Southwestern Illinois College's Paramedic program prepares students for the highest level of pre-hospital care in emergency medicine.

Paramedics receive extensive training in patient assessment and treatment, including:

• Performing advanced airway management techniques
• Establishing I.V.s and administering I.V. fluids
• Performing and interpreting EKGs
• Administering medications
• Performing advanced life support measures
• Working under the direct supervision of an emergency room physician via radio dispatch/phone

Career Resources

The SWIC Career Activities and Employment Center offers a Career Mentor program, including job shadowing.

The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook provides Paramedic career information.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website provides additional information.

Paramedics are employed by a variety of organizations, including:

• Fire Departments
• Hospitals
• Private Ambulance Services
• Police Departments
• Helicopter Flight Crews
• Security Agencies

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment is projected to grow 9 percent between 2008 and 2018 as paid emergency medical technician positions replace unpaid volunteers and competition will be greater for jobs in local fire, police and rescue squad departments than in private ambulance services. Opportunities are best for those who have advanced certification.

Average Salary

According to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services Salary & Workplace Survey in 2009, the average salary is $36,000 for a Paramedic. Earnings of Paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual’s training and experience.

Students must submit an application for the Paramedic program to be considered for admittance.  

The following information must be included or the application request will be denied:

• First, Middle and Last Name
• Full mailing address including any applicable apartment or suite number
• Phone number (include area code)
• Email address

To request an application for the Paramedic program, contact the Paramedic coordinator.

To be admitted to the Paramedic program, students are required to:

• Be 18 years of age
• Have graduated from high school or have proof of GED
• Hold a current Illinois EMT licensure before the program begins
• Provide proof of current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level
• Pass the Paramedic Entrance Exam (EMT math and calculations)
• Complete the COMPASS placement test with eligibility for English 101 or greater and Math 94 or greater
• Complete BIOL 105 - Human Biology (concurrent enrollment is highly discouraged)

In addition, students should:

• Have documented hours of ride time (500 - 1,000 hours recommended) on an ambulance
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities 10 weeks prior to application to Enrollment Services
• Submit a SWIC transcript evaluation form, a requirement for the transfer of credits from another institution

Acceptance into the program is required before an applicant will be permitted to register for Paramedic courses. Additionally, accepted applicants must hold a current Illinois EMT licensure to begin the program. 

Choose a Program

Southwestern Illinois College offers both a 1-year Paramedic Certificate and a 2-year Paramedicine Associate in Applied Science Degree. Both the Paramedic Certificate and the Paramedicine Degree require completion of the Paramedic Program Core Courses, which are required for National Certification and State Licensure eligibility.

Paramedic Certificate

Paramedic Certificate (068B) Course Sequence 

The Paramedic Certificate is a 38-credit-hour, 14-month program that can be completed in three semesters. The curriculum includes EMS technical courses covering Airway & Breathing, Cardiology, Medical, Trauma, OB/Gyn/Peds and Operations.

Paramedicine Degree

Paramedicine Associate in Applied Science Degree (0068) Course Sequence 

The Paramedicine Degree is a 69-credit-hour, 2-year program that can be completed in four semesters and one summer. The curriculum includes general education courses, EMS technical courses and assigned ambulance runs. There are 20-26 credit hours of general education courses and 38-46 credit hours of EMS or rescue operation courses.

General Education Courses

General education courses can be completed prior to admittance into the program. These courses can be taken at the Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City or Red Bud campuses. If general education courses are not completed by the start of the program, they must be completed during the semesters listed in the course sequence.

Paramedic Courses

The program begins each fall and spring semester and the sequence of courses will vary depending on the beginning semester. For spring start in January, courses are offered at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL. For fall start in August, courses are offered at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Field Internships

Students are required to demonstrate competency in technical skills during ambulance runs while enrolled in EMS courses. Ambulance runs begin in the first semester of the paramedic program and continue until program completion.Clinical education experiences are offered through Anderson and Memorial hospitals. Observations in the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Room, Operating Room, and Labor & Delivery are also included in clinical time. Students are required to have background checks and drug testing prior to clinical experience work.

Prerequisites may be required for some courses. Refer to the Course Description Guide in the college catalog.

Spring Semester

The Paramedic program generally accepts 25 students at Anderson Hospital in the spring.

Fall Semester

The Paramedic program generally accepts 25 students at Memorial Hospital in the fall.

The Paramedic program consists of general education courses, EMS pre-fix courses and assigned clinical experiences. Specific locations depend on the course type.

General Education Courses

The required general education courses can be taken at the Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City or Red Bud campuses.

Paramedic Courses

The Paramedic program courses are offered at Anderson Hospital in Maryville in the spring and Memorial Hospital in Belleville in the fall.

Clinical Education Experiences

Clinical education experiences are offered through Anderson Hospital in Maryville and Memorial Hospital in Belleville. Field internships are offered through various ambulance services within the EMS system.

Paramedic Certificate program

For details, see the Paramedic Certificate Cost Sheet 

Paramedicine Degree program

For details, see the Paramedicine Degree Cost Sheet 

Paramedic Certificate Time Commitment (one-year sequence)  

Lecture & Lab Commitment

Classes generally meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and periodically, classes will meet on Fridays and Saturdays:

• at Memorial (Fall semester program start) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 6 to 10 p.m.
• at Anderson (Spring semester program start) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Field Internship

Clinical experience is scheduled during the program, typically between 12 and 72 hours per month.

The following criteria are required of accepted applicants and all information will be explained in detail by the program coordinator or course instructors. 

Orientation & Performance

Applicants accepted into the Paramedic program must attend all required orientation sessions and be able to perform the Paramedic Program Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodations. Any applicants or enrolled students are encouraged to meet with the Disability & Access Center to discuss potential issues associated with meeting these requirements.

Insurance

Students should be aware that health insurance is required during clinical education courses. Malpractice insurance is provided by the college through assessment of lab fees.

Graduation Requirements

Applicants admitted to the program must follow the requirements for graduation at the time they are admitted and must meet all course, program, degree and sequencing requirements as specified. Students are responsible for program policies as listed in the course syllabi. Students who fail to meet program specific requirements will be dropped from the program and may be required to re-apply and compete for admission in a succeeding year.

Medical Requirements

These requirements do not have to be fulfilled until they are explained by program personnel. Students accepted will be required to possess current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level, show proof of immunizations, TB test, physical examination, and verify health insurance coverage before beginning any clinical practicum.

Additional Courses

In addition to the EMS courses, students are required to enroll and successfully complete FS 280 - Hazardous Materials Awareness and FS 160 - Technical Awareness. Enrollment in these FS courses will be coordinated by the instructor and will require additional tuition and fees. Students may be required to provide prescribed personal protective equipment for fire science courses.

Background Check

Criminal background check, random drug test and name search on government registries that prohibit employment in health care professions are required prior to clinical experience courses.

Students with positive results on the drug test or listed on a prohibitory government registry will be dismissed from the program. Dismissal for positive criminal background check, drug test or listing on a government registry does not qualify students for refund of tuition or lab fees. Students who have concerns regarding their status with the above regulations are encouraged to discuss the matter with the program coordinator or coordinators' assistant prior to seeking admission.

The SWIC Paramedic program is recognized and approved by:

The Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, IL 62761
phone: 217-782-4977
fax: 217-782-3987
email: DPH.MAILUS@illinois.gov 

The program’s curriculum is guided by the standards developed by U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Compliance with this curriculum helps to assure the public that our curriculum will graduate competent clinicians.

The Paramedic program is currently seeking accreditation from CAAHEP.

National and State Licensure Examinations

Upon successful completion of the one-year Paramedic curriculum, graduates are awarded a paramedic certificate and are qualified to challenge the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or State EMT-Paramedic examination for licensure. Refer to Illinois Department of Public Health website for more information on the various EMT level National examinations offered in Illinois.