Paramedicine Accelerated Certificate (PAF1)
Paramedics provide more extensive pre-hospital care than do EMTs. In addition to carrying out the procedures of the other levels, paramedics administer medications orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex equipment. However, like the AEMT level, what paramedics are permitted to do varies by State. EMTs and paramedics work both indoors and out, in all types of weather. They are required to do considerable kneeling, bending, and heavy lifting. These workers are at a higher risk for contracting illnesses or experiencing injuries on the job than workers in other occupations. They risk noise-induced hearing loss from sirens and back injuries from lifting patients. In addition, EMTs and paramedics may be exposed to communicable diseases, such as hepatitis-B and AIDS, as well as to violence from mentally unstable or combative patients. The work is not only physically strenuous but can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients. Nonetheless, many people find the work exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others. These workers experienced a larger than average number of work-related injuries or illnesses. Many EMTs and paramedics are required to work more than 40 hours a week. Because emergency services function 24 hours a day, EMTs and paramedics may have irregular working hours. All 50 States require EMTs and Paramedics to be licensed, but the levels and titles vary from State to State. In most States and the District of Columbia certification by the NREMT is required at some or all levels. Some States administer their own certification examination or provide the option of taking either the NREMT or State examination. In most States, licensure renewal is required every two to three years and generally, EMTs and paramedics must take refresher training courses or complete continuing education requirements.
Accreditation Status
The Paramedic program at West GA Technical College has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, it is a status CoAEMSP Policies and Procedures for Programs Approved by the CoAEMSP Board of Directors November 6, 2020 signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation.
Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the NREMT's Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.
To contact the CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
Career Opportunities
Graduates may seek employment in a variety of settings including fire departments, hospitals, ambulance services, local government and in a number of industries.
Credit Required for Completion: Minimum of 44 credit hours
Curriculum
Occupational Courses
| EMSP 2110 | Foundations of Paramedicine | 3 |
| EMSP 2120 | Applications of Pathophysiology for Paramedics | 3 |
| EMSP 2130 | Advanced Resuscitative Skills for Paramedics | 3 |
| EMSP 2140 | Advanced Cardiovascular Concepts | 4 |
| EMSP 2310 | Therapeutic Modalities of Cardiovascular Care | 3 |
| EMSP 2320 | Therapeutic Modalities of Medical Care | 5 |
| EMSP 2330 | Therapeutic Modalities of Trauma Care | 4 |
| EMSP 2340 | Therapeutic Modalities for Special Patient Populations | 4 |
| EMSP 2510 | Clinical Applications for the Paramedic I | 2 |
| EMSP 2520 | Clinical Applications for the Paramedic II | 2 |
| EMSP 2530 | Clinical Applications for the Paramedic III | 2 |
| EMSP 2540 | Clinical Applications for the Paramedic IV | 1 |
| EMSP 2550 | Clinical Applications for the Paramedic V | 1 |
| EMSP 2560 | Clinical Applications for the Paramedic VI | 1 |
| EMSP 2570 | Clinical Applications for the Paramedic VII | 1 |
| EMSP 2710 | Field Internship for the Paramedic | 2 |
| EMSP 2720 | Practical Applications for the Paramedic | 3 |