Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Services (Traditional Track)

A.S.

The 70-credit Emergency Medical Services (Traditional Track) A.S. degree program is designed to offer you comprehensive educational and occupational preparation in the field of advanced pre-hospital emergency care. Paramedics are employed by advanced life support ambulance services as well in various out-of-hospital care settings to provide care in medical and traumatic emergencies.

Clinical learning experiences are provided with ambulance services and hospitals throughout the Twin Cities metro area. A Minnesota EMT certificate is required prior to acceptance into the paramedic program. As a program graduate, you are awarded an A.S. degree and are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written and practical exams to become certified nationally and in the state of Minnesota.

As a student in this A.S. degree program, you’ll complete the Paramedic Curriculum (40 credits) and the General Education Curriculum (30 credits) for a credit total of 70.

A separate program application is required for admittance into the EMS Paramedic program.

Developmental math and developmental English courses may be required for admission to the program, but cannot be applied to graduation requirements. As a student in the program, you must achieve a grade of C or higher in all required EMS and liberal arts courses.

Note: If you have been arrested, charged or convicted of any criminal offense, you should investigate the impact that the arrest, charge or conviction may have on your chances of employment in the field you intend to study or on your chances to obtain federal, state and other higher education financial aid.

Some courses within this program require a criminal background study to successfully complete. Please see the course description section of the catalog for more details. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

2023-2024 Required Courses

Paramedic Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  EMS 1120
Introduction to EKG Interpretation
1

Course Outline
Credits: 1
Designed to teach the student how to interpret and label the electrocardiogram (EKG). The focus of the course is basic rhythm interpretation, but will also cover such topics as: electrophysiology, EKG monitoring, genesis of the EKG, and cardiac output as it relates to cardiac rhythms.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 1122
EMS Systems
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Explores the complex systems which make up Emergency Medical Services. Students will learn the history, development and current model for the delivery of out-of-hospital medical services in the United States. The role of EMS in public health and other current issues will be explored. Prerequisites: Completion of EMS 1101 or equivalent recommended.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 1131
Field Skills Practicum I
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides the opportunity to practice Basic Life Support and learn Advanced Life Support skills. Scenarios, skill drills and other interactive classroom activities will be required. Emphasis placed on skill competence.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 1150
Introduction to Pharmacology
1

Course Outline
Credits: 1
Introduces basic and advanced concepts in pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, alpha-receptors, beta- receptors, biotransformation, and elimination. This introductory course will also focus on administration methodologies as well as drug calculation.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 1101 Emergency Medical Technician

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 1188
Patient Care Clinical
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides supervised work experience in the hospital and emergency prehospital environment. Emphasis on performance of psychomotor skills, patient assessment, development of critical thinking, leadership and development of interpersonal skills in an actual patient care setting or simulation environment.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 1110 EMS Operations
  • EMS 1130 Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
  • EMS 1131 Field Skills Practicum I
  • EMS 1150 Introduction to Pharmacology

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2420
Pathophysiology for EMS
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Applies anatomy and physiology to common diseases and injuries encountered by EMS personnel. Students develop an understanding of how different disease processes interrupt normal bodily functions. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the Paramedic program or instructor permission.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2440
Trauma Management
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Focuses on the pathophysiology of shock and the kinematics of trauma. An epidemiological approach will be used to show the effects of traumatic injuries on the human body and its systems. Heat and cold emergencies will also be reviewed. This course will utilize case study review to emphasize total patient care in a traumatic situation. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Paramedic program or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2460
Medical Emergencies I
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
This course examines medical emergencies such as; Strokes and TIA, Seizure, Endocrine Emergencies, & Anaphylaxis. The course will discuss assessment and care of patients experiencing a medical emergency with a focus on interpreting vitals and advanced monitoring of patients.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2430
Advanced Pharmacology
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Builds upon the concepts and medications learned in EMS 1150. Includes instruction on medications used in ACLS and PALS and introduces RSI pharmacology and non-prescription medications and supplements. Students also learn common lab values and common medications used in critical care transport. Proper documentation and use of controlled substances is also covered. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Paramedic Core Program, or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2464
Respiratory Emergencies
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides the student with knowledge to assess a patient experiencing a respiratory emergency. It includes a review in respiratory anatomy, and the physiology of respiration. Assessment techniques and equipment will be presented using stethoscopes, pulse oximetry, End-Tidal CO2 and power ventilators. Assessment and monitoring techniques will be integrated with the care and treatment of the respiratory patient. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the paramedic program and completion of EMS 2420 (C or better).

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2420 Pathophysiology for EMS

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2466
Cardiovascular Emergencies
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Presents information to educate the paramedic student to assess and treat the cardiac patient. Information will include review of standard cardiac protocols, reading the 12- and 15-lead electrocardiogram (EKG); integrate pharmacologic intervention as prescribed by the American Heart Association advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) algorithms. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Paramedic program.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2470
Field Skills Practicum II
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides the opportunity to practice Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support skills. Scenarios, skill drills and other interactive classroom activities will be required. Emphasis placed on skill competence and preparation for certification exams. Acceptance into Paramedic program, current EMT certification, completion of EMS1131.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 1131 Field Skills Practicum I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2488
Paramedic Patient Care Internship I
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
Provides competency-based clinical experiences in emergency medical services field response units, hospitals, health care clinics and other venues. Students perform advanced life support skills and patient assessments, formulate differential diagnoses, and direct patient care teams. Students are under the supervision of a preceptor or instructor. To complete the requirements of the course students will need to receive a criminal background clearance. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Paramedic program.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2440 Trauma Management
  • EMS 2460 Medical Emergencies I
  • EMS 2470 Field Skills Practicum II

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2560
Medical Emergencies II
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Explores medical emergencies and their effect on patients in the prehospital environment. This course is a continuation of Medical Emergencies I, and covers topics such as: The immune system, infectious diseases, endocrine emergencies, anaphylaxis, environmental emergencies, the acute abdomen, toxicology and psychiatric emergencies. This course also addresses special topics such as geriatrics, alcohol and drug abuse. Prerequisites: EMS 2460 or permission of instructor

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2460 Medical Emergencies I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2530
Pediatric and OB/GYN
1

Course Outline
Credits: 1
Provides comprehensive instruction on obstetrical emergencies, childbirth, pediatric assessment, evaluation and stabilization. This course consists of discussion and hands-on practice of simulated childbirth, neonatal resuscitation, pediatric advanced life support and medical emergency evaluation of the pediatric patient. Pediatric medical emergencies and trauma are also discussed. This course incorporates material outlined in the American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course, and certification is available to those successfully completing the requirements. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Paramedic program.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2460 Medical Emergencies I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2540
Special Rescue Operations
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides classroom and practical training in rescue operations and techniques including extrication, water rescue, high-level and sub-level rescue, search and recovery, multiple casualty situations, incident command, and hazardous material awareness. Also includes emergency driving skills practice. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Paramedic program, or Instructor Permission.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2570
Field Skills Practicum III
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides the opportunity to practice Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support skills. Scenarios, skill drills and other interactive classroom activities will be required. Emphasis placed on skill competence and preparation for certification exams. Prerequisites: Acceptance into Paramedic Program, current EMT certification, completion of EMS2470.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2470 Field Skills Practicum II

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2580
Synthesis of Advanced Life Support
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides a summary review and evaluation of all core content in EMS courses. This course helps students apply theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout the EMS program toward its completion and successful paramedic state and national certification. Prerequisites: EMS 2460, EMS 2464, EMS 2466 and acceptance into the Paramedic program

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2460 Medical Emergencies I
  • EMS 2464 Respiratory Emergencies
  • EMS 2466 Cardiovascular Emergencies
  • EMS 2530 Pediatric and OB/GYN
  • EMS 2560 Medical Emergencies II

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2588
Paramedic Patient Care Internship II
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides competency-based clinical experiences in emergency medical services field response units, hospitals, health care clinics and other venues. Students perform advanced life support skills and patient assessments, formulate differential diagnoses, and direct patient care teams. Students function as advanced life support team leaders are under the supervision of a preceptor or instructor. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Paramedic program. To complete the requirements of the course students will need to receive a criminal background clearance. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2488 Paramedic Patient Care Internship I
  • EMS 2560 Medical Emergencies II
  • EMS 2570 Field Skills Practicum III

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2589
Paramedic Capstone Field Internship
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Provides competency-based clinical experiences in emergency medical services field response units. Students perform advanced life support skills and patient assessments, formulate differential diagnoses, and direct patient care teams. Students are to function as advanced life support team leader and are under the supervision of a preceptor or instructor.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2588 Paramedic Patient Care Internship II

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

Total Credits in Paramedic Curriculum 40

General Education Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  ENG 1108
Writing And Research Skills
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Provides instruction and practice in reading, researching, and writing for college.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites:
  • ENG 0108 Workshop for Writing and Research Skills

Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  ENG 1111
  ENG 1114
  ENG 1130
Research Writing    OR

The Research Paper    OR

Writing and Research For the Professions
3

Research Writing
Course Outline
Credits: 2
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Students will analyze primary and secondary sources and develop formal research writing in students' academic and/or professional disciplines including EMS, Paralegal, and Criminal Justice. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

The Research Paper
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical analysis of fiction or nonfiction texts, at least one book-length, resulting in a research paper that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources. Prereq: Grade of C or higher in ENG 1108.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Writing and Research For the Professions
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical audience analysis of professional texts across the disciplines, at least one book length, resulting in a professional research proposal, feasibility study, or report that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources, persuasion, and students' mastery of professional and audience analysis, business writing, researching, and evaluative skills. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  COMM 1100
  COMM 2240
Interpersonal Communication    OR

Intercultural Communication
3

Interpersonal Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07
Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Intercultural Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 08
Explores factors that influence communication between individuals of different cultures. In our global society we are increasingly called upon to communicate in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between cultural orientation and communication behaviors. Identifying their own cultural biases and assumptions will help students increase their awareness and tolerance of individual and group differences. Students will learn to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interpersonal contacts and identify skills for interacting with people from culture groups other than their own. Students may not earn credit for both COMM 1114 and COMM 2240.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  BIOL 1120
  BIOL 1154
Exploring Biology    OR

Principles of Biology I
4

Exploring Biology
Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Introduces non-majors to important biological concepts and serves as a pre-requisite for Nursing and other allied-health programs. There is an emphasis on the molecular and cellular levels of biology surrounding the core theme of evolution. Topics include chemistry of cells, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution and ecology. Labs emphasize the process of scientific inquiry which includes learning how to propose testable hypotheses and carry out experiments to test them. Students learn the proper use of microscopes and safe handling of lab chemicals and other lab equipment while conducting hands-on experiments. This course serves as a prerequisite for Anatomy and Physiology 1 (BIOL 2201) and Microbiology (BIOL 2205 & 2305). It also aligns with content for common healthcare admissions exams.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Principles of Biology I
Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Introduces important biological principles and is intended for biology and biology-related majors. This course is the first of a 2-semester course series and, also serves as a prerequisite for other biology courses that are part of the Biology Transfer Pathway. There is an emphasis on molecular and cellular levels of biology surrounding the core theme of evolution. Topics include chemistry of cells, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and evolution. Labs emphasize the process of scientific inquiry where students learn to propose and test hypotheses, as well as analyze, synthesize and communicate results. Students also learn the proper use of microscopes and the safe handling of chemicals, tools and other lab equipment while conducting hands-on experiments. Prereq: Requires one year HS chemistry or a college chemistry course.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  BIOL 2201
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Systems and topics covered include anatomical terminology, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscular system, nervous system, special senses, and endocrine systems. Lab component will hands-on experience with tissue specimens, as well as dissections of organs and a representative mammal. This course meets Human Anatomy and Physiology Society learning outcomes and aligns with content for common healthcare admissions exams.

Prerequisites:

  • BIOL 1120 Exploring Biology
  • BIOL 1154 Principles of Biology I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  BIOL 2202
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03
Covers anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Systems and topics covered include cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, acid-base and electrolyte balance, reproductive systems, and development. The lab component will include hands-on experience with models, histology slides and one or more representative animal specimens. This course meets Human Anatomy and Physiology Society learning outcomes and aligns with content for common healthcare admissions exams.

Prerequisites:

  • BIOL 2201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  PSYC 1230
Psychology of Death, Dying, and Loss
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 09
Emphasizes a psychological approach to death, dying and related topics. Explores relevant theories, data, models, ethical issues and provides an opportunity to confront and explore personal attitudes and feelings.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 5)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 6)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Total Credits in General Education Curriculum 30
Total Credits: 70
‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.