advanced/ and Paramedic students must possess the emotional well-being required for use of intellectual abilities, exercise of sound judgment, prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the evaluation and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Students must be able to adapt to ever-changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in stressful situations in the classroom, lab and clinical setting.

Program Costs

In addition to tuition fees and the purchase of required texts and materials, students may have additional costs ranging from $500 to $900 to include uniforms, physical examinations, background checks, laboratory tests, immunizations, etc. After graduating, the cost to take the certification and licensure exams will range from $100 to $300.
Malpractice Insurance
Students are required to obtain malpractice insurance for participation in the AEMT program. Malpractice insurance is included in the fees associated with EMSA 1111 .

Paramedic Technical Certificate

Merry Mattix • (901) 333-5413
Accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and approved by the State of Tennessee Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

This is the third and most advanced level of EMS training. This certificate must be completed after successful completion of the Advanced EMT Basic technical certificate and licensure in the state of Tennessee as an Advanced EMT. The Paramedic program is a special admissions program. Students are admitted to the Paramedic technical certificate program through a competitive selection process. The program is not open to general enrollment, and all applicants must have a current, unencumbered Advanced EMT license in Tennessee.

The Paramedic technical certificate program is designed to prepare licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians to become competent entry level Paramedics. This level of training focuses on the acute management and transportation of critical and non-critical patients, and prepares the graduate to serve in emergency care settings such as an ambulance service. The Paramedic student has the knowledge associated with, and is expected to be competent in, all of the skills of the EMR, EMT basic, and EMT advanced.

Using the most current NHTSA Educational Standards, education includes the application of advanced patient assessment, problem recognition, and advanced treatment modalities for medical, trauma, and environmental emergencies. Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology are taught and incorporated into the curriculum. Components of injury prevention, research, and leadership are also emphasized and developed throughout the curriculum. Extensive clinical rotations with local hospitals and ambulance services assure appropriate experience.

The Paramedic program involves nine (9) EMSP courses (43 credit hours) and is taken over three concurrent semesters (approximately one full year). The student accumulates a clinical portfolio throughout the training that is required to determine competency. Clinical experience is incorporated throughout the curriculum. A field internship is completed in the final semester. Upon successful completion of the courses, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ paramedic written and practical examinations.

 Students must successfully complete a program exit exam with the approved minimum score set by the department to be eligible for certification and licensure exams.

Students must meet all required terminal competency items and successfully complete a summative review conducted by the program director and the medical director to be eligible to sit for certification exams.

Certification exams include a Psychomotor and a cognitive examination approved by the State of Tennessee EMS board.

Following successful program completion, approved candidates will have two years beyond the date of course completion to seek certification with the National Registry of EMTs and the Tennessee Office of EMS. Fees associated with certification or licensure will be the responsibility of the student.

Students will be required to wear a class/clinical uniform.

Prospective student are required to attend a mandatory orientation session to receive permits to the EMSP courses.

Clinical and field internship rotations will be scheduled in addition to classroom hours. Travel required for these rotations is the responsibility of the student.

Upon successful completion of the training courses, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ written and practical Paramedic certification examinations.

Admission Requirements

The Admission Criteria for the Paramedic program are established by the Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Tennessee Department of Health, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), Committee on accreditation of EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) and Southwest Tennessee Community College Emergency Medical Services Communities of Interest Advisory Committee. These criteria are subject to change. In admitting students, the Admissions Committee will apply the latest admission criteria.

Applicants must be currently licensed as Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians by the State of Tennessee. All certifications/licenses must be current and unencumbered and must remain current and unencumbered throughout the duration of the courses. Other admission requirements for this course of study follow the institutional requirements for entry into a technical certificate or Associate’s degree program.

In addition, the student must be proficient in the English language and must show eligibility for college level English by meeting college level placement requirements (ACT score, qualifying GPA or qualifying placement score). Students must also show eligibility for college level math by meeting college level placement requirements (ACT score, qualifying GPA or qualifying placement score). Students not meeting college level placement requirements must successfully complete appropriate reading, writing, and math learning support courses prior to admission to the Paramedic Technical Certificate program.

For additional Information, please see our EMS General Information Packet.

Prior Learning Credit/Advanced Placement Policy 

  1. The Southwest paramedic program does not offer or accept credit for prior learning or other alternative credit.   
  2. The Southwest paramedic program does not offer advanced placement. 

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR ADMISSION TO SPECIAL PROGRAMS: PARAMEDIC ONLY

Individuals wishing to be selected must complete the following application process:
  • Complete application and admission to the college prior to July 1st of the academic year
  • Complete a Special Admissions Application submitted by July 1st of the academic year
  • Submit a copy of a current Tennessee EMT Advanced license certification letter
  • Submit a letter of interest describing the reasons for desiring admission to the paramedic program and any related experience
  • Submit three letters of recommendation for paramedic candidacy from healthcare professionals.
  • Provide proof of eligibility to take college-level English and Math courses
    • ACT/SAT scores submitted (students under 21 years of age) or take the College Placement Examination to determine English and Math competency. (Applicants who have successfully completed a college level English and Math course will not need placement testing)
  • Submit a score for the program approved Paramedic Entrance Exam
  • Attend a candidate interview
Selection Process

The Admissions Office will determine if the applicant has met the criteria for college admission into a technical certificate or Associates degree program. Students with incomplete admissions criteria will not be considered for the program.

The Paramedic program will collect and rank the following information for admission to the program:

  • Entrance Exam Scores - Ranked on a 0 - 5 scale
  • Oral interview scores - Ranked on a 0 - 5 scale based on the average of interview scores
  • Scores are averaged for a final ranking score from 0 to 5.
  • Only applicants with a minimum of 2.5 ranking will be considered for admission. This is in accordance with the General Rules of the Tennessee Department of Health, Bureau of Health Licensure and Regulation, Division of Emergency Medical Services 1200-12-01-.13.
  • When all information has been compiled, an EMT program representative and an Admissions Office representative will meet and certify the paramedic applicant pool. Certification will be determined by clearance from the Admissions Office and the Paramedic program director.
  • The Admissions Committee of each program shall consider the highest-ranking qualified students up to the maximum number admissible as admitted to the next official class. All other students shall remain as alternates until the published last date to enroll for the term in which the class is scheduled to begin.
  • The program will notify each applicant of his or her admission status via e-mail.
  • Each admitted applicant must formally accept admission via e-mail by the specified date.
  • Selected students are required to attend a mandatory orientation session to receive permits to the EMSP courses. Students who fail to attend the orientation will not be permitted and the student’s position in the class will become vacant and offered to the highest ranking alternate.
  • If an admitted applicant declines admission or fails to notify the program of acceptance by the designated date, the student’s position in the class will become vacant and offered to the highest ranking alternate.
  • Eligible applicants who fail to gain admission to a given class may reapply for admission to the next official class. Those who do so will be evaluated and ranked in accordance with the above procedures and without consideration to previous evaluation and ranking. Rank in one admissions process does not establish the right to the same or similar rank in another admissions process.
  • If an applicant does not agree with the Admissions Committee’s calculation of his/her admission index or assigned rank, the applicant may request a review by the department Chair and, subsequently, by the division Dean. Such appeals must be made in writing within 5 business days of the date on which the notice of the appellant’s admission status was mailed

Retentions and Progression Policy

Students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in all co-requisite EMSP courses. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program. Students must successfully complete all co-requisite courses with a grade of C or higher in order to progress/complete the certificate program. Students dismissed for academic reasons may be considered for readmission the following program year according to the departmental re-admissions policy.

Students must pass a program exit exam before being approved to take certification exams. A summative review for terminal competency will also be required prior to approval to take certification/licensure exams. The summative review will be performed by faculty, preceptors, the program director and the medical director.

Following successful completion of the program, approved candidates will have two years beyond the date of course completion to seek certification with the National Registry and State licensure. Fees associated with certification or licensure will be the responsibility of the student.

Criminal Background Checks and Substance Screening

Criminal background checks and screening for specific substances are required for the paramedic program at the student’s expense. Multiple screens may be required throughout the course of the program based on the clinical and field site requirements. Unfavorable results on a back ground check or substance screening may result in dismissal from the program and or refusal of the student at a particular affiliated site. This could result in inability to successfully complete the program requirements. Unfavorable results may also preclude licensure, certification, and/or employment. Upon completion of the program, a separate criminal background check is required, at the student’s expense, to apply for initial licensure in Tennessee.

Physical Exam and Immunizations

A physical exam will be required at the student’s expense. Certain immunizations and or titers are required and certain physical abilities are evaluated. Based on the results of the exam, a student may be ineligible to continue the program and or an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow a student’s presence at their facility. This could result in inability to successfully complete the program requirements. Certain physical exam findings may preclude licensure, certification, and/or employment. A physical exam is required, at the student’s expense, to apply for initial licensure in Tennessee.

 

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