About the Paramedic Program

Southwestern Illinois College’s Paramedic program prepares students for varying levels of pre-hospital care in emergency medicine. The most basic level of care is provided by the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). An EMT –Basic is prepared to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients to the hospital under the supervision of a physician. The EMT-Basic is able to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies. To become an EMT, students must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. They must successfully complete the six-credit hour EMTP 110 – Emergency Medical Technician course and pass the EMT registry examination prior to practice.

The highest level of support in pre-hospital patient care is provided by the Paramedic, who also works under the direct supervision of an emergency room physician via radio dispatch/ telephone. Paramedics receive extensive training in patient stabilization that may include but is not limited to administration of medications and advanced life support measures-including conducting and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), electrical interventions to support cardiac functions, performing intubations and administering appropriate intravenous fluids and/or drugs.

EMT and Paramedics must have excellent judgment and be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient while following the physician’s directives. They need strong communication skills – spoken and written, and the ability to function independently in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing. They must possess good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, crawl, lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds. For further information regarding the field of EMTs and Paramedics, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration web site at www nhtsa.gov  or the US Department of Labor: Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/ .

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. The National examinations are offered throughout the year at various sites in the state and country. Refer to Illinois Department of Public Health website for more information on the various EMT level National examinations offered in Illinois at http://www.idph.state. il.us/ems/.

The Southwestern Illinois College’s Emergency Medical Technician course and the Paramedic program are recognized and approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, located at 1248 Harwood Rd, Bedford, TX 76021-4244, phone 817-283-2835. The program’s curriculum is guided by the standards developed by US Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Compliance with this curriculum helps to assure the public that our curriculum will graduate competent clinicians.

Career Opportunities

EMTs and paramedics employed by fire departments work about 50 hours a week. Those employed by hospitals frequently work between 45 and 60 hours a week, and those in private ambulance services, between 45 and 50 hours. Some of these workers, especially those in police and fire departments, are on call for extended periods. Because emergency services function 24 hours a day, EMTs and paramedics have irregular working hours. Some EMTs work as part of the flight crew of helicopters that transport critically ill or injured patients to hospital trauma centers.

According to the US Department of Labor: Employment is projected to grow much faster than average 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 Starting Salary

Earnings of EMTs and paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual’s training and experience. Median annual earnings of EMTs and paramedics were $25,310 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,970 and $33,210. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $43,240. (Based on US Dept of Labor Statistics)

Programs Available

Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) (0068)

This program provides the academic background, and hands-on experience for students going into one of the above careers.View Curriculum >>

Paramedic Technician Certificate (068B)

Those who want a concentrated program of study in paramedic may enroll in the certificate program. Upon successful completion of the required courses, the student is awarded a certificate of program proficiency. View Curriculum >>